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Abilene Tourism Advocate
April 25, 2024
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Best Historic Small Town - USA TODAY (2024) |
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Three Abilene Attractions to Participate in Sunflower Summer Program |
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The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau proudly announces the participation of three iconic Abilene attractions in the 2024 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer program. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Dickinson County Heritage Center, and Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum invite Kansas families to explore and discover the beauty and history of Abilene.
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Embark on a journey through history aboard Kansas’ Official State Heritage Railroad. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, a living museum on rails, offers a scenic 10.5-mile round trip through the picturesque Smoky Hill River Valley.
Dickinson County Heritage Center
Delve into the stories of Dickinson County's notable former residents, from C.L. Brown, whose telephone company evolved into Sprint, to Wild Bill Hickok, Abilene's former Marshal, and Joseph McCoy, who transformed Abilene into a bustling Cowtown in the 1860s by bringing countless cattle to the area along the Chisholm Trail. Don't miss a ride on the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel, the oldest operational Parker Carousel!
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Explore the life and legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, one of 15 Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a fan of Ike, or simply exploring Kansas, the Eisenhower campus promises a captivating experience. Be sure to capture a selfie with the impressive 11-foot bronze statue of General Eisenhower!
The Sunflower Summer Program is designed to encourage Kansas families with school-aged children to discover and appreciate the wonders of Kansas while supporting the state's tourism economy. Eligible Kansas families can download the Sunflower Summer App to claim tickets to participating venues. The 2024 Sunflower Summer season will run from May 24 to August 11.
"We are thrilled to have these three attractions be a part of the 2024 Kansas Sunflower Summer program," said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene CVB director. "This opportunity allows us to welcome Kansas families to our area and provide them with an unforgettable experience."
Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, strives to promote travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts of tourism on our state and local communities.
“Kansas Tourism is excited to include these Abilene attractions in the Sunflower Summer program," said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. "This program is a fantastic benefit for Kansas residents, and we look forward to its continued growth in the 2024 season. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Dickinson County Heritage Center, and Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum are vital to making this the best season yet for the program."
For more information about Abilene, visit AbileneKansas.org. To discover more about the Sunflower Summer program, visit SunflowerSummer.org.
About Sunflower Summer:
Sunflower Summer is a program operated by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The program aims to help Kansas families affordably explore the Sunflower State. The official Sunflower Summer mobile app is available on Apple and Android. More information can be found at SunflowerSummer.org.
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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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Celebrate Ike and welcome visitors with our "I Like Ike" and "I Like _____" yard or window signs!
The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is Abilene’s most-visited attraction, and these signs are a way to show visitors other Ike-friendly places to visit.
Note: This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board, and it's a Presidential election year.
The signs are available in the following variations:
- I Like Ike
- I Like Antiques
- I Like Carousels
- I Like Chocolate
- I Like Coffee
- I Like Cowboys
- I Like Greyhounds
- I Like History
- I Like Local
- I Like Mansions
- I Like Murals
- I Like Shopping
- I Like Trails
- I Like Trains
- I Like Visitors
Signs are available at the Abilene Visitors Center for $20 each.
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Abilene & Smoky Valley becomes Kansas' state heritage railroad
by Trains Magazine
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Kansas now has an official state heritage railroad and a state steam locomotive.
House Bill 2481, which bestows the railroad honor on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad and the locomotive distinction on the railroad’s Santa Fe Pacific No. 3415, was one of seven bills signed into law on Thursday, April 18, by Gov. Laura Kelly.
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Make Abilene the host site for your next event! If you’re looking for a location to host a family get-together, bridal or baby shower, graduation party or other special event, consider these great locations!
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I Like Antiques: Discover Treasures in these 6 Antique Stores |
Are you a vintage enthusiast, a collector of rare finds, or simply looking to add a touch of history to your home? Look no further than Abilene, Kansas, where antique shopping is a delightful adventure waiting to be had! Our charming city is home to a variety of antique stores that are sure to satisfy your craving for all things old-fashioned and unique.
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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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Smoky Valley Limited: Our Cinco De Mayo Party (Kites)
“Buen Proveco” (Enjoy Your Meal):
A Cinco de Mayo feast on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Cinco de Mayo (the Fifth of May) is celebrated in America with parades, street parties, and—of course––great food! The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad is proud to present our very first Cinco de Mayo celebration on our famed dinner train, the Smoky Valley Limited! We’re running a special Sunday afternoon train on May 5, with a Mexican-inspired menu from Kites of Aggieville Manhattan. Join chef Scott Sieben, as he presents a taco platter featuring pork carnitas and shredded beef tacos, refried beans, and Mexican rice. Chips and salsa will be your appetizer. And for dessert: churro with caramel sauce. Iced tea and water will be provided, but for an extra cost, popular domestic beers and wines, Mexican beers including Modelo and Corona, and even margaritas will be available for purchase. Your two-hour train adventure leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 2:00 p.m., featuring Mexican music to accompany your meal as we glide through the Smoky Hill River Valley.
“Feliz Cinco de Mayo” (Happy Cinco de Mayo) on the Smoky Valley Limited! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: Jenny Seelye's Tea Party (Amanda's Bakery & Bistro)
Experiencing a taste of high society in Abilene:
Teatime with Jenny Seelye on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Back at the turn of the last century as A.B. Seelye built his monolithic mansion on north Buckeye Avenue, his wife, Jenny Taylor Seelye, had visions of parties and other high society events in her new, lavish home. Mrs. Seelye often hosted teas for her social acquaintances, featuring finger sandwiches, scrumptious desserts made by the mansion chefs, and fine tea. As a special Mother’s Day weekend tribute to Jenny Seelye, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad invites you to a special version of the Smoky Valley Limited for “Teatime with Jenny Seelye.” Abilene baker Amanda Collins is recreating some dessert recipes that would have been served in the mansion, along with finger sandwiches and black English breakfast tea. Our two-hour train ride through the Smoky Hill River Valley includes narration by Seelye Mansion owner and curator Terry Tietjens, who relates what early 20th century high society Abilene might have been like.. Get a taste of early 1900s Abilene society on this special Mother’s Day weekend Smoky Valley Limited. Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: Mother's Day Dinner (Lucinda's Katering)
Mother’s Day 2024: Make Mom’s weekend special on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Give mom a memorable gift this Mother’s Day weekend! On Saturday, May 11, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s Smoky Valley Limited promises to make Mother’s Day 2024 a memorable occasion with good food and a relaxing two-hour springtime dinner train excursion through the Smoky Hill River Valley. Your chef, Lucinda Kohman of Lucinda’s Katering in Abilene, is preparing chicken cordon bleu with white wine sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans almondine, with rolls and butter and a scrumptious Chantilly cake for dessert. Iced tea or water accompanies the meal. Our climate controlled, historic Chicago and Enterprise passenger coaches make a perfect setting for your family as you ride the rails of Kansas railroad history. Our train leaves Abilene’s historic 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. Reserve your seats today! Learn more
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6th Annual Abilene 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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Downtown Abilene Cruise for Food Car Show
Join us for a spectacular showcase of classic cars at the Downtown Abilene Cruise for Food Car Show on Saturday, May 11th, from 10 am to 2 pm!
Registration opens at 9 am and closes at 11 am, so make sure to arrive early to secure your spot.
Registration cost: $10 + a non-perishable food item to benefit Neighbor to Neighbor and the Abilene Area Food Pantry.
In addition to the stunning array of vintage vehicles on display, there will be exciting drawings for cash and prizes throughout the event. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to admire these timeless automobiles and maybe even take home a prize!
The car show is held in conjunction with the Abilene Antique Fest. Rod Riffel from Amanda's Bakery & Bistro, located at 302 N Broadway Street, is coordinating the car show. This is an event you don’t want to miss! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: A Taste of Germany (Schatzi's Schnitzel Haus)
A taste of Germany:
Remembering our German heritage on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Many of the first settlers to arrive in Dickinson County and central Kansas in the mid- 1850s were German. In fact, traces of our German heritage are everywhere, reflected in architecture, community celebrations, and, of course, in the food we enjoy today. On Saturday, May 18, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad presents a taste of German culture, as the Smoky Valley Limited hosts Chef Manfred of Schatzi’s Schnitzel Haus in Riley. Enjoy your choice of schnitzel (breaded pork chop) or German beef goulash, with German sauerkraut with bacon, semmelknodel (bread dumplings) with mushroom sauce, and for dessert, homemade apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Iced tea and water accompany the meal. And for an extra charge, Schatzi’s has German beer! The train leaves our 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy a taste of Germany as the Abilene & Smoky Valley Limited glides through the river valley for a two-hour dining adventure on the rails of Kansas history! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: A Tribute to General Eisenhower (Lucinda's Katering)
Just in time for D-Day’s 80th anniversary:
Join Ike on the Smoky Valley Limited!
As we approach the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad pays homage to Abilene’s favorite son, Dwight Eisenhower. Join us on Saturday, May 25, on the Smoky Valley Limited as historical impressionist Bill Nicks of Kansas City portrays Ike on this special Memorial Day weekend train! It’s an election year, so you just might hear Ike’s Abilene speech when he declares his candidacy, as well as hear Nicks portray Ike as we dine on traditional Kansas summer weekend food! Lucinda’s Katering of Abilene features homegrown Kansas beef brisket, cheesy potatoes and seasoned green beans, with tossed salad, rolls and butter, and for dessert, another Kansas tradition: apple pie. Iced tea and water will accompany the meal. Enjoy this great meal as you dine in air conditioned comfort while riding through the Smoky Hill River Valley in our antique passenger coaches. Your two-hour dining adventure begins at 6:00 p.m. when our train leaves Abilene’s 1887 Rock Island Depot. It’s a night of re-enacted history on the Smoky Valley Limited! Reserve your seats today! Learn more
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Opening Weekend at Old Abilene Town
Visit Old Abilene Town from 10 am - 4 pm and enjoy seeing the gunfighters and cancan dancers perform and visit the museum, Alamo Saloon and general store. Don't miss out on the vendor fair and bounce houses! Learn more
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Legally Blonde at Great Plains Theatre
A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal!
Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
Legally Blonde The Musical is perfect for high school and community theatre, featuring a large ensemble and several big song-and-dance numbers. Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: A Kansas Barbecue Dinner (Kite's)
The best thing about the Flint Hills?
Good ol’ Kansas barbeque on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Someone once said that “barbeque is happiness.” And Kansans love their barbeque! Good barbeque is no stranger here in the Flint Hills. and the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited is proud to feature some of Kansas’ best from Kites of Aggieville Manhattan. On Saturday, June 1, the Limited leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot with a barbeque lover’s delight. Chef Scott Sieben is offering a platter of barbeque chicken, brisket and pulled pork, with coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread with honey. And to top it all off? Bread pudding with honey bourbon sauce. Iced tea and coffee is available, and for an extra price, you can purchase beer or wine with your meal. Enjoy some of Kansas’ best signature food on the Limited as our two-hour train adventure takes you through the Smoky Hill River Valley in air conditioned comfort. The train leaves the depot at 6:00 p.m. Ride the rails of Kansas history and join us on June 1 for a taste of Kansas! Learn more
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D-Day + 80 Years
June 1-6, 2024: Schedule of Events
Opening June 1 — Normandy D-Day Commemoration Photos Exhibit
We have commissioned French Photographer Fabrice Bourge to curate a special exhibit which will be featured in the
Eisenhower Museum to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. He has a collection of almost 20 years of photographs that capture the D-Day ceremonies and events in Normandy, France. The exhibit will highlight photos that demonstrate the respect and gratitude that Normans show to veterans during these annual D-Day events.
June 1 — Symphony at Sunset D-Day Commemoration Concert
The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Foundation are thrilled to
host the 2024 Symphony at Sunset D-Day Commemoration Concert
on Saturday, June 1. Attended by thousands of visitors from across
Kansas, the event features music from the Salina Symphony and the
Fort Riley 1st Infantry Division Band, as well as food vendors and
educational activities.
June 4-6 — World War II Emerging Scholars Symposium
The Eisenhower, Roosevelt, and Truman Presidential Libraries will
present this emerging scholars symposium in partnership. The 2024
symposium theme is Waging Peace; it will be held virtually and will be
streamed via YouTube.
June 6 — D-Day+80 Years Commemoration
Activities include a remembrance ceremony, a meet World War II
veteran reception, World War II veteran panel, free admission to the
Eisenhower Presidential Museum, military reenactors, and hands-on
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Cowtown Fun in the Sun at Old Abilene Townsponsored by Solomon State Bank in conjunction with The Community Foundation
Our summer kick-off party will have vendors, food, and live music! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: D-Day's 80th Anniversary (Kite's)
As we approach the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad pays homage to Abilene’s favorite son, Dwight Eisenhower. Join us on Saturday, May 25, on the Smoky Valley Limited as historical impressionist Bill Nicks of Kansas City portrays Ike on this special Memorial Day weekend train! It's an election year, so you just might hear Ike's Abilene speech when he declares his candidacy, as well as hear Nicks portray Ike as we dine on traditional Kansas summer weekend food! Scott Sears of Abilene’s Legacy Kansas restaurant will be serving Brookville Hotel fried chicken, with real mashed potatoes and gravy, creamed corn, homemade biscuits, sweet and sour coleslaw, and a brownie with whipped topping for dessert. Enjoy this great meal as you dine in air conditioned comfort while riding through the Smoky Hill River Valley in our antique passenger coaches. Your two-hour dining adventure begins at 6:00 p.m. when our train leaves Abilene’s 1887 Rock Island Depot. It’s a night of re-enacted history on the Smoky Valley Limited! Reserve your seats today! Learn more
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Christian Youth Rodeo Association
Watch youth ages 3-18 participate in rodeo events including roping, racing, wrestling and riding. Learn more
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Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Dining Car Heritage Series: Chicago North Western "Twin Cities 400" (Lucinda's Katering)
A&SV Dining Car Heritage Series:
Chicago North Western’s “Twin Cities 400”
Back in 1946, our Chicago and Northwestern Passenger coach was built to be something special. It was one of seven lounge cars made for the C&NW’s Twin Cities 400 that ran between Chicago and St. Paul. Last year, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad restored the car to its original beauty, reflecting the style of dining cars of the 1940s, allowing Smoky Valley Limited passengers to dine in an atmosphere of mid-20th century elegance! Join us on Saturday, June 15, for our special tribute to the C&NW Railroad and its Twin Cities 400 as Lucinda’s Katering of Abilene presents a meal once made by C&NW chefs! Stuffed pork loin, au gratin potatoes, green beans, tossed green salad, assorted rolls, and apple pie for dessert. Iced tea and water will be served. The train leaves our 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m.
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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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Hello Dolly! at Great Plains Theatre
This musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play The Matchmaker bursts with humor, romance, energetic dance and some of the greatest songs in musical theatre history. The romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things,” are certain to thrill and entertain audiences again and again. Learn more
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Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Dining Car Heritage Series: Santa Fe "Super Chief" (Lucinda's Katering)
A&SV Dining Car Heritage Series:
The Santa Fe “Super Chief”
Of the many legacy railroads that built our state, the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe gets the most credit for its impact on Kansas agribusiness and the communities that it served. The Santa Fe was a Kansas product, and its pioneering railroad services are legendary. One of those innovations was railroad dining. Kansan Fred Harvey of Leavenworth built a series of “Harvey Houses” to feed hungry passengers, and later, when dining cars became a standard feature on Santa Fe passenger trains, the dining cars were well known for quality food. On Saturday, June 22, the A&SV Dining Car Heritage Series fondly recalls the ATSF and its dining car innovations with our recreation of a menu from the Santa Fe Super Chief, a train that once crossed the Sunflower State. Lucinda’s Katering of Abilene is recreating a 1940s menu item: roast beef with mashed potatoes and brown gravy, string beans, tossed salad and rolls and butter, with apple pie for dessert. Iced tea and water will be available. Our train leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. for a two-hour air-conditioned train ride through the Smoky Hill River Valley.
Join us on the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited as we present a taste of Kansas railroad history! Learn more
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Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Dining Car Heritage Series: The Rock Island "Rocket" (Lucinda's Katering)
A&SV Dining Car Heritage Series:
The Rock Island’s Rocket
As the song says, the Rock Island line was indeed a mighty fine line in Kansas, remembered as being the lifeblood of agriculture and the builder of so many communities in our state. Today, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad stands as a descendent of the Rock Island legacy, as our 1887 depot carries the Rock Island name and reminds us of the heyday of freight and passenger service in the Central Kansas region. The A&SV Dining Car Heritage series presents a special tribute to the Rock Island, as our dinner train, the Smoky Valley Limited, recreates a menu from the Rock’s well-known passenger train, the Rocket. Lucinda’s Katering of Abilene is recreating a 1940s Rocket dining car menu, with chicken fricassee, Kentucky-style potatoes and stewed corn, coleslaw, dinner rolls, and butter, and, for dessert, chocolate cake. Iced tea and water will accompany the meal. Our two-hour train ride in air-conditioned comfort is a great way to spend your Saturday evening!
Join us at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, as the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited presents a taste of Kansas railroad history! 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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Smoky Valley Limited: Fried Chicken for Independence Day (Legacy Kansas)
One last Independence Day celebration:
Brookville Chicken on the Smoky Valley Limited!
The fireworks may be over, but the good food continues as part of your Independence Day celebration on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad! On Saturday, July 6, our Smoky Valley Limited dinner train presents a classic Fourth of July staple: fried chicken from Legacy Kansas in Abilene. The traditional Brookville Hotel cuisine–fried chicken, mashed potatoes with cream gravy, cream style corn, coleslaw, and homemade biscuits, topped off with a rich, chocolaty brownie with whipped cream––is a perfect throwback to the July 4th holidays of the past. Iced tea and water accompany the meal, with beer and wine available for an extra charge. The train leaves our 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. for a two-hour journey through the Smoky Hill River Valley. Make this celebration of our nation’s independence complete!
Come to Abilene and enjoy a classic summertime meal on the Smoky Valley Limited! 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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Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Dining Car Heritage Series: The Rock Island "Rocket" (Lucinda's Katering)
A&SV Dining Car Heritage Series:
Union Pacific’s Portland Rose
Central Kansas’ association with the Union Pacific Railroad goes back to 1867 when its predecessor, the Kansas Pacific, was completed, precipitating cattle drives on the Chisholm Trail to Abilene. Today, the UP remains a major force in the region’s economy. But the railroad’s 157-year history of service also includes a now-forgotten item: UP passenger trains that sped across Kansas carrying passengers to distant locations. One of those trains was known as the Portland Rose, a train known for comfort and fine dining that ran between Kansas City and Denver. On Saturday, July 13, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad pays tribute to the Union Pacific as our Smoky Valley Limited takes a page from the Portland Rose’s menu and cookbooks. Lucinda’s Katering of Abilene will present cube steak smothered in brown gravy and sauteed onions, mashed potatoes, and fresh peas, with tossed salad, dinner rolls, and a cheesecake for dessert. Iced tea and water will accompany the meal.
We’ll see you on our version of the Portland Rose as you ride in air-conditioned comfort on the Smoky Valley Limited and get a taste of Kansas railroad history! Learn more
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Bright Star at Great Plains Theatre
Inspired by a real event and featuring the Grammy-nominated score by Steven Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past – and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. Propelled by an ensemble of onstage musicians and dancers, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion, beautiful melodies and powerfully moving performances. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp, Bright Star is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful. Learn more
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Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Dining Car Heritage Series: The Rock Island "Rocket" (Lucinda's Katering)
Rivaling Fred Harvey’s Dining Services:
MKT’s Katy Flyer
The Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railway had deep Kansas roots. Commonly referred to as “the Katy,” this legacy company had a rail network that connected towns and cities primarily in eastern Kansas. But the railroad made its mark in Central Kansas as well when the MKT acquired Rock Island track following the Rock’s 1980 bankruptcy and ran trains as far west as Salina on the track that the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad uses today. A lost piece of railroad history is the fact that the Katy’s passenger trains once had a dining operation that rivaled the famous Fred Harvey experience, first with dining stops similar to the Santa Fe’s Harvey Houses, and then with dining cars that exemplified fine railroad dining and service. On July 20, the A&SV Dining Car Heritage Series presents a tribute to the Katy railroad’s once-heralded Katy Flyer with an early 20th-century menu featuring the railroad’s signature dish, Katy Chicken Pie, accompanied by a lettuce edge salad, mashed potatoes, corn, and a special biscuit item, “Katy Kornettes.” For dessert, Lucinda’s Katering is preparing MKT peach cobbler. Iced tea and water accompany the meal. Our two-hour air-conditioned ride through the Smoky Hill Rover Valley leaves our 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m.
Join us on the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited as we present a taste of Kansas railroad history!! 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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Smoky Valley Limited: A Taste of Germany (Schatzi's Schnitzel House)
Guten Appetit!
A taste of Germany on the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited
Wilkommen to the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited! We’re proud to feature great German food, complete with German beer on a two-hour train trip through farmland originally settled by German immigrants who migrated to the Kansas territory in the 1850s. Join us on Saturday, July 27, as Chef Manfred of Schatzi’s Schnitzel Haus in Riley presents a menu of traditional German food, including schnitzel (breaded pork chop) or German beef goulash, with German sauerkraut with bacon, semmelknodel (bread dumplings) with mushroom sauce, and for dessert, homemade apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Iced tea and water accompany the meal. And for an extra charge, Schatzi’s has German beer! Our German train leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m.
If you want a great weekend outing, come to Abilene and take the train for a taste of Germany! Learn more
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National Day of the Cowboy at Old Abilene Town
Old Abilene Town will open at 10 am for visitors to enjoy a vendor fair, food trucks, line dancing, cancan dancer and gunfighter performances. Jade Evens will perform from 6-8 pm. 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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Rodeo Dance at Old Abilene Town
Enjoy live music from the Lazy Wayne Band. Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: Central Kansas Free Fair Centennial (Broadway Station)
Celebrate the Central Kansas Free Fair Centennial:
The best of Kansas agriculture on the Smoky Valley Limited!
The Central Kansas Free Fair centennial means 100 years of exhibiting locally produced agriculture and livestock, serving as a mark of excellence in our central Kansas agricultural economy. On Saturday, August 3, the A&SV’s Smoky Valley Limited salutes Kansas agriculture when Broadway Station in Herington serves your choice of Kansas beef brisket or pork chops, with baked potato, tossed salad, corn, and dinner rolls, and dessert: strawberry shortcake. Iced tea and water accompany the meal, and for a little extra, enjoy a glass of wine with your meal. Your two-hour train journey takes you through the farmlands of the Smoky Hill River Valley to Enterprise, for a tour of our 1880s Grist Mill that captures the once-thriving milling industry in central Kansas. The Limited leaves our 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m.
Take a break from the fair and join us for a taste of Kansas agriculture on the Smoky Valley Limited! 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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Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Dining Car Heritage Series: Missouri Pacific's "Colorado Eagle" (Lucinda's Katering)
A&SV Dining Car Heritage Series:
Missouri Pacific’s Colorado Eagle!
The Missouri Pacific was one of Kansas’ legacy railroads and played a major role in shaping our state’s agribusiness-oriented economy. MoPac trains once rumbled through Dickinson County communities on its St. Louis to Denver main line, serving Herington, Hope, Carlton, Dillon, and Elmo. Known for its line of “Eagle” passenger trains, the Missouri Pacific’s Colorado Eagle was best known in Central Kansas as a reliable passenger train with good service and great food. On Saturday, August 10, the Abilene and Smoky Valley salutes the Missouri Pacific as our Smoky Valley Limited dinner train becomes the Colorado Eagle, serving items from a 1940s menu. Lucinda’s Katering in Abilene will serve roast chicken breast with stuffing, snowflake potatoes, and string beans, with tossed green salad, dinner rolls, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Iced tea and water will accompany the meal. The train leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m.
Ride in air-conditioned comfort through the river valley as A&SV’s Smoky Valley Limited presents a taste of Kansas railroad history! Learn more
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5th Annual Boutique Crawl
Join us for our 5th Annual Boutique Crawl! Enjoy a girl's night out while shopping in our local stores. There will be grab bags with some awesome prizes for the first 50 people. Fill out a punch card for entry into a prize drawing. For every $10 you spend at a shop you will receive a ticket for entry into our grand prize drawing! Some stores will be serving snacks and drinks. We will start at Little Ike Park then go to the stores to get your cards marked! 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. On Friday, enjoy a chuck wagon meal and a singer/songwriter showcase. On Saturday, enjoy bouncy houses, line dancing, cancan dancer and gunfighter performances, a mechanical bull and other cowboy events. Note: The longhorns will be returning! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited - Labor Day Brisket Dinner from Lucinda's Katering!
Saying goodbye to summer on Labor Day Weekend:
A beef brisket dinner on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Labor Day is the last of the summer holidays! And the A&SV’s Smoky Valley Limited presents the first of two great summer cookout trains. On Saturday, August 31, the Smoky Valley Limited and chef Lucinda Kohman of Lucinda’s Katering in Abilene present homegrown Kansas beef brisket, cheesy potatoes, and seasoned green beans, with tossed salad, rolls and butter, and for dessert, another Kansas tradition: apple pie. Iced tea and water will accompany the meal. Enjoy this great meal as you dine in air conditioned comfort while riding through the Smoky Hill River Valley in our antique passenger coaches. Your two-hour dining adventure begins at 6:00 p.m. when our train leaves Abilene’s 1887 Rock Island Depot. Reserve your seats today! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited - Build Your Own Burger! Munson Beef from Legacy Kansas
Summer’s final cookout Labor Day Weekend!
Build your own burger on the Smoky Valley Limited
The Labor Day holiday is summer’s last hurrah and the last big cookout weekend. That’s why the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited is featuring our second Labor Day event, an old-fashioned cookout bash featuring the best of Kansas beef! Scott Sears of Legacy Kansas in Abilene presents “build your own burger” where you create your burger made of homegrown Muson beef cooked to your specifications, joined by the traditional Legacy Kansas side dishes: sweet and sour coleslaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, homemade biscuits, creamed corn and a chocolate brownie drenched in whipped topping for dessert! Complimentary iced tea and water will be served, and for a little extra, enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine with your meal. Our two-hour climate controlled adventure features a round trip from Abilene to Enterprise, with a 30-minute layover at Enterprise’s Hoffman Grist Mill and country store. Sneak in one last Labor Day family outing! Enjoy good food and ride the rails of Kansas history on the Smoky Valley Limited! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: Celebrating Fall with Brookville Fried Chicken (Legacy Kansas)
Celebrating Fall’s arrival with a great night out and good food:
Legacy Kansas Brookville Chicken on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Fall is just around the corner, and with the arrival of football season and Kansas fall celebrations comes the need for some great comfort food. And what’s more comforting than a great Kansas tradition: Brookville Hotel fried chicken from Legacy Kansas? Our train leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, for a two-hour train adventure, where you ride in air-conditioned comfort in our antique passenger coaches through the river valley. All this while you enjoy Bookville Hotel fried chicken, with mashed potatoes with cream gravy, cream-style corn, coleslaw, and homemade biscuits, topped off with a rich, chocolaty brownie with whipped cream. Iced tea and coffee accompany the meal and for an extra charge, enjoy beer or wine with your meal!
Ride the historic rails of the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad and welcome fall in style with us on the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: A Taste of Italy... Kansas Style (Broadway Station)
A taste of Italy…Kansas style!
It’s Italian night on the Smoky Valley Limited!
As someone once said, “Life is a combination of magic and pasta.” And if you’re a lover of Italian food, you’ll love Italian food night at the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited on Saturday, September 14. Chef LeAnn Urbanek of Broadway Station in Herington is offering a choice of rich, cheesy lasagna or creamy chicken Alfredo, with tossed salad and breadsticks, three bean salad, and apple crisp for dessert. Iced tea and water will be served, and for a special treat, you can buy a glass of fine wine to go with your meal. Our train leaves Abilene’s 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. for a two-hour journey across the farmlands of the Smoky Hill River Valley to Enterprise, where you tour a historic 1880s milling operation and have a chance to buy our home ground flour. Ride the rails of Kansas history and join us on the Limited for a taste of Italy, Kansas style! 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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Smoky Valley Limited: Kansas Barbeque (Kites)
The best thing about the Flint Hills?
Good ol’ Kansas barbeque on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Someone once said that “barbeque is happiness.” And Kansans love their barbeque! Good barbeque is no stranger here in the Flint Hills, and the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited is proud to feature some of Kansas’ best from Kites of Aggieville Manhattan. On Saturday, September 21, the Limited leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot with a barbeque lover’s delight. Chef Scott Sieben is offering a platter of barbeque chicken, brisket and pulled pork, with coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread with honey. And to top it all off? Bread pudding with honey bourbon sauce. Iced tea and coffee is available, and for an extra price, you can purchase beer or wine with your meal. Enjoy some of Kansas’ best signature food on the Limited as our two-hour train adventure takes you through the Smoky Hill River Valley in air conditioned comfort. The train leaves the depot at 6:00 p.m.
Ride the rails of Kansas history and join us on September 21 for a taste of Kansas! Learn more
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Oktoberfest Dinner Train
“Ich Liebe Oktoberfest!” (I love Oktoberfest!) Celebrate Oktoberfest on the Smoky Valley Limited!
Oktoberfest originally began in Bavaria, Germany, as an agricultural exhibition much like our modern-day county fairs in Kansas. Heavily promoted by brewing companies, the holiday grew across Germany, and of course, found its way to the United States. Today, Oktoberfest is celebrated in so many communities across Kansas, thanks to the heavy German settlement in so many regions of the state. On Saturday, September 28, join us on the A&SV’s Smoky Valley Limited for our annual salute to Oktoberfest. Schatzi’s Schnitzel Haus of Riley is serving a classic German meal with your choice of schnitzel (breaded pork chop) or German beef goulash, with German sauerkraut with bacon, semmelknodel (bread dumplings) with mushroom sauce, and for dessert, homemade apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Iced tea and water accompany the meal. And it wouldn’t be Oktoberfest without German beer, and Chef Manfred is serving Paulaner beer directly from Munich! German music, German food, and lots of fun on a two-hour train ride through the Smoky Hill River Valley on a beautiful fall evening. Our train leaves our 1887 Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m.
This year, to celebrate Oktoberfest, take the train! “Prost” (cheers) on the Smoky Valley Limited! Learn more
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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. 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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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.
Everyone ages 2 and older requires a ticket. 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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Haunted Walk at Old Abilene Town
Halloween just isn't complete without a haunted house! Come enjoy the scary, haunted walk through Old Abilene Town. Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: A Date Night On The Train (Broadway Station)
The perfect date night experience:
Elegant dining on the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited
Before the bustle of the holiday season gets here, how about a special night out with good food, a glass of wine, and a friendly family setting? On Saturday, November 3, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s Smoky Valley Limited presents a date night dining experience that’s truly a cut above, prepared by our newest caterer, Broadway Station in Herington. Enjoy your choice of succulent prime rib or smothered chicken, delicious and packed with flavor. Add a baked potato, green beans, a tossed salad, dinner rolls, and for dessert. Peach cobbler. Iced tea and water will be served, or you can kick it up a notch with a glass of fine wine. Your two-hour rail adventure begins at 6:00 p.m. at our 1887 Rock Island Depot, taking you through the Smoky Hill River Valley to Enterprise, where our late 1880s Hoffman Grist Mill sells locally produced flour. Ride the rails of Kansas history and enjoy a special date night on the Smoky Valley Limited! Learn more
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Smoky Valley Limited: A Pre-Thanksgiving Treat - German Style (Schatzi's Schnitzel Haus)
Time to slip in a great German meal:
A pre-Thanksgiving train on the A&SV Smoky Valley Limited
Before the barrage of turkey and leftovers begins at your house, join us on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad for one last pre-Thanksgiving culinary escape! We’re proud to feature Chef Manfred of Schatzi’s Schnitzel Haus in Riley, who presents your choice of two German fall dishes: schnitzel (breaded pork chop) or German beef goulash, with German sauerkraut with bacon, semmelknodel (bread dumplings) with mushroom sauce, and for dessert, homemade apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Iced tea and water accompany the meal. And for an extra charge, Schatzi’s has German beer! Our German pre-Thanksgiving train leaves Abilene’s historic Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. where you ride in climate-controlled antique passenger coaches and enjoy a two-hour trip on the rails. 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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The Cowtown Santa Express
The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express
Discover the magic of the holiday season on the rails! The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express sparkles with the glow of the Christmas season, as our antique passenger coaches sparkle with holiday lights and the warm smiles of kids of all ages as our annual Christmas tradition returns to the rails of the A&SV. Last year, over three thousand people rode the Express to usher in the holiday season, and this year, you can discover the magic of Christmas on the rails for yourself! Cookies and hot chocolate, the music of the season, and of course Santa himself, as he makes his 2024 holiday debut on the train. Trains begin Thanksgiving weekend and run through December 23. It’s Kansas’ best Christmas celebration!
The Cowtown Santa Express on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad!
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The Cowtown Santa Express
The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express
Discover the magic of the holiday season on the rails! The Abilene and Smoky Valley’s Cowtown Santa Express sparkles with the glow of the Christmas season, as our antique passenger coaches sparkle with holiday lights and the warm smiles of kids of all ages as our annual Christmas tradition returns to the rails of the A&SV. Last year, over three thousand people rode the Express to usher in the holiday season, and this year, you can discover the magic of Christmas on the rails for yourself! Cookies and hot chocolate, the music of the season, and of course Santa himself, as he makes his 2024 holiday debut on the train. Trains begin Thanksgiving weekend and run through December 23. It’s Kansas’ best Christmas celebration!
The Cowtown Santa Express on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad!
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Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings at Great Plains Theatre
Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings is a brand new show that offers the best of Forever Plaid, tied up in a nifty package with a big Christmas bow on top! Filled with Christmas standards that have all been "Plaid-erized," our boys are back to do their Christmas Special.
At first, Francis, Jinx, Smudge and Sparky aren't sure why they've returned to Earth for another posthumous performance, but a phone call from the heavenly Rosemary Clooney lets them know that they're needed to put a little harmony into a discordant world. Sprinkled among the Christmas offerings are audience favorites, like their riotous three-minute-and-eleven-second version of The Ed Sullivan Show – this time, featuring the Rockettes, the Chipmunks and The Vienna Boys Choir, as well as a Plaid Caribbean Christmas that puts the "Day-O" in Excelsis!
This truly "heaven-sent" holiday treat will lift audiences' spirits and fill them with nostalgia for a bygone era of classic music sung in perfect harmony. With only four actors and a combo needed, Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings is the perfect holiday show for theatres looking to draw large crowds while using limited resources. Learn more
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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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Smoky Valley Limited: Goodbye 2024
Saying goodbye to 2024:
A classic Italian dinner on the Smoky Valley Limited
Join us on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad as we present the first of three great end-of-year dinner trains on the Smoky Valley Limited. On Sunday, December 29, Lucinda’s Katering of Abilene presents a classic Italian meal: cheesy, meaty lasagna, with bread sticks and Italian seasoned green beans, tossed salad, with tiramisu for dessert. Iced tea and water will accompany the meal. Your two-hour journey across the Smoky Hill River Valley begins at 6:00 p.m., leaving Abilene’s historic 1887 Rock Island Depot and riding in our climate-controlled antique Chicago and Enterprise passenger coaches. Reserve your seats today for a taste of Italy and Kansas railroad history on the A&SV’s Smoky Valley Limited!
Happy Silvester?
A taste of Germany on the Smoky Valley Limited
Germans observe the arrival of the new year much as we do in America, with fireworks, music, and, of course, great food. But New Year’s Eve is called “Silvester” (so named to honor Pope Silvester I). While we may not have fireworks popping or bands playing, the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s Smoky Valley Limited is saying goodbye to 2024 with the second of three New Year’s dinner trains on Monday, December 30. Our Silvester dinner is prepared by Executive Chef Manfred of Schatzi’s Schnitzel Haus in Riley. Feast on your choice of schnitzel (breaded pork chop) or German beef goulash, with German sauerkraut with bacon, semmelknodel (bread dumplings) with mushroom sauce, and for dessert, homemade apfelstrudel (apple strudel). Iced tea and water accompany the meal. And for an extra charge, Schatzi’s has German beer! Ride in our climate-controlled antique passenger coaches as we remember 2024 and the many blessings the year gave us. The Smoky Valley Limited leaves our historic Rock Island Depot in Abilene at 6:00 p.m.
Join us for our Kansas version of Silvester, and as the Germans say, “ein frohes neues Jahr” (Happy New Year)!
Our third New Year’s celebration on the train:
Ringing in 2025 on the Smoky Valley Limited
The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad’s Smoky Valley Limited has a great idea for New Year’s Eve. Have dinner with us before you begin your celebration of the arrival of 2025! Scott Sieben of Kites in Aggieville Manhattan is preparing your choice of smoked peppercorn chicken breast or succulent roast pork loin, with Yukon gold potatoes, mixed vegetables, assorted dinner rolls with butter, and for dessert, cheesecake. Iced tea and water will accompany the meal, but for an extra cost, popular beers and wines will be available, as well as champagne. The Limited will leave our historic Rock Island Depot at 6:00 p.m. and return by 8:30 to allow you to go on to your New Year’s Eve celebration.
Make your holiday season complete as you ride the rails of Kansas history on the Smoky Valley Limited!
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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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