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Abilene Tourism Advocate
January 25, 2024
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Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. - TravelAwaits (2023) |
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Iconic Steam Engine Could Become New Symbol for State of Kansas |
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Kansas lawmakers are discussing adding a more than 100-year-old historic locomotive to the list of state symbols.
On Friday, Jan. 12, lawmakers presented House Bill 2501, which seeks to designate the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe #3415 Pacific class 4-6-2 as the official state locomotive.
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Reminisce to the 1800s when Abilene looked much like this and the cowboys and pioneers weathered snowstorms like that today.
During winter weather, please make sure to call ahead to businesses and attractions to learn their latest hours.
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Did you know Ike wasn't the only President who visited Abilene? Check out this photo from the Theodore Roosevelt Center of President Roosevelt's "splendid reception at Abilene, Kansas" in 1903.
Ike would have been 13 at the time of this photo, do you think he was in attendance?
Click here to read the speech he gave!
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Effective 1/22, our administrative office at the west end of the Train Depot/Civic Center will begin a renovation. Our temporary office space is in the Civic Center (middle doors).
The Abilene Visitors Center (east end) remains open 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Please call our office at (785) 263-2231 with any questions.
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2024 American Flag Sponsorship |
It's that time of year again! The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau is raising money to purchase flags for the 2024 season.
Visitors frequently comment about the beautiful flags, and with your help, we can continue this tradition.
2024 Sponsors:
- Scott Litke
- Rawhide Portable Corral
- Carol Spitcaufsky
- Peterson Monuments & Designs
- John's Service
- Kurt Phillips
- Theresa Brierton
- Lawrence & Connie Cooper
- Vine Creek Accounting
- Chuck & Ann Brussow
- Brandon L. Rein
- Cathy Strowig
- Duri Ridge Free State Armory, LLC
- Amanda West State Farm
- McCallson Tax & Accounting
- Solomon State Bank
- First Bank Kansas
- Geske Interiors
- Wendell & Nancy Gugler Charitable Giving Fund
- Bill & Dee Marshall
- Jennifer Green
- Bill & Dee Marshall
- Jon & Mitzi Gose
- Tony & Sarah Geiger
- West's Country Mart
- Rick & Marcia Williamson
- M&R Grill
- Harlan & Peggy Janke
- Pinnacle Bank
- Danner Funeral Home
- Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home
- Robson Oil Co. Inc. / Corner Stop / Liberty
- Bill & Nanc Scholl
- In Memory of William "Kim" Bogart
- In Memory of Leah Swinny
- In Memory of Dalmas & Barb Coates
- Sonic Drive-In of Abilene
- Auburn Pharmacy
- National Greyhound Association
- Kenton & Stephanie Clark
- Bruce & Denise Youtsey
- Great Plains Federal Credit Union
- Everett's Inc.
- Jim & Pattie Mayhew
- Lumber House Inc.
- Casey & Jane Foltz
- Holm Automotive Center
- Abilene Animal Hospital, P.A.
- Next Home Unlimited - Becky Schwab
- George W. McCormic, Sr.
- In Memory of Joyce & Gordon Kippenberger
- Emilies Bauernhof
- Abilene Rent-All & Sales
- In Memory of Jack & Betty Schneider
- Pioneer Farm & Ranch
- Bill & Marlene Howe
- The Abilene Group Financial Advisors
- Greyhound Hall of Fame
- The Brown Memorial Foundation
- Patterson Healthcare Pharmacy
- Russell Stover Chocolates
- Greg Barrett
- Mildred Hanson
- John & Judy Anguiano
- Veronica Murray
- General Dwight D. Eisenhower VFW Post 3279
- Charles Weaver
- John & Gale Whitehair
- Memorial Health System
- Rod & Tracey Kuecker
- Richard & Sharon Evers
- George & Patricia K. Taplin
- Eisenhower Foundation
- Faith Lutheran Church
- Jane M Schenck
- Sandy Foltz
- Magnolia Loader
- Jason & Katrina Loader
- The Teck Shop - Chris Murphy
- Ted & Katy Barbieri
- Central Kansas Free Fair Association
- Astra Bank
- Brian Tajchman Agency, Inc. / American Family Insurance
- Mack & Inge Teasley
- Bert & Wetta Abilene
- Lee and Dara Garnto
- Robert Crawley
- Steve & Tish Cathey
- Eisenhower Marathon
- Pottberg Gassman & Hoffman, Chtd.
- In Memory of Joe & Joanna Clemence
- Jon & Cecilia Clemence
- Holt Motors LLC
- M&M Tire & Auto
As of 1/24/2024
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Best Roadside Attraction by TravelAwaits (2023)
True West Town of the Year by True West Magazine (2018 & 2023 & 2024)
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Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Valentines Dinner Train
Cupid isn't afraid of winter! Tickets go on sale January 17. Amanda's Bakery & Bistro will be catering and offering two choices of entrees. The Abilene High School Singers will provide entertainment. Learn more
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Sunflower Journey Quilt Show
Presented by the End of the Trail Quilters Guild. Make plans to attend and join hundreds of quilt enthusiasts from around Kansas. Learn more
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National Greyhound Association Spring Meet
See the world's fastest canine in action and learn why Abilene is the Greyhound (dog) Capital of the World! Learn more
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Eisenhower Marathon
Runners at the Eisenhower Marathon and Half Marathon wind through the territory south of Abilene that cattlemen followed when bringing their herds to Abilene on the Chisholm Trail in the 1800s. Learn more
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6th Annual Antique Fest
Make your way to Abilene for the return of Abilene Antique Fest. Featuring outside booths and four antique malls, shoppers can browse the antiques and re-purposed items from more than 100 vendors. Learn more
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Symphony at Sunset
Commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day at this meaningful outdoor concert held on our beautiful campus grounds. This concert is always held on the first Saturday in June in partnership with the Salina Symphony and Eisenhower Foundation. Plus, free museum admission all day! Learn more
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D-Day+80 Commemoration
The Eisenhower Foundation invites all World War II veterans to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Abilene, on June 6, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Learn more
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Memories of the Prairie
Experience first-hand stories, educational programs and reenactors bringing history to life at the Historical Society and Museum on Saturdays during the summer. Come learn about the history of Dickinson County and Kansas from those that have lived it. The series culminates with an old-fashioned ice cream social. Learn more
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Old Fashioned Fourth of July
An Old-Fashioned 4th of July in Abilene, Kansas, is a celebration deeply rooted in community spirit, patriotic pride, and cherished traditions. As the Heart of America, Abilene honors Independence Day with a nostalgic flair, offering residents and visitors an experience that returns to a simpler time. Learn more
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Memories of the Prairie
Experience first-hand stories, educational programs and reenactors bringing history to life at the Historical Society and Museum on Saturdays during the summer. Come learn about the history of Dickinson County and Kansas from those that have lived it. The series culminates with an old-fashioned ice cream social. Learn more
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Ice Cream Social
This annual event is a time to enjoy homemade ice cream and good fellowship at the Dickinson County Heritage Center. Enjoy a chance to take home a pie, cake, cookies, or other baked goods up for auction. The auction benefits the Historical Society. Learn more
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Petals at Their Peak
In its second year, Petals at Their Peak is a garden showcase that allows visitors to see and photograph the garden in all its splendor. The garden is filled with annuals and perennials saturated with color. Learn more
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Central Kansas Free Fair Parade
The parade kicks off the annual Central Kansas Free Fair. The 2024 Parade begins at 4 p.m., Tuesday*, July 30, at 7th Street and Buckeye Avenue (Highway 15) and proceeds south to 3rd Street and west to Washington Street. Learn more
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100th Central Kansas Free Fair
Located in Abilene, the Central Kansas Free Fair is one of the largest in the state. This family-friendly event offers educational activities and entertainment for all ages, including the Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo, which has been frequently voted one of the top outdoor rodeos. Join us for family fun in Abilene! Learn more
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Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo
Witness the excitement of the rodeo, where skilled cowboys and cowgirls compete in thrilling events. Learn more
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Demolition Derby
Visit Abilene, Kansas, for one of the best demolition derbies in the region!
A demolition derby is a thrilling motorsport event where participants intentionally ram their modified vehicles into one another until only one remains operational, emphasizing both skillful driving and vehicular durability. Learn more
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Chisholm Trail Days at Old Abilene Town
Celebrate the historic cattle trail at the end of the Chisholm Trail. Note: The longhorns will be returning! Learn more
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7th Annual Oktoberfest
Join the Oktoberfest party, returning to downtown Abilene in 2024! Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere with authentic German music, captivating dancers, and mouthwatering cuisine that will transport you straight to the heart of Bavaria. Learn more
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4th Annual Wild West Gravel Fest
*Tentative Date* Wild West Gravel Fest is a gravel bike ride through Dickinson County. Races distances vary, with the longest being more than 100 miles! Learn more
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46th Annual Heritage Day
The annual Heritage Day Festival features living history with blacksmith and antique agriculture demonstrations, steam engine carousel rides, an antique tractor show, a classic car show, model trains, vendor fair and much more. Learn more
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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! Learn more
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Pink Friday
We've all heard of Black Friday, American Express Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, and Giving Tuesday, but what about Pink Friday?
Pink Friday is a small business spin on the traditional Black Friday shopping experience, reminding people to #ShopSmallFirst.Take the pledge!
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47th Homes for the Holidays Tour
Experience the magic of the holiday season in Abilene, Kansas, at the 47th Homes for the Holidays Tour! Immerse yourself in the festive charm of our historic community as we open the doors to beautifully adorned homes and a historic church, all showcasing the rich heritage of Abilene.
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Cowtown Christmas
Visit Abilene December 7-8, 2024, for the Heritage Homes Association's Homes 47th Annual for the Holidays tour, enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Historical Society and a Cowboy Christmas at Old Abilene Town, tour the Historic Seelye Mansion and see more than 60 beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, ride the rails with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad's Cowtown Santa Express, see the live holiday production at Great Plains Theatre, take an evening cruise and see Griswold-style decorations during the Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see Santa, and remember to shop small all season long at Abilene’s small businesses!
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Old Fashioned Christmas
Come enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Heritage Center's lighted village with a live nativity in the barn, rides on the 1901 wooden carousel, a prairie Christmas in the authentic log cabin, live Christmas music, a craft for kids in the one-room schoolhouse, German foods in the historic Burkland Grocery Store and much more. Learn more
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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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Enjoy Family Fun and Learning
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201 NW Second St.
Abilene, Kansas 67410
785-263-2231
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Office Hours:
Monday - Friday:
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday : Closed
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