Mar 04, 2025

Abilene named finalist for USA TODAY's 'Best Historic Small Town'

Posted Mar 04, 2025 6:41 PM
Abilene CVB_Logo
Abilene CVB_Logo

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For the seventh consecutive year, USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice contest has named Abilene a finalist for Best Historic Small Town!

 This national recognition highlights Abilene, Kansas one of the nation’s top destinations for history lovers, reaffirming its reputation as a must-visit town where history isn’t just remembered—it’s experienced.

"Abilene isn’t just a town with history—it’s a town that makes history," said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Seven years as a finalist in a national contest speaks to our community’s dedication to sharing Abilene’s story and creating an unforgettable visitor experience."

Abilene consistently ranks among the contest’s top contenders, securing a Top 5 finish for the past five years. This continued success highlights the town’s lasting appeal, rich history, and long-standing tourism reputation.

Why Abilene? Because History Lives Here.

Step into Abilene, and you’re stepping into history—but this isn’t just a town with a past, it’s a place where history comes to life:

See the 11' statue of 5 Star General and 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower. The bronze statue of Dwight D. Eisenhower by Robert L. Dean, Jr. was presented to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum by the Harry and Edith Darby Foundation. The statue depicts Eisenhower in the familiar World War II "Eisenhower Jacket." The Georgia granite base has quotations from Eisenhower's illustrious careers as President of the United States, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, General of the Army, Supreme Allied Commander of Europe, and Chief of Staff of the Army.
See the 11' statue of 5 Star General and 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower. The bronze statue of Dwight D. Eisenhower by Robert L. Dean, Jr. was presented to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum by the Harry and Edith Darby Foundation. The statue depicts Eisenhower in the familiar World War II "Eisenhower Jacket." The Georgia granite base has quotations from Eisenhower's illustrious careers as President of the United States, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, General of the Army, Supreme Allied Commander of Europe, and Chief of Staff of the Army.

Explore the life and legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower, 5-Star General and 34th President of the United States, at the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home..

Ride the rails on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Kansas’ Official State Heritage Railroad

Watch Cowboys face off in an Old West showdown at Old Abilene Town

Named an “8 Wonders of Kansas – Architecture”, the Seelye Mansion is like a time capsule. Most of the home’s furnishings were purchased at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The furnishings cost more than $55,000 was spent building the 11,000-square-foot home. The home features the original Edison light fixtures and Tiffany-style mantel. Frank Lloyd Wright suggested remodeling the interior in the 1920s. The home was featured on the History Channel’s Mysteries at the Mansion. Visitors even get to bowl on the 1905 Box Ball Alley, which was purchased at the Chicago World’s Fair. Ike Fact: Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered ice to the Seelye Mansion as a young boy. The Seelye sisters recounted stories of Ike as a man from the “other side of the tracks.”
Named an “8 Wonders of Kansas – Architecture”, the Seelye Mansion is like a time capsule. Most of the home’s furnishings were purchased at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The furnishings cost more than $55,000 was spent building the 11,000-square-foot home. The home features the original Edison light fixtures and Tiffany-style mantel. Frank Lloyd Wright suggested remodeling the interior in the 1920s. The home was featured on the History Channel’s Mysteries at the Mansion. Visitors even get to bowl on the 1905 Box Ball Alley, which was purchased at the Chicago World’s Fair. Ike Fact: Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered ice to the Seelye Mansion as a young boy. The Seelye sisters recounted stories of Ike as a man from the “other side of the tracks.”

Tour the beautifully preserved Historic Seelye Mansion

Take a spin on a 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel at the Dickinson County Heritage Center.

Meet the Greyhounds and learn about their racing history at the Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum

Catch a live performance at the Great Plains Theatre, where stories come to life on stage.

Help Abilene Make History Again – Vote Now!Abilenehas consistently finished in the Top 10, but in 2025, we’re aiming for the #1 spot! The winner is determined by public vote, and every vote counts. Voting opens Monday, March 3, at 11:00 a.m. CST and runs through Monday, March 31, at 10:59 a.m. CST.

Vote daily at AbileneKansas.org/votenow or 10Best.com.

On June 22, 1945, Dwight D. Eisenhower said "The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene." Let’s show that pride by voting for Abilene every day!

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