The Cowtown that Raised a President

Abilene is full of incredible history! Learn about Ike and his connection to the Old West in this story from Great Plains Traverse.


Abilene Hosts Bloggers


On Friday and Saturday, Abilene will host bloggers Jeff & Crystal of "Our Changing Lives" blog. Their blog helps travelers to "Visit Like A Local".


Abilene on Snapchat

Since creating the "I Like Ike" Snapchat filter in April 2018, the filter has received more than 360 uses and almost 14,000 views!

According to the Pew Research Center, 78% of the 18-24 age group uses Snapchat. We are excited for this age group to share Abilene with their friends!

Throwback Thursday


On June 22, 1947, the Eisenhower Boyhood Home in Abilene, Kansas, became the first building the Eisenhower Foundation opened to the public.

5 Star Reviews - Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

train
My son and I took the Steam Engine ride in the Caboose. I'm 58 and he is 38. It was the first time I had ridden a train and wanted it to be on the Steam Engine trek. Totally enjoyed it. Not many operating Steam Engines still around.

- kansasfarmer
Ellsworth, Kansas


"The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene."
Dwight D. Eisenhower
June 22, 1945

Abilene Municipal Band 2018 Concert Schedule

All performances are in Eisenhower Park at the Royer Band Shell.
  • Thursday, June 21 @ 8 pm
  • Thursday, June 28 @ 8 pm
  • Wednesday, July 4 @ 8 pm
  • Thursday, July 12 @ 8 pm
  • Thursday, July 19 @ 8 pm
  • Thursday, July 26 @ 8 pm
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

Silver Flyer Railbus
Saturday, June 23
Adults - $45
Children (3-11) - $35
Children (2 and younger) - Free

Advance reservations required
*Fare includes train ride, railbus ride, lunch, taxes and gratuities.

Ride the train between Abilene & Enterprise and the Railbus from Enterprise to Woodbine!

Ride the regular excursion train from Abilene to Enterprise departing at 10:00 AM. Transfer to the Silver Flyer Railbus at the Enterprise Depot for a short tour of the city of Enterprise. The railbus will then set on the rails on the east edge of Enterprise for a 12 mile ride on the historic and scenic stretch of our railroad between Enterprise and Woodbine that our train does not have access to. Upon arrival in Woodbine you will have lunch (included) and will then return to Enterprise by road which will include a driving tour of the historic stone houses in the German, English, and Swedish settlements along the way. You will then board the afternoon regular train in Enterprise for the final segment of the trip back to Abilene arriving at approximately 3:30 PM.


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Regular Passenger Trains
Memorial Day- Labor Day
Wednesday - Saturday - departures @ 10 AM & 2 PM
Sunday - departure @ 2 PM


Dickinson County Heritage Center

The Dickinson County Heritage Center is a unique collection of two in-door museums, that continues out-the-back-door where you will find actual buildings from around the county, all depicting life on the Great Plains.

Don't miss the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel - the oldest operational C.W. Parker Carousel.

Summer Hours:

Monday-Friday 
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (note time change)

Sunday
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 

Special event - Abraham Lincoln presented by Steve Burns


Saturday, June 23
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
*Note Location* Greyhound Hall of Fame 

When Steve Burns enters a room, heads will usually turn.

His formidable height sets him apart and so does his graying beard. Yet it's the stovepipe hat that transforms the former Sioux Cityan into a lookalike for the 16th President of the United States.

"You can't be Abraham Lincoln without the hat," Burns said. "That completes the look."

Currently a Russell, Kansas resident, Burns has been an Abraham Lincoln reenactor for several years.

"There was always a resemblance but it became more apparent after I grew my beard out," the former truck driver and construction worker explained. "My wife trimmed it into different shapes until we found one that looked historically accurate."

Appearing at schools, libraries and historical ceremonies around the country, Burns will be giving a presentation at a fundraiser for Doug's Donors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and improving life through education and  awareness
Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home


Declaration of Independence Reading Ceremony
July 4, 2018
10 AM - 11 AM
Visitors Center Auditorium

(This video will be shown via National Archives YouTube Channel.)
  • Greetings by master of ceremonies Allison Seymour, Fox 5 News Anchor
  • Presentation of colors by the Continental Color Guard*
  • Live performance of the National Anthem by vocalist Caleb Green
  • Performance by the Fife and Drum Corps*
  • Remarks by David S. Ferriero, Archivist of the United States
  • Dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence by reenactors portraying historical characters, including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Abigail Adams, John Dunlap, John Hancock, and Ned Hector
  • Live performance of "America the Beautiful" by The MusicianShip Washington Youth Choir
* Continental Color Guard and Fife and Drum Corps provided by U.S. 3rd Infantry, the Old Guard.

Great Plains Theatre 

Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum

Ginger, resident Greyhound at the  Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum , loves greeting visitors of all ages! 

Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum
Open daily 9:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Free admission
 

Old Abilene Town

Wild Bill's Gunfighters

Saturdays 
Noon, 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Sundays 
1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. 


 
Seelye Mansion

Abilene's Historic  Seelye Mansion  is a must-see! Furnished with items from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, remodeled by Frank Lloyd Wright and home to a wooden  bowling alley that's more than 120 years old, it's no "wonder" this beautiful mansion was named one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas - Architecture winners by the Kansas Sampler Foundation. 

Tours Daily!
Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m
 


Upcoming events:
  • Independence Day Celebration - July 4
  • Abraham Lincoln presented by Steve Burns @ Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum - June 23
  • Bison Tales presented by Jim Mayhew @ Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum - June 30
  • Governor Nehemia Green portrayed by Nolan Sump @ Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum - July 7
  • Movie Screening - "Abilene Town" @ Eisenhower Presidential Library Visitors Center - July 8
  • The Lion in Winter @ Great Plains Theatre - July 13-15, 17-22
  • Central Kansas Free Fair - August 1-6
  • Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo - August 2-4
  • National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo - August 2-4
  • Shrek the Musical @ Great Plains Theatre - August 10-12, 14-19
  • Not Another Christmas Letter @ Great Plains Theatre - November 30-December 2, 4-9
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