5 Ways to Celebrate Kansas Day
Mark the state’s birthday on Kansas Day, Jan. 29, or on any day by visiting these historic sites. Can’t make it until summer? Be sure to ride the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad excursion train and watch can can dancers and gunfighters in Old Abilene Town in addition to this list.
1. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home
Tour the boyhood home President Dwight D. Eisenhower shared with his parents, grandfather, and five brothers. Then explore the newly renovated exhibits inside the Museum to learn more about the only President to call Kansas “home”. Did you know Ike once said “The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene!”?
Location: 200 Southeast Fourth Street
2. Heritage Center (Dickinson County Historical Society)
Ride the 1901 hand-carved carousel and then explore a log cabin, one-room school, barn, and switchboard telephone office. Learn about pioneer life, the Chisholm Trail, and more Kansas history from exhibits inside the Center, which also houses the Museum of Independent Telephony’s interactive displays explaining the history of the telephone and the role Abilene’s C.L. Brown played in the development of today’s Sprint telecommunications corporation.
Location: 412 S Campbell
3. Seelye Mansion and Patent Medicine Museum
Roll a ball down the alley of the 1904 Box Ball, a modified version of bowling, at this 1905 mansion named one of the “8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture.” Inside the 25 rooms are original furnishings purchased at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, Edison light fixtures, and a Tiffany-designed fireplace. Nearby, the Patent Medicine Museum contains artifacts of the A.B. Seelye Medical Company that was founded in 1890 and produced over 100 products including cure-alls Wasa-Tusa, Fro-zona, and Ner-vena.
Location: 1105 North Buckeye Avenue
4. Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum
View the photographic work of three generations of the Jeffcoat family who operated this studio while also capturing on film local people, places, and community events, documenting life in the area over several decades. Also, see how camera equipment changed over the years.
Location: 321 North Broadway
5. Greyhound Hall of Fame
Pet the resident greyhounds, both retired racers, and discover how Abilene became the “Greyhound Capital of the World” because of the number of greyhound farms located on the area’s sandy soil that was perfect for training the world’s fastest canine. View displays of greyhounds from ancient times to today and learn about greyhound racing.
Location: 407 South Buckeye