Location: Abilene
Top Things to do in Abilene
7 Things to Do in Abilene That You Shouldn't Miss
Abilene (pronounced /ˈæbɪliːn/) is a city in and the county seat of Dickinson County, Kansas, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 6,844. The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is located in Abilene.
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1. Dwight D. Eisenhower Library and Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 668 reviews
Reviewed By NieSam - Maine
We spent over four hours visiting and I still completely missed one of the buildings! I could easily have spent the entire day here. Also, I’d have found it helpful to know that the introductory movie at the Visitor Center starts on the hour and half hour. We had just missed the start by a few minutes so had to wait for the next one.
When we paid, I was given tickets to the next available tour of Ike's boyhood home. We sat on the benches outside and were called in to tour the first floor. It’s amazing that so many people lived in the house! The docent was knowledable and we enjoyed her pointing out things like the homemade quilts. It’s impressive that the brothers were all so accomplished in their lives!
We left the tour to head back to the Visitor Center to see the next movie which gave a great overview of Eisenhower’s life. It was done well.
Our next stop was the Museum. I was excited to see there was a temporary exhibit on the Chisholm Trail. It was really interesting but wordy. I spent a half hour there and still had more to read so I took photos of the scripts to read at home. It was all very informative, especially about the Texas Longhorns.
I found all the exhibits in the museum to be informative and well thought out. I enjoyed seeing the section on Mrs Eisenhower including her clothing! But I loved the section on Ike’s military career and learned a lot about him there, much more so than by reading a book. His responsibility for the DDay invasion was staggering. The exhibits on the hardscape built for the invasion was wonderful. I’d not been able to envision it without seeing the models.
I was stunned to see the cases of medals he had been given after the war ended. He was truly an accomplished man, including serving as President of Columbia University. His Presidency section was also interesting. I’d not realized he was responsible for the Interstate Highway System, NASA, and Civil Rights Acts. I was surprised he preferred being addressed as General versus President. We’d also noted that on General Andrew Jackson's gravestone.
My last stop was the Place of Meditation where he, Mamie, and their son are buried. It’s a beautiful, contemplative space with the stained glass and the small fountain.
There was an exhibit in the Library on WWI but it was five minutes from closing when I left the gravesite. I would definitely return!
2. Seelye Mansion
Overall Ratings
5 based on 114 reviews
Reviewed By Sweetpea047 - Abilene, Kansas
Beautiful place to visit and hear the history of the mansion. From ground floor to top level to basement amazing visit. A must see.
3. Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By Henry A - Hays, Kansas
This is a great attraction. We had a shortened trip to accommodate our time schedule. The kids had a great time. The staff running the train were very professional and friendly.
4. Heritage Center of Dickinson County
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By Katrina G - Ely, Iowa
The Heritage Center in Abilene is like taking a trip back in time. We visited the restored General Store, Old School, the Farm Implement Shed, and, best of all, the 1901 Carousel built by C.W. Parker. We love carousels, and this one is special. Instead of the horses going up and down on poles, they rock back and forth to mimic the motion of a real horse. The calliope is outstanding. Definitely worth a ride, no matter what your age!
5. Russell Stover Candy Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Shirley L - chicago
They have kinds of chocolate not typically seen in stores. Also ice cream. The deals are good. From boxed chocolate to mix and match fill your own bags. Oh yum.
6. Greyhound Hall of Fame
Overall Ratings
4 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By DandLtravel - Burbank, California
Museum is large, well appointed with lots of information presented. You'll be greeted immediately by two retired racers and pleasant staff. There's a small gift shop as well.
Number of stars would be higher if I could ethically support the sport of greyhound racing - or if they were brave enough to present the other (dark) side of the sport.
7. Great Plains Theatre
Overall Ratings
5 based on 22 reviews
Great Plains Theatre is a professional regional theatre drawing audiences and actors from across the nation. We offer vibrant year-round educational youth programming in addition to Improv and live music. GPT also houses Abilene's only movie theater.
Reviewed By Jerry J
As always professional staff s highly talented. Director provides highly entertaining performances. Play has a really notable message despite the songs being just so -so. Following play were cabaret performances by cast and staff. Very enjoyable but way way too long. Didn't leave theatre until...MoreGlad you got a chance to enjoy the show and the aftershow.
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