When it comes to the charm, history, and genuine Kansas hospitality that define the Sunflower State’s finest small towns, Abilene shines brightest in 2025. Consistently named not just Kansas’s “Best Small Town to Visit” but also a national finalist in USA TODAY’s 10Best “Best Historic Small Town” awards, Abilene offers a captivating blend of pioneer legacy, presidential history, and vibrant present-day attractions.
A Legacy Steeped in American History
Abilene is perhaps most famous as the hometown of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Visitors can lose themselves in the legacy of the 34th President at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home, a centerpiece complex that includes his childhood home and final resting place. This world-class museum attracts history lovers, curious travelers, and those inspired by Eisenhower’s story from across the globe.
But Abilene isn’t just about famous names. The town invites you to:
Step back in time with a visit to Old Abilene Town, where recreated streets and costumed cowboys bring the Old West to life.
Ride the rails on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, the Official State Heritage Railroad of Kansas.
Marvel at the Seelye Mansion, an exquisitely preserved estate featuring original furnishings and fascinating architecture.
Take a spin on the hand-carved, fully operational 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel at the Dickinson County Heritage Center – a delight for all ages.
Celebrate unique culture at the Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum and enjoy performances at the Great Plains Theatre.
A Town That Makes—and Lives—History
Abilene’s story is woven into the fabric of the American West. Once a booming cowtown at the end of the Chisholm Trail, it attracted entrepreneurs, pioneers, and legendary lawmen like Wild Bill Hickok. Today, its carefully preserved downtown features antique shops, cozy cafes, and friendly locals eager to share tales of the frontier era.
The town’s dedication to preserving and sharing its vibrant history has earned national recognition time and time again. As a finalist in USA TODAY’s 10Best contest for seven consecutive years, and named one of Smithsonian Magazine’s “Top 20 Small Towns to Visit in the U.S.,” Abilene continues to draw visitors in search of a genuine Kansas experience.
What Makes Abilene Truly Special?
Authenticity: The sense of real, lived history permeates every street and attraction.
Community spirit: Residents take immense pride in their town, as captured in Eisenhower’s own words: “The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene.”
Endless discovery: Whether you’re interested in presidential history, railroad nostalgia, classic Americana, or quirky roadside museums, Abilene offers something memorable at every turn.
Active preservation: Ongoing recognition and community initiatives ensure Abilene remains dynamic, welcoming, and full of surprises for every visitor.
Abilene, Kansas, isn’t just the state’s “Best Small Town”—it’s a living, breathing chapter of American history where every visitor becomes a part of its story. If you’re searching for an unforgettable Kansas getaway, set your sights on Abilene and get ready to experience where history truly lives.
Sources
[1] https://www.ksal.com/best-small-town-in-kansas/
[2] https://abilenekansas.org/votenow
[3] https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/8-quirkiest-kansas-towns-to-visit-in-2025.html
[4] https://in.hotels.com/go/usa/us-must-visit-small-towns-kansas
[5] https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-live-in-kansas
