Need a charming Midwestern stop with cowboy heritage and presidential history? Head to Abilene! Located in central Kansas, Abilene blends frontier roots with small-town hospitality. Home to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Wild West attractions, this historic cattle town makes a great stop for history lovers and road trippers alike.
Abilene, KS Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Ride the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad – Hop aboard a vintage train for a scenic ride through Kansas farmland and prairie.
- For History Buffs: Tour the Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum – Visit the childhood home, final resting place, and museum of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- For Shoppers: Explore downtown boutiques and antique stores – Hunt for treasures in historic buildings along Abilene’s walkable Main Street.
- For Couples: Dine at the historic Brookville Hotel building (now Legacy Kansas) – Enjoy a nostalgic setting and Kansas-style comfort food with a modern twist.
- For Families: Visit Old Abilene Town – Step back to the Wild West with reenactments, a saloon, and historic buildings for all ages to explore.
Best Time to Visit Abilene, KS
The best time to visit Abilene is spring through fall (April through October), when events are in full swing and weather is pleasant for outdoor walking tours and train rides. Summers feature historic reenactments and seasonal festivals.
How to Get to Abilene, KS
- If you are traveling by car: Abilene is located just off I-70, about 2 hours west of Kansas City and 30 minutes east of Salina.
- By Air: The closest regional airport is Salina Regional Airport (SLN), with larger airport options in Manhattan (MHK) and Wichita (ICT).
- By Bus: Limited regional service is available; a personal vehicle is the most convenient way to explore the area.
Where to Stay in Abilene, KS
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Modern hotel just off I-70 with free breakfast and indoor pool.
- Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast – Cozy and elegant historic home offering homemade breakfasts and antiques.
- Budget Lodge – Simple, affordable stay close to downtown and historic sites.
Attractions for Couples
1. Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum
Explore presidential archives and walk through exhibits on an educational history trip.
© David Herbig Danita Delimont/stock.adobe.com
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What is the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum?
- The Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum is one of the most iconic attractions in the Midwestern town of Abilene, Kansas, with thousands of people visiting Eisenhower’s boyhood home turned museum every year.
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Who would enjoy visiting the Eisenhower Library and Museum?
- The historic site is interesting to explore whether visitors are history and World War II enthusiasts or just simply someone who wants to explore the state of Kansas.
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What is a popular activity at the museum?
- One popular thing to do here is to take a photo with the General Eisenhower bronze statue, which stands at eleven feet in height.
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When is the museum open?
- The grounds are open every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
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Where is the Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum located?
- 200 S E 4th St, Abilene, KS 67410, Phone: 785-263-6700
2. Seelye Mansion
Tour grand rooms and admire antique furnishings on a romantic Gilded Age visit.
© Seelye Mansion
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What is the Seelye Mansion?
- One of the state’s finest homes, the Seelye Mansion was built in the Georgian style back in the year 1905 for Dr. A.B. Seelye and his wife.
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What historic features does the Seelye Mansion have?
- The grand historic home features Edison light fixtures and original furnishings from the St. Louis World Fair in 1904.
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What rooms can visitors tour at Seelye Mansion?
- Visitors can tour twenty-five rooms, including the kitchen areas, an antique bowling alley, the ballroom, and eleven bedrooms.
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What are the visiting hours for Seelye Mansion?
- The Seelye Mansion is open to the public from 10:00am until 4:00pm Monday to Saturday and from 1:00pm until 4:00pm on Sundays. Hours are often extended during the summer months.
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Where is Seelye Mansion located?
- 1105 N Buckeye Ave, Abilene, KS 67410, Phone: 785-263-1084
Recommended Activities for Families
3. Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad
Ride a vintage train and enjoy prairie views during an exciting weekend outing.
© Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad
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What is the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad?
- The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad provides visitors and locals alike with an opportunity to ride the railroad aboard a more than century-old steam engine, dine in one of the dinner trains, or take in the sights and sounds of Kansas during a ride in the open-air train car.
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Where does the train travel?
- The Abilene and Smoky Valley train leaves eastbound from Abilene, Kansas for a round-trip 10.5-mile journey to Enterprise, Kansas through the region’s scenic Smoky Hill River Valley.
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What can passengers do in Enterprise, Kansas?
- While in the town of Enterprise, passengers can explore the Hoffman Grist Mill, complete with a working water wheel.
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Where is the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad located?
- 200 SE 5th St, Abilene, KS 67410, Phone: 785-263-1077
4. Heritage Center of Dickinson County
Discover pioneer life and explore exhibits on an affordable family-friendly stop.
© Heritage Center of Dickinson County
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What is the Heritage Center of Dickinson County?
- The Heritage Center of Dickinson County is a museum operated by the Dickinson County Historical Society that features both an outdoor museum area and an array of indoor exhibits.
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What attractions are featured at the Heritage Center?
- Along with the exhibits, visitors can ride the center’s original hand-carved C.W. Parker Carousel built back in 1901 and visit a grocery store constructed in 1932.
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What is special about the C.W. Parker Carousel?
- The carousel consists of four chariots and twenty-four horses and is thought to be the oldest of the C.W. Parker carousels in existence.
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Which famous individuals are highlighted in the exhibits?
- The Heritage Center exhibits highlight several famous former residents of Dickinson County, including Joseph McCoy, Wild Bill Hickok, and C.L. Brown.
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Where is the Heritage Center of Dickinson County located?
- 412 S Campbell St, Abilene, KS 67410, Phone: 785-263-2681
Where to Eat in Abilene, KS
- Legacy Kansas (formerly Brookville Hotel) – Famous for its fried chicken dinners and old-fashioned sides in a classic Kansas setting.
- Joe Snuffy’s Old Fashioned Grill – Hearty breakfasts, burgers, and daily specials served with a smile.
- Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro – Cozy downtown café with fresh sandwiches, coffee, and baked goods.
If you are interested in local events:
- Chisholm Trail Days (June) – Celebrate Abilene’s Wild West roots with cowboy demonstrations, parades, and live music.
- Heritage Day Festival (September) – Family-friendly event with crafts, food, historical displays, and kids' activities.
- Abilene Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony (December) – Holiday lights, music, and a cheerful downtown celebration.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Abilene, Kansas:
- Enterprise (10 min) – Small town with local charm and a chance to visit the Hoffman Grist Mill for flour and baked goods.
- Chapman (20 min) – Quiet community with Civil War history and beautiful rolling landscapes.
- Salina (30 min) – Regional hub with art galleries, Smoky Hill Museum, and a lively downtown food scene.
- Fort Riley (30 min) – Tour the U.S. Cavalry Museum and historic military buildings on this active Army base.
- Milford Lake (30 min) – Great for fishing, boating, and hiking in one of Kansas’ largest reservoirs and recreation areas.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: What is Abilene known for historically?
- A: Abilene was the hometown of Dwight D. Eisenhower, America’s 34th President and a 5-Star General.
- Q: What is a notable attraction in Abilene related to Eisenhower?
- A: The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is located in Abilene.
- Q: What other attractions does Abilene offer?
- A: Visitors can ride the rails with the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, explore history, or dine on delicious food.
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