Best Things to Do in Abilene, Kansas

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Posted August 8, 2024

If you’re looking for a great day trip from Kansas City or a weekend stop along I-70, then you need to plan a trip to Abilene! There are so many things to do in Abilene, Kansas–from seeing the World’s Largest Belt Buckle, to riding a historic train and carousel, to learning about America’s history in President Eisenhower’s hometown, Abilene has so much to offer. Many of the tourist attractions in Abilene, Kansas are free or cheap, which is a bonus for any budget travelers. 

Abilene, Kansas was named one of the Top 10 True Western Town of the Year by True West Magazine in 2023 and 2024, The Best Kansas Attraction by US Today, and The Best Small Town to Visit in 2023 by Travel Awaits. If the accolades alone aren’t enough to convince you to go, here is a whole list of things to do in Abilene, Kansas that will make you want to plan a weekend trip from Kansas City or a day trip from Kansas City! 

If you’re looking for more remarkable places in Kansas, check out the 10 Best Hidden Gems in Kansas.

Things to do in Abilene, Kansas

Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad

If you’re looking for a fun and unique train experience, then you need to try the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad! My son loves trains and so this was definitely a highlight for him! This heritage railroad ride offers scenic train rides through the local Kansas countryside, complete with vintage locomotives. 

The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad takes about 2 hours including a half hour stop at a local mill. You can choose to sit in an air-conditioned or heated closed car or an open-air car. The seats are not reserved, so you can choose when you board the train. It’s best to get there early so that you have the first choice of seat. 

We took the morning train which offered the option to purchase donuts and coffee. My kids loved the donuts and I loved the coffee. We sat in the indoor train car on the way to the mill while we ate and then switched to the open-air train car on the ride back. My kids had a lot of fun, but did get a little restless near the end of the 45-minute train ride to the mill. I was glad they had donuts to keep them entertained. Then riding back they loved getting to get up and walk around more on the open-air train car. 

The half-hour stop has a working mill where they grind wheat into flour. There is a small shop with local goods, snacks, and water. You can also ride on the locomotive during the stop, which was a unique experience my kids loved! You get on the engine and ride it about one tenth of a mile out and back. I have never ridden on a train locomotive before, so it was interesting to see it from the conductor’s viewpoint.

There aren’t restrooms on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad train, so be sure to go before you leave. There is a handicap accessible ramp to board the train at the first stop, but there isn’t one at the layover, so anyone in a wheelchair will have to remain on the train for the full two hours. 

This ride is free with Kansas Tourism’s Summer Sunflower program, which offers local residents with school-aged children during the summers. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Abilene, Kansas the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad needs to be at the top of your list! 

Old Abilene Town

Old Abilene Town is a cute, rustic western town. You can walk through it 7 days a week, but if you go during one of their events you will find live reenactments, gunfight shows, and can-can dancers. There are more activities in the busy summer months, but they also have Halloween and Christmas celebrations. The Chisholm Trail Days Festival during Labor Day weekend has a live cattle drive, country music, and more! 

This family-friendly attraction offers a glimpse into Abilene’s wild past, making it the perfect spot for both education and fun things to do in Abilene, Kansas. 

Dickinson County Heritage Center

The Dickinson County Heritage Center is fun for visitors of all ages. This museum has a variety of exhibits, including Native American artifacts, pioneer memorabilia, and agricultural displays. 

My kids loved the outdoor village and the beautifully restored 1901 C.W. Parker carousel– which you can still ride! I was surprised to learn that adults can ride it as well. We explored the historic village, which was a great hands-on learning experience for my kids to see what life would have been like in the past. 

World’s Largest in Abilene

If you love visiting “world’s largest” things, then you won’t want to miss these Abilene, Kansas tourist attractions. 

Abilene has the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. This massive cowboy belt buckle is ornately decorated with images that represent Abilene, Kansas. There is a spiral staircase behind the belt buckle so you can get your picture at the top looking over the buckle. 

Abilene is also home to the World’s Largest “I like Ike” campaign pin. Abilene has embraces their heritage as President Eisenhower’s hometown and has a campaign of signs around the town with the phrase “I like” before them, like “I like Abilene” or “I like libraries.” I thought it was a cute way to decorate and unify the town, and the giant “I like Ike” pin does that as well. 

Rittel’s Western Wear is a famous Western shop in Abilene, Kansas. This store has a giant cowboy boot spur in front of it. This used to be the largest spur, but now it has been overtaken and holds the record of second place. 

Cowboy Art Trail 

Abilene is decorated with nods to its western heritage. You will find a series of murals depicting western themes throughout the town. There are also cowboy boots decorated by local artists around town. You will find the boots around the most iconic places as you’re exploring all the things to do in Abilene, Kansas. 

Downtown Abilene

If you like unique shops, boutiques, local eats or souvenirs then you need to visit Abilene’s charming downtown. Be sure to stop by Little Ike Park to see one of the cowboy boots on the Cowboy Art Trail, a cute little park, my personal favorite Abilene mural, and walk down the side street just a little to find the World’s Largest I Like Ike pin! 

Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home

If you’re looking for things to do in Abilene, Kansas then the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home is an absolute must! This complex honors the life and legacy of the 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Explore the museum’s exhibits, which cover Eisenhower’s military career, presidency, and personal life. Then walk over to his childhood home, beautifully preserved to reflect the era in which he grew up.

Seelye Mansion

The Seelye Mansion is one of the 8 Architectural Wonders of Kansas. This historic home, built in 1905, is a stunning example of Georgian Revival architecture. The mansion is filled with original furnishings and features innovative designs for its time, including Edison light fixtures. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the lives of the Seelye family, the mansion’s unique history, and allow you to bowl at the interior bowling alley purchased at the World’s Fair in 1904. 

Eisenhower Park and Rose Garden 

If you’re looking for a place to walk around and take in some natural beauty, I recommend Eisenhower Park and Rose Garden. I loved the rose garden, which had beautiful archways, tons of flowers, and a fountain in a public city park. Across a small street is a playground which my kids loved and picnic tables.

Greyhound Hall of Fame

Dog lovers and sports enthusiasts alike will enjoy a visit to the Greyhound Hall of Fame. This museum celebrates the history and heritage of greyhound racing, featuring exhibits on famous greyhounds, the sport’s development, and the breeding and training of these incredible dogs. The museum also has 2 live greyhounds on-site, allowing visitors to greet some retired racing dogs. The museum is free, but donations are appreciated.

Where to Eat and Stay 

As you’re touring around all the things to do in Abilene, Kansas you will get hungry! Luckily Abilene has some great options to satisfy your palette. My kids’ favorite restaurant was Tossed n’ Sauced, a pizza place downtown. They had great gluten free pizza too! We also enjoyed M&R Grill. If you’re looking for ice cream or BBQ, head over to Midwest Creamery & Q. Also don’t miss the Russell Stover Store with tons of great chocolates and sundaes. 

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Abilene, Kansas. It was clean and had a great breakfast. If you’re looking for a more unique and historical place to stay, Abilene’s Victorian Inn Bed and Breakfast or the Engle House Bed and Breakfast look like excellent stays. 

Annual Events and Festivals

Abilene hosts several annual events and festivals throughout the year. The Central Kansas Free Fair, one of the largest fairs in the state, features livestock shows, carnival rides, and entertainment. 

The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo happens each summer with a number of competitors and community events. There is even mutton busting for kids who want to experience the rodeo in a safer way by riding on a sheep. 

Chisholm Trail Days happens every Labor Day weekend to celebrate the town’s cowboy heritage with a cattle drive, can-can dancers, and live music. 

The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad has themed train rides in the fall with trick-or-treating and a search for Peanuts characters along the route. For Christmas, there is a Santa train with a special appearance by the big man himself. These events provide a perfect opportunity to experience Abilene’s culture and hospitality.

Conclusion

Abilene, Kansas is the perfect day trip from Kansas City or weekend trip from Kansas City if you like family fun, history, or are looking for a western experience. Whether you’re exploring its historic sites, enjoying a scenic train ride, or simply soaking in the local charm, there are tons of things to do in Abilene, Kansas.

If you are looking for more destinations close to Kansas City check out my blog post 7 Best Weekend Trips from Kansas City or 10 Best Day Trips from Kansas City.

Plan your visit today and discover all that this delightful Kansas town has to offer.