Kansas is home to dozens of charming small towns with beautiful views, rich history, and excellent places to eat. However, there is one small town in the Sunflower State that the well-known Esquire Magazine is calling one of the best small town vacations in America — Abilene.
Abilene has a rich history that dates back to 1858 when the Hersey family settled in the area and built a log cabin. They named the cabin Abilene, meaning “City of Plains.”
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Abilene’s growth didn’t occur overnight but in 1867, the Kansas Pacific Railroad was built and the small town began to flourish.
The All-Nite Images from NY, NY, USA/Wikimedia Commons
Abilene played a significant role in the transporting of cattle from Texas to various markets in the United States. The cattle would be loaded onto the train in Abilene and then sent around the country.
Abilene Kansas/Facebook
Fast forward to today — Abilene is a charming small town with more than 6,000 residents.
Abilene Kansas/Facebook
This small town in Kansas is most well-known as the childhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States.
Visit Abilene Kansas/Facebook When in Abilene, you can visit President Eisenhower’s boyhood home, as well as the Eisenhower Library and Museum. Click here to learn more about this historic site in Kansas.
During your visit, make sure you stop by the Seelye Mansion. This mansion was named one of the “8 Wonders of Kansas — Architecture” and during your visit, you’ll easily see why.
Historic Seelye Mansion/Facebook Many of the furnishings in this incredible 11,000 square foot home were purchased at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Click here to learn more about the history of this mansion and current tour options.
Of course, you can’t visit this small town without taking a train ride on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. From dinner trains to a daily excursion, there are journeys the entire family will enjoy.
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad/Facebook For more information regarding the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, click here.
If you want to see what life was like when living in Abilene so long ago, spend some time in Old Abilene Town.
The All-Nite Images from NY, NY, USA/Wikimedia Commons During the summer, you can explore this area and view gunfights, can-can dancers, and other reenactors. You’ll feel like you truly are living in the Old West. Click here to learn more about Old Abilene Town.
To learn more about Abilene, visit the City of Abilene website. To see what other small towns made Esquire Magazine’s list of the charming American towns you haven’t heard of but need to visit ASAP, click here.
BrookePierce/ iStock Via Getty Images Plus
The All-Nite Images from NY, NY, USA/Wikimedia Commons
Abilene Kansas/Facebook
Visit Abilene Kansas/Facebook
When in Abilene, you can visit President Eisenhower’s boyhood home, as well as the Eisenhower Library and Museum. Click here to learn more about this historic site in Kansas.
Historic Seelye Mansion/Facebook
Many of the furnishings in this incredible 11,000 square foot home were purchased at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Click here to learn more about the history of this mansion and current tour options.
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad/Facebook
For more information regarding the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, click here.
During the summer, you can explore this area and view gunfights, can-can dancers, and other reenactors. You’ll feel like you truly are living in the Old West. Click here to learn more about Old Abilene Town.
For a unique way to explore Abilene, take a carriage ride. Wild Heart Carriages offers carriage and wagon rides throughout Old Abilene Town and the surrounding area. Learn more about these rides here.
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Address: Abilene, KS 67410, USA
