Abilene Tourism Advocate

October 10, 2024

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Best Historic Small Town - USA TODAY

Celebrate President Eisenhower's Birthday in Abilene: A Weekend of Events at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum

Looking for a meaningful way to experience history this October? Join us in Abilene, Kansas, at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum for a weekend of special events celebrating President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s birthday!

On Friday, October 11, and Saturday, October 12, 2024, the public is invited to participate in a variety of activities, with all events being free and open to everyone (except for the Legacy Gala).

This is your chance to honor the legacy of the 34th President of the United States, who called Abilene his home.

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Don't miss it! Friday, October 11

4:00 p.m. - Silo Mural Dedication (Pylons)

Kick off the weekend with the unveiling of a brand new Eisenhower mural, proudly displayed on the Bert & Wetta silo, just east of the Eisenhower Presidential Library campus. This inspiring mural, made possible by the Eisenhower Foundation, will serve as a lasting tribute to one of Abilene’s greatest heroes.

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Exciting Grand Openings in Abilene: The Hickok - Sprits & Eats and Rackets Tap House

Abilene, Kansas, is welcoming two fantastic new dining and entertainment destinations to our vibrant community, and you won’t want to miss their grand openings! Whether you're craving delicious eats, local brews, or a lively night out, these new spots will quickly become favorites for residents and visitors alike.

The Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, trying to find Matt Dillion

by Roadrunner Journeys

Four communities in Kansas got together and created something new for visitors to enjoy. Abilene, Hays, Dodge City, and Wichita created the Gunsmoke Tral to entice visitors to enjoy the bygone days of westerns, specifically Gunsmoke, a television show from 1955 to 1975. Gunsmoke was set in the 1870s. The show followed the adventures of lawman Matt Dillon as sheriff of Dodge City, Kansas. I was a fan of the show all those years ago, so it was a perfect fit for me to follow the trail.

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Upcoming Events

October

4-13

Honky Tonk Angels at Great Plains Theatre

When three gutsy gals from different backgrounds take charge of their lives, they decide to follow their honky tonk dreams all the way to the city of Nashville. Combining 30 classic country tunes (including “Stand By Your Man,” “9 to 5,” “Harper Valley PTA” and more!) Honky Tonk Angels is a hilarious, foot-stomping good time. More Info

October

12-13, 19-20, 26-27

The Great Pumpkin Patch Express

It’s the GREAT PUMPKIN, Charlie Brown! Join us on the train this Halloween season! The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad presents The Great Pumpkin Patch Express, a train ride for the whole family that seeks to find that eternally elusive Great Pumpkin! The train will visit the pumpkin patch where kids get a trick-or-treat bag and hear a special reading of Charles M. Schulz’s “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Trick or treating, a costume contest and more at the depot and in Old Abilene Town. More Info

October

14-18

National Greyhound Association Fall Meet

See the world's fastest canine in action and learn why Abilene is the Greyhound (dog) Capital of the World! More Info

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Community Attractions

Experience Art & Culture

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Journey to the Old West

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Live the American Story

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Explore Ike's Life & Legacy

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Have an Adventure

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Enjoy Family Fun and Learning

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Community Spotlight

Stay in Abilene

Abilene is home to more than 200 rooms ready to serve travelers. From national chain hotels to locally-owned motels, award-winning bed and breakfasts, and unique Airbnbs, Abilene's lodging community offers something for every price point.

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Gunsmoke Trail

Howdy, partners, and welcome to the Gunsmoke Trail! This road trip visits four cities in Kansas that had a role in Gunsmoke, the Emmy award-winning primetime Western that entertained audiences for 20 years.

The show still runs on select networks, with iconic characters telling the story of frontier life in the Old West. Several present-day cities in Kansas play a part in the show’s storylines, including Wichita, Abilene, Hays City (now Hays), and of course, Dodge City.

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Itinerary

Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau

201 NW Second St.

Abilene, Kansas 67410

785-263-2231

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday:

8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday : Closed