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Abilene Tourism Advocate
March 9, 2023
True Western Town of the Year - True West Magazine (2023)
Best Historic Small Town Recap
In his Homecoming Speech, Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene.” And, thanks to a recent announcement from USA TODAY, Abilene is giving Ike another reason to be proud of his hometown.

For the second year in a row, Abilene, Kansas, is named runner-up in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Contest in the Best Historic Small Town category.


Abilene, Kansas
Latest News
KANSAS! Magazine
The wait is almost over. KANSAS! Magazine's "Destination Dining" issue will be making its way to subscribers this week.

Features include:
- Creating a Legacy, Abilene's new Legacy Kansas: Munson's Prime & Brookville Hotel restaurant builds on century-old Kansas hospitality and ranching traditions from two families

Update: While Chuck Munson recently passed away, this story highlights his family's legacy.

The Munson family is committed to seeing the restaurant grow and thrive to serve as a farm-to-table dining destination.
International Women's Day
On International Women's Day, we remember the grace and strength of Mamie Eisenhower. A mother, military spouse, and First Lady, Mamie became one of the most admired women of the 20th century through her kindness and warmth.

When asked by Barbara Walters in a 1979 interview how she wanted to be remembered, Mamie replied, "Just a good friend."
2023 Best of Travel Awards
Nominations in the TravelAwaits Best of Travel Awards are now open!

Last year, Abilene received the #1 spot for both Favorite and Friendliest U.S. Small Town. As a special bonus, they added a category for Favorite Roadside Attraction, so please nominate the World's Largest Belt Buckle for Favorite Roadside Attraction.

Please submit nominations daily.
Upcoming Events
April
1
Spring Craft Market
Sister event to the annual "Holiday Craft & Gift Show". Learn more
April
29
Eisenhower Marathon
The Eisenhower Marathon returns on Saturday, April 29, 2023. 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 “flat and fast” course! Learn more

The Kiwanis Club of Abilene will also serve a pancake breakfast before the race. Learn more

May
13
Holm Auto Car & Truck Show
Enjoy live music, food vendors, and other activities at the Holm Auto Car and Truck Show! Learn more
June
2-11
The Wedding Singer at Great Plains Theatre
Travel back in time to the 80's where a professional wedding singer also has some love complications of his own. Based on the hit movie, get ready to pump up the hair and pump up the jams in this high-energy romantic comedy.  Learn more
June
3
Symphony at Sunset
Commemorate the anniversary of D-Day at this meaningful outdoor concert held on the grounds of the Eisenhower Presidential Library. The concert will feature patriotic favorites and popular classics.
Symphony at Sunset is generously sponsored by: Marshall Motors, Eisenhower Foundation. Learn more
June - July
23-2
Lionel Bart's Oliver! at Great Plains Theatre
Consider yourself at home with this musical adaptation of the Charles Dickens story, Oliver Twist. The orphan, Oliver, goes on the adventure of a lifetime with all of the classic characters in this tale of crime, coming of age, and finding true familial love. Oom Pah Pah! Learn more
July
14-30
Nunsense - The Musical Comedy at Great Plains Theatre
The Little Sisters of the Hoboken Nunnery are putting on a musical revue variety show, and you're invited! To fundraise for their sister who have passed, zany, hilarious, madcap insanity ensues filled with fun tunes and lots of laughs. Learn more
July
15 & 16
Petals at their Peak
Enjoy the beautiful flowers and participate in art and horticulture classes at Eisenhower Park and Rose Garden. Don't forget your camera! It's a great time to capture photos of the beautiful flowers. Learn more
August
1-4
Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo
The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, named one of the top 5 professional outdoor rodeos in America. Learn more
September
8-24
Around the World in 80 Days at Great Plains Theatre
Hold on to your seats in the original amazing race based on the classic novel by Jules Verne. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a shamelessly silly and high-spirited show. And they're off! Learn more
September
16
Abilene Oktoberfest
Abilene Oktoberfest is excited for its 6th annual Oktoberfest held in Downtown Abilene. Enjoy German Dancers, music, authentic German food and drinks.
December
1-17
Meredith Wilson's Miracle on 34th Street - The Musical at Great Plains Theatre
This musical version of the beloved Holiday classic follows a wave of love that is spread from the real Kris Kringle melting even the most cynical of hearts. This heartwarming spectacle of a musical is the perfect Holiday treat. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Learn more
December
2&3
Cowtown Christmas
Visit Abilene December 2-3, 2023 for the Heritage Homes Association’s Homes for the Holidays Tour, enjoy an Old Fashioned Christmas at the Dickinson County Heritage Center and Old Abilene Town, tour the historic Seelye Mansion and see more than 60 beautifully decorated Christmas Trees, ride the rails with Santa and the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, see the live production of the Miracle on 34th Street 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. 
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

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