Abilene, Kansas Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America
By Courtnie Erickson|Published October 27, 2021
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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