Abilene Vacations, Abilene Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Abilene, KS got its start in 1857 as a stagecoach stop. It grew to prominence when a stockyard was built there and the railroad arrived 10 years later to transport the cattle back east. Long cattle drives from Texas, on the Chisholm Trail, resulted in an economic boom and crime. Notable westerners such as Wild Bill Hickok and Bear River Tom Smith were hired to tame the town. General and later, President Dwight D. Eisenhower grew up in Abilene.

Today Abilene is home to about 6500 (2000 census) people. While that makes it a small town, it has plenty of attractions and diversions. Abilene is home to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, several historic mansions, Fashion Museum, The Greyhound (dog, not bus) Hall of Fame, Old Abilene Town, and the American Indian Art Center to name several.

The town has many festivals and fair scattered throughout the year and conducts trolley tours to the historic sites. Abilene is service by at least two campgrounds several chain hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, fast food, casual dining, and historic hometown restaurants, in addition to good shopping (Russell Stover Outlet for one) opportunities.

The climate is hot as hell in the summer and can get very cold in the winter. Extremes of 100 and sub zero are routine in their respective seasons.