A cowtown winter wonderland
Kansas Tourism: Abilene, Kan., offers unique experiences from Christmas on through the winter holiday season.
Abilene, Kan., got its roots as a rough and rowdy cattle town: the last stop on the Chisholm Trail. As the cattle came, so did the cowboys, saloons and dance halls. When it was all said and done, more than 1.5 million head of cattle came up the trail to Abilene.
Abilene, Kan., got its roots as a rough and rowdy cattle town: the last stop on the Chisholm Trail. As the cattle came, so did the cowboys, saloons and dance halls. When it was all said and done, more than 1.5 million head of cattle came up the trail to Abilene.
[Seeyle Mansions Christmas decorations]
CHRISTMAS FINERY: A visit to Abilene, Kan., during the holidays isn’t complete without a stop at the Seelye Mansion to take in its Christmas decorations. (Courtesy of Kansas Tourism)
Those Wild West days may be long gone, but Abilene’s historic roots and Midwestern charm are now earning prestigious titles, including Best U.S. Small Town by TravelAwaits’ 2021 Best of Travel Awards, making it a perfect stop for a holiday weekend getaway!
We like Ike
The streets of Abilene have been graced by famous characters of the Old West, such as Wild Bill Hickok, John Wesley Hardin, and Jesse Chisholm. However, my most favorite person to hail from this city is none other than the 34th president of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene,” said Eisenhower in his June 22, 1945, homecoming speech, which still gives me goosebumps to this day. You can watch some of his most famous speeches and learn about his extraordinary life at the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home. The museum completed an intensive remodel in 2020, featuring new exhibits with interactive components. The museum has limited hours, so check eisenhowerlibrary.gov ahead of your visit for the latest information.