Abilene, TX

The 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum is dedicated to the members of the 12th Armored Division "Hellcats," who helped bring victory to the Allies in World War II. The museum features three floors of remarkable exhibits that include objects, items, and artifacts from the war, uniforms, weapons, photographs, dioramas, and vehicles as well as a haunting Holocaust memorial, all of which bring to life the story of the great men and women who comprised the 12th and their extreme sacrifices in the face of adversity. The museum has a gift shop that sells an array of collectibles, clothing, books, and children's toys inspired by the division.

1289 N. 2nd Street, Abilene, TX 79601, Phone: 325-677-6515

Home to more than 1,000 animals from around the globe, Abilene Zoological Gardens, also known as Abilene Zoo, is a place of wonderment, fun, and excitement for animal lovers of all ages. Spanning 16 acres, the zoo has a variety of diverse habitats, including a giraffe habitat where visitors can pet and feed the giraffes, a herpatarium (reptile house) with more than 80 species of reptiles and amphibians, and the Elm Creek Backyard, which houses cougars, bobcats, and armadillos. Other attractions include a tropical aviary, a wetlands boardwalk, and an adventure center complex with a gift shop and classrooms.

2070 Zoo Lane, Abilene, TX 79602, Phone: 325-676-6085

The Grace Museum is an art gallery in Abilene that is dedicated to showcasing art and artifacts from Abilene, Taylor County, and West Texas. Founded in 1937 by the Art League of the Abilene Woman's Club and housed in what used to be the elegant Grace Hotel, the Grace Museum houses five art galleries featuring changing art exhibitions from the permanent collection, much of which was acquired in the 1930s and 1940s. It also has an interactive gallery for children and families, a history gallery with permanent and rotating exhibits, featuring an array of historical artifacts, an education center, and an art library.

102 Cypress Street, Abilene, TX 79601, Phone: 325-673-4587

The Discovery Center is a creation museum/emporium committed to providing historical and scientific evidence for the truthfulness of God's word and how it relates to the issues of establishment and evolution. The second mission of the center is to expose the myth of evolution as anti-science and atheistic in nature. The center aims to do this through a variety of tours, classes, workshops, teaching seminars, and sponsoring special events. The Discovery Center also produces a daily radio program called 'A Discovery Minute' and is the physical headquarters of Overflow Ministries, an organization established by Tommy and Carolyn Walden for the purpose of teaching the Gospel.

810 Butternut St. Abilene, TX 79602, Phone: 325-673-5050

Located in what is known today as Jones County, Fort Phantom Hill is one Texas' most famous historical sites. Originally known as the "Post on the Clear Fork of the Brazos," the fort was a base for both the Confederate and US armies and was active from 1852 until the late 1890s as a second line to protect the westward-moving frontier of Texas settlement. Today, much of the old fort remains for visitors to discover and explore the rich history of this remarkable place and it features three original stone buildings, including a guardhouse made from stone, a stone powder magazine, and a semi-intact commissary as well as the original fort's stone foundations.

10818 FM 600, Abilene, TX 79601, Phone: 325-677-1309, Fax: 325-677-1399

Frontier Texas! is a 14,000-square-foot museum dedicated to showcasing the history of the American West. Located in downtown Abilene, the historical museum showcases the life and times of the settlers of the Old West through an array of fascinating exhibits, including a card game shootout, display attacks by Indian and wolves, a prairie thunderstorm, and stampeding buffalo. The museum also features depictions of Comanche warriors, buffalo hunters, and pioneers in the theater called the 'Century of Adventure.' Frontier Texas! also serves as a visitor information center for the Texas Forts Trail and features a gift shop.

625 N 1st St, Abilene, TX 79601, Phone: 325-437-2800

One of only a handful of planetariums in Texas, the Morgan Jones Planetarium is a family-friendly planetarium where space lovers can explore the night sky and learn more about the stars and the planets, learn about various space shuttles and stations, discover the Gemini program, and view cosmic castaways. Exhibits in the foyer of the planetarium include large telescopes, chunky moon rocks, and a real space suit. The planetarium offers a full schedule of shows for both adults and children throughout the year in the immense "star room."

3911 South 1st, Abilene, TX 79605, Phone: 325-676-7711

The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (NCCIL) is an American museum dedicated to illustrations in children's literature. Established in 2000, the center is designed to celebrate the best original art published in children's literature by collaborating with award-winning artists to produce a range of exhibitions that showcase their distinctive artwork. In addition to this unique artistic partnership, the center also offers opportunities to meet visiting artists during exhibition opening events, docent-led school tours for elementary classrooms, free art-based activities for the whole family, book signings by exhibiting artists, and annual summer camps.

102 Cedar - Abilene, TX 79601, Phone: 325-673-4586

Built in 1930 by H. O. Wooten, the Paramount Theater is a beautifully restored building that stands as a nostalgic glimpse into the cinematic and theatrical past of the nation. Elegant and grand, the building was lovingly restored to its former glory in 1986 and features a magnificent domed ceiling with moving clouds and glittering stars and a Spanish-Moorish interior with 1,199 split-aisle seats. One of the showcase theaters of the Southwest, the Paramount Theater hosts a variety of events, including films, musical productions, live theater performances and opera, concerts, dance, and private parties. Performing artists and groups include the Abilene Ballet Theatre, the Chameleon Performing Arts Company, the Abilene Opera Association, and the Classical Chorus of Abilene.

Paramount Theatre 352 Cypress St. Abilene, TX 79601, Phone: 325-676-9620