Abilene & Smoky Valley
200 SE Fifth St
Abilene, KS 67410
Office: (785) 263-1077 or (888) 426-6687
Depot: (785) 263-0118 or (888) 426-6689
asvrr.org ASVRR1
RAILROAD
Named Kansas’ Official State Heritage Railroad
Enjoy an open-air ride or dine aboard one of the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad’s dinner trains.
The train departs Abilene eastbound for a 10.5-mile round trip through the Smoky Hill River Valley to the neighboring community of Enterprise. There, the train stops for riders to see the Hoffman Grist Mill, featuring a rebuilt working waterwheel that mills flour.
Be sure to visit the Fred Schmidt Railroad Museum inside the railroad depot and enjoy the exhibits of memorabilia and model trains.
Carousel C.W. PARKER
412 S. Campbell St
Abilene, KS 67410 (785) 263-2681
HeritageCenterDK.com
DKCoHistory
Named one of the Kansas Sampler Foundation’s “8 Wonders of Kansas - Customs,” Abilene’s C.W. Parker Carousel is the oldest operational Parker Carousel known to exist.
Built in 1901, the C.W. Parker Carousel was named a National Landmark in 1995.
Thecarouselis hand-carved andfeatures24horses in12pairs,4chariotsand a50-foot-wideplatform.
DickinsonCounty
412 S. Campbell St Abilene, KS 67410 (785) 263-2681
HeritageCenterDK.com DKCoHistory
Learn about Dickinson County’s famous former residents, from C.L. Brown — whose telephone company eventually became known as Sprint — to Abilene’s former Marshal Wild Bill Hickok to Joseph McCoy, who brought hundreds of thousands of cattle to Abilene in the 1860s, making the community a booming cowtown at the end of the Chisholm Trail.
Museum JEFFCOAT PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
321 N. Broadway St Abilene, KS 67410 (785) 263-9882
Free Admission!
The Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum features a unique look at the history of Abilene and Dickinson County, Kansas, through the photographic work of the Jeffcoat Photography Studio.
Operating since 1921, the studio produced many fascinating views of the life, events and people of the local community. Much of the building is preserved to appear as a historic camera shop and studio still in operation. An assortment of cameras and rolls of film fill the museum’s display cases, and framed prints featuring the photographic work of the Jeffcoat Photography Studio line the walls. The museum features seasonal temporary photographic exhibits on a variety of historical topics, each highlighting the work of the Jeffcoat photographers.
JeffcoatStudio
TOWN ABILENE Old
200 SE 5th St Abilene, KS 67410 (785) 571-7441
OldAbileneTown.org
See the new Chisholm Trail Museum and Interpretive Center in the Way Station at Old Abilene Town.
Visitors can stroll the boardwalk, just as Wild Bill Hickok did during Abilene’s wild and woolly days. Get a taste of the Old West by drinking an ice-cold sarsaparilla and watching cancan dancers as they perform at the Alamo Saloon. Gunfighters stage mock shoot-outs during the summer travel season.
Old Abilene Town also hosts Chisholm Trail Days during Labor Day weekend. Enjoy live cattle drives through Old Abilene Town, reenactors, country music performances and more!
Be sure to check out the Great Western Cattle Co. building to see a complete re-creation of Abilene’s original Texas Street.
Abilene played a key role in the transport of cattle from Texas to U.S. markets. The Chisholm Trail was 1,000 miles long, ending in Abilene, Kansas, where the cattle were loaded on railcars and sent across the country.
Follow the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail!
Learn more and get your passport at
Cowboy Art Trail
The Abilene Cowboy | Abilene High School, 1300 N. Cedar St
Cowboy Boots | Abilene Civic Center/Visitors Center, 201 NW 2nd St
Big Spur | Rittel’s Western Wear, 1810 N. Buckeye Ave
World’s Largest Belt Buckle | Eisenhower Park /
Central Kansas Free Fair, 400 N. Pine St
Bull’s Head Saloon Longhorn | Old Abilene Town, 201 SE 5th St
Wild Bill Hickok Mural | Dave’s Guns (south side of building), 201 N. Buckeye Ave
Longhorn Mural | Abilene Middle School (north side of building), 500 NW 14th St
Midwest Meats Longhorn
Mural | North side of building, 610 S. Buckeye Ave
Train Mural | Abilene Printing Co. Inc (west side of building), 207 NE 3rd St
Wild Bill Hickok Bronze Statue | Dickinson County Heritage Center, 412 S. Campbell St Tom “Bear River” Smith Tombstone | Abilene Cemetery, 501 NW 4th St
Celebrate The Old West along Abilene’s Cowboy Art Trail
The once lawless cattle town is now one of the West’s premier historic Old West destinations. Named a Top 10 True Western Town of the Year by True West Magazine, Abilene continues to celebrate and promote its wild and woolly Cowtown days by adding new tourism attractions and art.
According to a signed document, the bull head is from the Bull Head Saloon that belonged to “Shotgun Ben” Thompson in Abilene. It was headquarters for the drovers who trailed cattle from Texas to Kansas in the late 1860s and 1870s.
Picnic Spots
Eisenhower Park & Rose Garden | 500 N. Pine St
Little Ike Park | 324 N. Spruce St
Bicentennial Park | 1501 N. Mulberry St
Brown Memorial Park | 1935 Lane
Historic Sites
Check out the waterfall at Brown Memorial Park! Visit AbileneKansas.org/ waterfall for detailed directions. The park also has a large disc golf course.
Pick up a copy of the Heritage Homes Association’s “Little Town of Mansions” brochure at the Abilene CVB or Dickinson County Heritage Center to learn more about Abilene’s historic properties. Also, watch for brown “Historic District” sign toppers in neighborhoods around the city. Learn more about Abilene’s history at AbileneKansas.org/history.
The Abilene Cemetery is the burial location for many notable people including David and Ida Eisenhower, Marshal Thomas “Bear River” Smith, rodeo legend Gerald Roberts and White House press secretary to Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, Marlin Fitzwater.
Statues
The Abilene Cowboy | Abilene High School, 1300 N. Cedar St
Benjamin Franklin | Abilene Public Library (Carnegie Library), 209 NW 4th St
General Eisenhower | Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, 200 SE 4th St
Little Ike | Little Ike Park, 324 N. Spruce St
Cowboy Boots
1. Rose Garden | Abilene Civic Center/Visitors Center, 201 NW 2nd
2. Patriotism | Little Ike Park, 324 N. Spruce St
3. Ike’s Galaxy | Abilene City Hall, 419 N. Broadway St
4. Sister City | Abilene Public Library, 209 NW 4th St
5. Crazy Quilt | Arts Council of Dickinson County, 401 N. Cedar St
6. Varsity Letter | Abilene High School Football Stadium, 900 Block of N. Walnut St
7. Wild Bill Hickok | Central Kansas Free Fair, Pine Street in Eisenhower Park
8. Mud Creek | Abilene Senior Center, 100 N. Elm St
9. Mooooo | Old Abilene Town, 200 SE 5th St
10. History of Farming | Dickinson County Courthouse, 109 E. 1st St
11. Abilene Art Club | Abilene High School, 1300 N. Cedar St
12. C.W. Parker Carousel | Dickinson County Heritage Center, 412 S. Campbell St
13. Recycle Dorothy | Abilene Recycling Center, 1210 NW 8th St
14. Greyhound | Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum, 407 S. Buckeye Ave
Celebrating its cowboy roots, the Cowboy Boot project pays homage to T.C. McInerney’s Drovers Boot Store from the 1870s. Using this ad for inspiration, the Arts Council of Dickinson County, Quality Life Coalition of Dickinson County and Community Foundation of Dickinson County joined forces to add cowboy boot art throughout the community.
Abilene Golf & Fitness
In 1952, General Dwight D. Eisenhower announced his run for the presidency from the park’s grandstand.
Russell Stover Chocolate
1993 Caramel Blvd Abilene, KS 67410 (785) 263-0463
RussellStover.com/stores/ RussellStoverUS
Complete assortment of Russell Stover Chocolate, Whitman’s and Pangburn’s products including sugar-free and Weight Watchers candies by Whitman’s. Be sure to check out the “back room” for added discounts!
Big Spur
1810 N. Buckeye Ave
Abilene, KS 67410 (785) 263-1800
At 28 feet high, the big spur stands on its ends to form an arch and weighs a ton. It was built by Larry Houston in 2002 and was certified as the World’s Largest Spur by Guinness World Records until 2017.
Little Ike Park
324 N. Spruce St Abilene, KS 67410 (785) 263-7266
See a statue of a young Eisenhower in Little Ike Park.
Iron Horse Trail
500 S. Campbell St
Iron Horse Trail
The Iron Horse Trail is a 5-mile trail connecting Abilene and Enterprise along the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad.
Murals
Abilene Celebrates America 250! Mural | VFW Post #3279, 317 N. Spruce St
Abilene Mural | Rackets Tap House (east side of building), 303 N. Broadway St
American Bison Stamp Mural | Unoccupied building (west side of building), 203 N. Cedar St
Angel Wings Mural | Aksent Boutique (east side of building), 309 N. Buckeye Ave
Ike Wins Mural | South side of building, 401 N. Buckeye Ave
“I Like Ike” Murals | Arts Council of Dickinson County, Sunflower Building (east side of building), 409 NW 3rd St
Ike “I Come from the Very Heart of America” Silo Mural | Bert & Wetta Sales Silo, 509 SE 4th St
See a full list of murals at
Interactive “Harmon” Mural | South side of KABI Radio Station, 200 N. Broadway Ave
Longhorn Mural | Abilene Middle School (north side of building), 500 NW 14th St
Sunflower Stamp Mural | Tossed N Sauced (south side of building), 306 NW 3rd St
Train Mural | Abilene Printing Co. Inc (west side of building), 207 NE 3rd St
Wild Bill Hickok Mural | South side of building, 201 N. Buckeye Ave
Midwest Meats Longhorn Mural | North side of building, 610 S. Buckeye Ave
Bison Mural | South side of building, 307 N. Spruce St
Dickinson County Heritage Center Mural | 412 S. Campbell St
Abilene
200
Jeffcoat Photography
Studio Museum
321 N. Broadway St
Great Plains Theatre 215 N. Campbell St
Eisenhower Park & Rose Garden
500 N. Pine St
World’s Largest Belt Buckle
400 N. Pine St
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
200 SE 4th St
Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum
407 S. Buckeye Ave
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad / Schmidt Railroad Museum
200 SE 5th St
Old Abilene Town / Chisholm Trail & Smoky Hill Trail Center
200 SE 5th St
Dickinson County Heritage
Carousel 412
Happening?WHAT’S
MARCH
Ida Stover Eisenhower Annual Quilt Show
APRIL
Eisenhower Easter Egg Roll
Eisenhower Marathon
MAY
Abilene Downtown Antique Fest
Downtown Abilene Cruise for Food Car Show
National Greyhound Association Spring
Nationals
JUNE
Annual D-Day Commemoration
JULY
Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration
Petals at Their Peak
AUGUST
Central Kansas Free Fair
Demolition Derby
Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo
SEPTEMBER
Abilene Downtown Boutique Crawl
Oktoberfest
OCTOBER
Heritage Day Festival at Dickinson County Heritage Center
Abilene’s Municipal Band started in 1881. Hear them live on Thursday evenings at Eisenhower Park from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
National Greyhound Association Fall Nationals
Wild West Gravel Fest
NOVEMBER
Pink Friday
DECEMBER
Cowtown Christmas
Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown
Heritage Homes Association’s Homes for the Holiday Tour
Old Fashioned Christmas
What’s the
LOCAL SCOOP?
1. American flags
You’ll notice American flags lining Buckeye Avenue and NW 3rd Street from mid-March until after Veterans Day. Residents, businesses, visitors and fans donate toward the display.
2. Trains
A cowtown at the end of the Chisholm Trail, Abilene shipped hundreds of thousands of cattle to markets via rail, and many trains still run through Abilene. You might be stopped while waiting on a train to pass, or hear whistles during your visit. See if you can tell the difference between a diesel and a steam engine whistle!
3. Parade
The Central Kansas Free Fair parade is top-notch! Held the first Tuesday of the fair, locals place their chairs out early in the morning to reserve their spots.
4. Church bells
Abilene is home to many churches, and you may hear their bells playing beautiful music during your visit.
5. Christmas Tree Lane
During the holidays, tiny cedar trees line N. Buckeye Avenue and NW 3rd Street, placed there by the City of Abilene and decorated by residents.
6. Support
We support our local athletes! You might notice sheets on Buckeye Avenue and NW 3rd Street with witty sayings cheering on student-athletes.
7. Testing, testing
Not to worry, but from April to October, you will probably hear tornado siren tests at noon on Tuesdays.
8. Dining
Many restaurants are closed on Mondays, so call ahead.
9. Farmers Market
The Abilene Farmers Market is open Memorial Day – October; located at 2104 N. Buckeye Avenue (north of Burger King).
10. Be kind
Like communities across the country, Abilene hospitality businesses continue to struggle with staffing. Please be kind and understand our challenges.
Marshal Wild Bill Hickok was Abilene’s most famous marshal. He left town after accidentally shooting a friend, settling in Deadwood, South Dakota, where he was killed. Find your next treasure in Abilene! Abilene is home to a variety of unique and specialty stores, including more than 150 antique vendors.
Dining
Whether you’re looking for oneof-a-kind antiques, the latest fashion finds or the perfect gift, Abilene retailers are your go-to stop! Learn more at AbileneKansas.org/shop . .
See a list of locally owned and fast food restaurants at AbileneKansas.org/eat
Lodging
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites
A NEW hotel just off I-70. Work out in the well-appointed gym or recharge in the refreshing indoor pool. The spacious rooms providing free Wi-Fi and plush bedding will ensure you’ll have a restful stay.
103 E. Lafayette Ave (785) 576-9933
Abilene Inn & Suites This pet-friendly property features a heated indoor pool, fitness center and free hot breakfast each morning. With free WiFi, you can stay connected to work, socials and more.
110 E. Lafayette Ave (785) 576-5031
Abilene’s Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast, Tea Room & Gift Shop
Relax in parlors or on the large porch. Located next to Eisenhower Park and within walking distance of Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum and other Abilene attractions. 820 NW 3rd St (785) 263-7774
Engle House The Engle House is a newly renovated bed and breakfast. It is one of the few Mission Arts and Crafts homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
102 Highland Dr (785) 479-3749
Super 8 by Wyndham A complimentary continental breakfast is included. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in and express check-out. Pets welcome!
2207 N. Buckeye Ave (785) 200-8850
Diamond Motel Breakfast included. Pets allowed. Wireless internet. 1407 NW 3rd St (785) 263-2360
Abilene is also home to a variety of other lodging options. Bringing your RV? RV hookups are available at Abilene’s Covered Wagon RV Resort, Flatland RV Park or Central Kansas Free Fair grounds. Visit AbileneKansas.org/Stay to learn more.
Explore the exciting world of racing and learn about the greyhound dog breed at the Greyhound Capital of the World!
The Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum is even named in Atlas Obscura’s “The Ultimate List of Wonderfully Specific Museums.” And bonus: You’ll be greeted by a resident greyhound.
Great Plains
215 N. Campbell St Abilene, KS 67410 (785) 263-4574
Through the years, GPT has developed a flourishing education program for regional youth members and continues to share exemplary, familyfriendly main stage performances. As Abilene grows and evolves, so does Great Plains Theatre by adding diverse opportunities for entertainment and giving back to the
Great Plains Theatre truly has something for everyone. The quality theatrical productions are bound to astound. You will be leaving the theatre with a song in your head, joy in your heart and a smile on your face!
Abilene, Kansas was officially incorporated in 1869. Abilene, Texas was named after Abilene, Kansas in 1881.
HISTORIC
Named an “8 Wonders of Kansas – Architecture,” the Seelye Mansion is like a time capsule. Most of the home’s furnishings were purchased at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. In fact, the furnishings cost more than the $55,000 that was spent building the 11,000 square foot home. The mansion features the original Edison light fixtures and Tiffany-style mantel. Frank Lloyd Wright suggested remodeling the interior in the 1920s. The home was featured on the History Channel’s Mysteries at the Mansion. Visitors even get to bowl on the 1904 Box Ball Alley, which was purchased at the St. Louis World’s Fair.
EISENHOWER
I can claim is that I am from proudest
Visitors Center: Tickets
Start your visit here for information, to purchase museum admission and home tour tickets, and to watch the orientation film.
Boyhood Home: Scheduled tours
The Eisenhowers lived in this house from 1898 until mother Ida died in 1946. The house is still on its original site and contains furniture and items left by Mrs. Eisenhower.
Statue: Photo op
The 11-foot bronze statue of General Eisenhower stands in the center of the campus. Be sure to #StandLikeIke in your photo and tag us! @IkeLibrary #IkeLife
Library: Exhibits | Research | Photo op
View free temporary exhibits on the second-floor gallery or conduct research in the archives. The archives house over 26 million pages available to the public on everything from genealogy, essays, theses, book projects — you name it. An average year brings about 800 researchers with nearly 25% visiting from overseas. Researchers must schedule appointments in advance.
Museum: Exhibits | Photo op
Using Ike and Mamie’s own words, the all-new exhibits are complete with new technology and interactive components. Examine artifacts and stories from the archives to gain an understanding of how Ike’s experiences made him the perfect commander to lead the Allies to victory in Europe during WWII. Hear his words on everything from D-Day to world peace in the new mini-theaters. Learn about Mamie not only
Dwight D. Eisenhower | June 22, 1945
Library & Museum
200 SE 4th St
Abilene, KS 67410
(785) 263-6700 or (877) RING IKE
EisenhowerLibrary.gov
IkeLibrary
as First Lady, but as a friend, and discover why President Eisenhower became known as the “Champion of Peace.”
Pylons: Photo op
Located on the east end of campus, this monument makes for a great selfie or group shot!
Place of Meditation: Burial site
This is the final resting place of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, First Lady Mamie Eisenhower and their first-born son, Doud.
hours)
(18.5 hours)
(6 hours)
Who Says
WhoAbileneSaysis THESE
Best Presidential Attraction by Newsweek
Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY
True Western Town of the Year by True West Magazine
Best Promotion of a Historic Place by True West Magazine
Favorite U.S. Small Town by TravelAwaits
Friendliest U.S. Small Town by TravelAwaits
Coolest Small Town in Kansas by Far and Wide
Amazing? GUYS
Most Beautiful Small Town in Kansas by House Beautiful
Best Weekend Getaway by KANSAS! Magazine
Best Small Town to Visit by Smithsonian Magazine
Best Overall Holiday Town by Kansas Press Association
Best Holiday Light Tour (Cowtown Christmas Light Showdown) by Kansas Press Association
Best Holiday Train Ride by Kansas Press Association
Best Holiday Tradition (Christmas Tree Lane) by Kansas Press Association
One of Abilene’s founders, Mrs. Elizabeth Hersey, named Abilene after opening her Bible to Luke 3:1 where she saw the word “Abilene,” meaning “city of the plains.”
