Abilene Tourism Advocate
January 27, 2022
Best Historic Small Town - USA Today Readers (2021)
5 Ways to Celebrate Kansas Day in Abilene in 2022
 "If I went west, I think I would go to Kansas." - Abraham Lincoln

The first load of cattle left Abilene in 1867. Ten years later, Kansas Day was born in Paola, Kansas in 1877.

Kansas Day is celebrated yearly on January 29. With this special day right around the corner, we have five great ways to celebrate Kansas Day in Abilene.
Latest News
Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad Announces Major Maintenance Initiative
Officials of the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad have announced a major fundraising campaign to upgrade track between Abilene and Enterprise, the route of the railroad’s excursion trains. According to Ross Boelling, the general manager of the railroad, the project will require two phases, and the organization is working with granting agencies and seeking contributions to fund the project.

The railroad operates on the former Herington-Salina subdivision of the Rock Island railroad. When that company went bankrupt in 1980, the Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad operated trains on the track before being absorbed by the Union Pacific in 1988. The Abilene and Smoky Valley, organized in 1993 as a non-profit organization, purchased the right of way from the Union Pacific and has been operating excursion trains on the route between Abilene and Enterprise since 1994

100-Mile Road Trip: Abilene to Alma
Tossed n Sauced Pizza in Abilene, Kansas, is known for its 100-mile pie, but do you know what else we love? A 100-mile road trip through rural Kansas and the Flint Hills!

So hop off Kansas I-70, enjoy a stay in one of Abilene's lodging establishments and get ready to follow this great road trip as we highlight the best places to explore the area's history and connections. And don't worry, we made sure to include some great stops for special treats along the way! 

From Abilene to Alma, 100 miles of fun!

Kansas I-70 Road Trip Giveaway
Do you love road trips?!

We're proud to partner with the Visit Kansas I-70 Association on this awesome Kansas I-70 Road Trip Giveaway!

Tour the Award-Winning Town of Abilene, Kansas
Abilene, Kansas offers visitors a multitude of places to explore that celebrates its history. Voted the Most Beautiful Small Town in Kansas by House Beautiful (2020), it deserves the recognition. From the American flags lining Buckeye Avenue to the museum honoring U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower to the restored downtown buildings, Abilene proudly represents small-town America. Take Exit 272 from KS I-70 to experience the award-winning town for an afternoon or overnight stay.

Upcoming Events
February
13
Sunday
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Valentine Special
We invite you and your significant other to join us for a delightful train ride, delicious dinner and stellar entertainment. We will depart from the Abilene Depot at 4:00 pm for an enjoyable trip to Enterprise, KS and return to Abilene by 7:00 pm. More Info
April
30
Saturday
Eisenhower Marathon
The Eisenhower Marathon returns on Saturday, April 30, 2022. Join runners from across the country to run through the same territory cattlemen followed when bringing their herds to Abilene on the Chisholm Trail in the 1800s. Runners love this mostly flat and all-paved course.

Will you join others in setting a personal record at the Eisenhower Marathon? There’s only one way to find out! Register today! More Info
Community Attractions
Experience Art & Culture

Journey to the Old West

Live the American Story

Explore Ike's Life & Legacy

Have an Adventure


Enjoy Family Fun and Learning

Community Spotlight
 
 
 
 
2022 American Flag Sponsorships

  1. Wendell & Nancy Gugler Charitable Giving Fund
  2. Holm Automotive Center
  3. Vicki Wade
  4. Copeland Insurance Agency
  5. Bert & Wetta Abilene
  6. Wild Heart Carriages LLC
  7. Geske Interiors, Inc.
  8. Sandy & Chuck Zernickow
  9. Bob Bow
  10. John's Service
  11. Casey & Jane Foltz
  12. The Abilene Group, Inc.
  13. John & Judy Anguiano
  14. Tony & Sarah Geiger
  15. Solomon State Bank
  16. Chuck & Ann Brussow
  17. Holt Motors, LLC
  18. Bielefeld Insurance, Inc.
  19. Joe Snuffy's
  20. Everett's Inc.
  21. Bruce & Denise Youtsey
  22. Duri Ridge FSA / Devin Gray
  23. Danner Funeral Home
  24. Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home
  25. Cypress Bridge Candle Co. 
  26. Rob & Dawn Hammatt
  27. Abilene Termite & Pest Control
  28. Rawhide Portable Corral, Inc.
  29. Amanda West Insurance Agency
  30. George & Carol McCormic
  31. Great Plains Federal Great Union
  32. Rod & Tracey Kuecker
  33. Martin Schneider
  34. Horan Photography
  35. West's Plaza Country Mart, Inc.
  36. Abilene Animal Hospital, P.A.
  37. Cathy Strowig
  38. The Brown Memorial Foundation 
  39. 24/7 Travel Store
  40. Mark Hinca
  41. Geary Sweatland
  42. Terry & Sandra Foltz
  43. Pottberg, Gassman & Hoffman
  44. Horizon Farm & Ranch Realty, LLC
  45. Abilene Machine, LLC
  46. The Farmhouse
  47. Brierton Engineering, Inc.
  48. Abilene Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, P.A.
  49. Greyhound Hall of Fame
  50. Bill & Dee Marshall
  51. JRI Hospitality
  52. Sonic Drive-In
  53. Lee and Dara Garnto
  54. Eisenhower Foundation
  55. Robson Oil
  56. Black & Company Realtors
  57. Don's Tire & Supply, Inc.
  58. National Greyhound Association
  59. Pioneer Farm and Ranch Supply, Inc.
  60. Lumber House, Inc. 
  61. Last Chance Graphics
  62. Abilene Rent-All and Sales, Inc. 
  63. The Teck Shop
  64. The Original Grande
  65. American Family Insurance - Brian J. Tajchman Agency, Inc.
  66. Larry & Connie Cooper
  67. The Family of Ervy and Carol (McConkey) Redger
  68. Scott Litke
  69. Chad & Stacy Volkman
  70. Emilies Bauernhof
  71. Mid Hanson
  72. Bill & Marlene Howe
  73. David & Angela Elliott
  74. Jim & Pattie Mayhew
  75. Rick & Marcia Williamson
  76. Pinnacle Bank
  77. Patterson Healthcare Pharmacy
  78. M&M Tire & Auto, Inc.
  79. Central Kansas Free Fair
  80. Kenton & Stephanie Clark

*Sponsors listed as of 1/21/2022

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201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed