Start from 16 curated places around Abilene, KS, then choose the recommendations that fit your guests.
Restaurants & cafés
Ike's Place Bar & Grill
A downtown bar and grill plating burgers, sandwiches and casual American fare with good service and a relaxed room. It is the easy, central spot for a no-fuss meal and a drink. Friendly and dependable.
Tossed N Sauced
A locally owned pizza spot with dough made fresh daily and hand-tossed crusts, a downtown anchor for over three decades. The casual family favourite in town does pizza, pasta and wings with a friendly room and free delivery within Abilene. Simple and dependable.
Trails & outdoors
Little Ike Park
A compact downtown park built around a statue of a young Dwight Eisenhower, with brick walkways, benches and shade trees in the heart of the historic district. It is an easy green space for a short stroll or a pause between the downtown sights, and home to the World's Largest 'I Like Ike' button. Small and pleasant.
Eisenhower Park
A leafy city park near the presidential complex with shaded paths, a pond and open green space, the convenient option for an easy stroll between sights. It is the everyday local green space, flat and family-friendly. Simple and pleasant.
Things to do
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
A heritage excursion railroad running vintage trains through the Smoky Hill River valley on a leisurely round trip from town. It is a relaxed, scenic ride into the countryside, a hit with kids and rail fans alike. A pleasant couple of hours back in time.
Greyhound Hall of Fame
A free museum devoted to the racing greyhound, with exhibits on the breed's history and, usually, retired greyhounds on hand to meet. It is a quirky, only-here stop reflecting Abilene's place in the sport's history. Quick, charming and unexpected.
Landmarks & sights
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
A 22-acre presidential complex around Ike's boyhood home, with a deep museum of his life from supreme allied commander to president, his library, and the chapel where he is buried. It is among the best presidential sites in the country and Abilene's defining draw. Allow real time; it is a substantial and moving visit.
Seelye Mansion
An 11,000-square-foot 1905 mansion furnished almost entirely with pieces bought at the 1904 World's Fair, named one of Kansas's wonders of architecture. The Edison lamps, a built-in 1904 bowling alley and the patent-medicine fortune behind it all make for a fascinating tour. A time capsule of Gilded Age ambition on the prairie.