Abilene Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

In the 1860s, Abilene, Kansas, was the northern terminus of the legendary cattle route known as the Chisholm Trail. Longhorn cattle from Texas were driven north on the trail to Kansas, one of the few Midwestern states with access to the railroad. As it grew into a boomtown, this town 85 mi/140 km west of Topeka became home to such famous Old West lawmen as Wild Bill Hickok and Tom Smith.

Rail lines expanded west and south, quickly bringing an end to Abilene's cow-town era, but not its prosperity. The Seelye Mansion, home of a patent-medicine mogul, is open for tours. The 25-room, 11-bedroom house has been restored to near-original condition, down to its furnishings and fixtures, and there's a lever-operated bowling alley. Many of its features were purchased at the 1904 World's Fair. The 1880 Lebold Mansion, now a private residence, is on the National Register of Historic Places. A history of Abilene's boomtown era is given during a trolley tour (Memorial Day-Labor Day).

One of the town's major claims to fame is former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who grew up there. Ike's legacy is celebrated at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, which includes his home (preserved as it was in 1946, when the general returned from his service in World War II), a museum, the Eisenhower Presidential Library and the Meditation Chapel (Ike and Mamie, his wife, are buried there).

For more history, buy a ticket to the Dickinson County Museum. It includes admission to the Heritage Center (focusing on pioneer life), the Museum of Independent Telephony (documenting the early history and development of the communications industry) and a ride on the 1901 C.W. Parker carousel.

Other Abilene sites include a Russell Stover Factory Outlet, located west of Abilene on Interstate 70; the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad (May-October); and the Brookville Hotel, which is famous for family-style chicken dinners.

Kansas is a major breeding center for greyhounds, and Abilene is home to the Greyhound Hall of Fame. The dogs were originally brought in to control the jackrabbit population.

The most important annual event in Abilene is the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo and Western Heritage Festival (August).

Overview

Introduction

Located 155 mi/240 km west of Dallas, Abilene, Texas, is no-nonsense and conservative, but it's capable of having a good time. The economy of this former Texas & Pacific railhead is based primarily on agriculture and oil.

The Abilene Zoo emphasizes animals from Texas, the Southwest and Central America but also includes species from Africa. Highlights include giraffes, African elephants, jaguars and ocelots.

The unique Frontier Texas! Western heritage center has reopened a renovated exhibit that brings the Texas frontier to life. The museum uses state-of-the-art technology to guide visitors through history with hologram "Spirit Guides" of famous Texas pioneers such as Cynthia Ann Parker and Pat Garrett.

Upon entering the museum grounds, guests are received by eight buffalo high above them and a massive weathervane. Inside, they find the exhibit Blood & Treasure on the Frontier, which includes a series of murals painted by local artist H.C. Zachry. Other features of the exhibit include a 37-seat welcome theater, a display of human scalps and newly acquired buffalo hunting artifacts with an interactive display. A Wild Land depicts life in early Texas, and Cowboy 101 features information on cowboys and cattle drives. http://www.frontiertexas.com.

Two historic sites are a short drive from Abilene. Fort Phantom Hill is the lonely, crumbling ruins of an 1850s Army post. Buffalo Gap Historic Village is a group of restored buildings from what was once the county seat. It includes an 1800s doctor's office, a bank and a railroad depot. http://www.buffalogap.com.

Abilene State Recreation Area has a spring-fed pool for swimming or just cooling off.