> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://hiking-ohio.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Stop #3 Abilene, KS - URL: https://hiking-ohio.com/stop-3-abilene-ks/ - Published: 2026-07-29T19:35:50.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-31T13:15:33.000Z - Description: By 1871, several factors pushed the cattle trade westward. Kansas farmers opposed Texas longhorns because they carried ticks that spread Texas fever, and quarantine laws limited where Texas cattle could enter the state. - Author: Lori Jordan - Tags: abilene, kansas, cattle, texas, deight d eisenhower, west point, old abilene town, greyhounds, greyhounds capital, lewis and clark, walts, walts four seasons campground and store Abilene became the first major Kansas cowtown in 1867 when Joseph McCoy set up stockyards and a railhead, transforming a tiny settlement into a bustling cattle-shipping hub that sent over 1.5 million Texas longhorns east between 1867 and 1871\. After the Civil War, Texas ranchers had millions of longhorns but no railroads to reach northern markets. Kansas, with its expanding rail network — especially the Kansas Pacific Railway — was the closest place to drive herds for shipment. That year, McCoy, a young cattle dealer from Illinois, chose Abilene, then just “about a dozen log huts,” as the ideal railhead. He bought 250 acres and built the Great Western stockyards, the Drovers Cottage hotel, a telegraph line, and large loading chutes and pens for 2,000 cattle. ![Discovering time-honored traditions in Texas](https://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.clvLHWQyjh_zRI7d43Z2zgHaFj&pid=15.1&o=7&rm=3) ![Images of the Kansas Cowtowns - Kansas State History](https://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.qcUE1XjzkW7mECZS3Oe_DAHaDm&pid=15.1&o=7&rm=3) On September 5, 1867, the first trainload of Texas longhorns rolled out of Abilene bound for eastern markets, marking the start of the Kansas cattle trade. Back then, a steer worth just $2 in Texas could fetch $30–$40 in the East, making it a lucrative business. That year, Abilene shipped an impressive 35,000 cattle, and the Chisholm Trail quickly brought thousands of drovers and their herds into town. ## Life in Abilene During the Cattle Boom From 1867 to 1871, Abilene earned its title as the “Queen of the Cowtowns.” Each day was filled with the sights and sounds of endless longhorn herds, cowboys cutting loose on payday, and the lively bustle of saloons, gambling halls, and dance houses. Gunshots, rowdy drovers, swirling dust, frequent brawls, and a general air of lawlessness were all part of the scene. Law enforcement became legendary: - **Tom Smith**, marshal in 1870, known for using his fists instead of guns — killed in the line of duty. - **Wild Bill Hickok**, hired in 1871, kept order but was fired after accidentally killing his friend Mike Williams. ## Why Abilene’s Cattle Era Ended By 1871, several factors pushed the cattle trade westward. Kansas farmers opposed Texas longhorns because they carried ticks that spread Texas fever, and quarantine laws limited where Texas cattle could enter the state. Homesteaders’ fences blocked traditional open-range routes, while other towns — especially Dodge City — became more accessible and less regulated. As a result, Abilene’s cattle-shipping era lasted only five years, ending in 1871. ## **Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau** The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau sits in the beautifully restored 1928 Union Pacific Depot, a historic spot where a young Dwight D. Eisenhower once departed for West Point. Inside, the visitor center offers maps, travel tips, exhibits, and local recommendations. A perfect stop for history buffs and train enthusiasts alike. ![Historic train station building along a street in Abilene Kansas](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179875133-train station.webp) The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad is Kansas’ only operating heritage steam railroad, offering plenty to enjoy. Take an excursion on a beautifully restored 1919 Baldwin steam locomotive (Santa Fe No. 3415) for a scenic 10½-mile round trip through the Smoky Hill River Valley. Ride in antique passenger coaches, some dating back to the early 1900s, and explore the nearby Fred Schmidt Railroad Museum filled with fascinating artifacts and exhibits. ## **Old Abilene Town** Old Abilene Town is a recreated 1870s frontier settlement that brings to life Abilene’s history as the end of the Chisholm Trail. Visitors can wander through replica buildings like a saloon, marshal’s office, and general store, or check out the Trail Center museum with its hands-on exhibits about cattle drives and pioneer life. There’s also a detailed scale model of Abilene in 1871, plus lively summer events like gunfight reenactments, can-can shows, and other Old West entertainment. ## **Greyhound Capital of the World** ![Greyhound Hall of Fame exterior with a bronze greyhound statue on a stone wall](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785000702238-IMG_20260604_140631519_HDR.webp) The Greyhound Hall of Fame is a unique museum in Kansas, dedicated to preserving the history of greyhound racing and honoring the dogs and people who shaped the sport. Opened in 1973 in Abilene, right across from the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home, it sits in what’s known as the “Greyhound Capital of the World.” Abilene earned this title as the home of the National Greyhound Association, which moved its headquarters there in 1945 and registers racing greyhounds across North America. The museum features: Hall of Fame inductees—both legendary racing greyhounds and influential trainers, breeders, and owners. Racing trophies, photographs, artwork, and memorabilia. Exhibits tracing the history of greyhounds from ancient Egypt through modern racing. Information about breeding, training, and the development of greyhound racing in North America. The museum is the only institution in North America devoted entirely to the history of greyhound racing. It documents both the sporting heritage of racing greyhounds and the role Abilene played as the administrative and breeding center of the industry. It has also been recognized by travel writers as one of America's most unique specialty museums. The surrounding Dickinson County has long been one of the nation's leading areas for breeding racing greyhounds, with numerous breeding farms operating in the region. Today, while commercial greyhound racing has largely disappeared in the United States, the museum remains an important historical archive preserving the legacy of the sport, the breed, and the people who were involved in it. **Visiting Information** Address: 407 S. Buckeye Ave., Abilene, Kansas Admission: Free (donations appreciated) Hours: Usually Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (hours can change seasonally). **Friendly retired racing greyhounds that often greet visitors, making it especially popular with dog lovers.** ![Museum display case with a stuffed white greyhound and historical photos](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785000740429-.trashed-1784124397-IMG_20260604_142650553_HDR.webp) ![Mechanical greyhound race tote board showing dog numbers outside the hall](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785000740329-IMG_20260604_140605864_HDR.webp) ![Bronze sculpture of a racing greyhound mid-stride in a museum gallery](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785000744329-IMG_20260604_142633244_HDR.webp) ![Early Tracks museum exhibit panel with photos and a greyhound model](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785000744438-IMG_20260604_142716838_HDR.webp) ![The Athlete exhibit with numbered racing greyhounds on a red display wall](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785000740340-IMG_20260604_143034653_HDR.webp) ![Framed 1973 Derby Lane quintela race ticket display at the Greyhound Hall of Fame](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785000732230-IMG_20260604_143103492_HDR.webp) ![Trophy case with a silver bowl and historic greyhound racing photographs](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785000744828-IMG_20260604_143223394_HDR.webp) ![Display of racing trophies under a painting of greyhounds at the finish](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785178696730-IMG_20260604_142547950_HDR.webp) ![Outdoor sculpture of a greyhound on a pedestal in front of a museum building](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785178727131-IMG_20260604_140540757_HDR.jpg) ## **Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home** #### **Hours of Operation** **Tuesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.** - Last museum entry is one hour prior to closing - The library is open by appt. only - Campus grounds open daily sunrise to sunset - Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Days Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home 200 SE 4th Street Abilene, KS 67410 ### Fees | | **Adult** | **Senior (62+)** | **Student(K12/College w/ID)** | | ----------------- | --------- | ---------------- | ----------------------------- | | **Museum + Home** | $20 | $17 | $15 | | **Museum only** | $15 | $12 | $10 | | **Home only** | $7 | $7 | $7 | The Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home keeps alive the place where Dwight D. Eisenhower lived from 1898 to 1911, before heading to the U.S. Military Academy. Though born in Denison, Texas, he always thought of Abilene as his hometown. ![Tree-lined walkway toward the Eisenhower Presidential Library complex](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179092958-1V3A1071.JPG) ![Stone Library sign on a lawn at the Eisenhower Presidential Library grounds](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179128533-1V3A1072.JPG) ![Bronze plaque on a granite base with a chain border on the library grounds](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179143569-1V3A1091.JPG) ![Statue of Dwight D Eisenhower on a pedestal under a blue sky](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179098831-1V3A1092.JPG) ![Stone Museum sign on the Eisenhower Presidential Library campus](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179138134-1V3A1093.JPG) ![Eisenhower Home historic house with a brown wooden sign and picnic tables](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179117545-1V3A1051.JPG) ![Place of Meditation chapel with a steeple and circular fountain in front](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179103043-1V3A1057.JPG) ![Eisenhower and Mamie graves covered with stone slabs inside the Place of Meditation](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179135440-1V3A1065.JPG) ![Paved path through a green park with large trees on the library grounds](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179136835-1V3A1068.JPG) Highlights of the boyhood home include the original two-story family house, still furnished with items left by his mother, Ida, when she passed in 1946; tales of growing up with six brothers in a small home centered on hard work, education, and faith; and its thoughtful preservation since the brothers donated it to a foundation in 1947\. Guided tours lead visitors through rooms like the parlor, dining room, bedrooms, and kitchen, sharing stories from Eisenhower’s childhood. The home sits on a 22-acre campus that also includes the presidential museum, library and archives, and the Place of Meditation, where Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower are buried. ![Historic bedroom with two iron twin beds and floral quilts in the Eisenhower Home](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785178847735-web beds.webp) ![Open family Bible displayed under glass in a museum room](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785178855035-web bible.webp) ![Kitchen interior with blue wallpaper, white cabinets, and a small table](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785178837034-web kitfcchen.webp) ![Living room with an orange armchair, patterned rug, and houseplants](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785178824846-web lr.webp) ![Grain elevators and silos behind a chain-link fence in rural Kansas](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785178850332-web p silo.webp) ![Wall-mounted antique telephone next to a wooden cabinet in a period room](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785178835732-web phone.webp) ![Framed black-and-white family photograph on blue floral wallpaper](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785178853438-web pic.webp) ![Corner of a historic room with a treadle sewing machine and wooden chairs](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785178845034-web sew.webp) ![Single iron bed with a striped quilt in a small historic bedroom](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785178829629-webp bed.webp) Visiting the boyhood home gives you a glimpse into the simple Midwestern setting that shaped one of America’s most iconic military leaders and presidents. Many people also stop by the nearby Greyhound Hall of Fame and explore Abilene’s historic downtown for a full day of soaking in the city’s rich history. ## **Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store** Walt's Campground, now known as **Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store**, is located about 6 miles east of Abilene, Kansas, at the intersection of I-70 and K-43 (Mink Road). As we were getting off I-70 onto Mink Road, I thought this isn't the campground....is it? It was and it really turned out to be a nice place. In 2020, Walter (“Bud”) and Kelly McKenzie bought the campground after spending a year researching and living in RV parks to learn the business. The campground has long served travelers along Interstate 70, but since taking over, they’ve made big upgrades—improving electrical service, renovating the swimming pool, and adding amenities like walking trails, a fishing pond, dog park, mini golf, playground, and storage for boats and campers. Today the campground includes 64 full-service campsites, a Phillips 66 fuel station, convenience store, grocery, laundry, event venue, and year-round camping facilities. Adding U-Haul rentals and expanding the country store and deli. ![Walts Talking Trees Nature Trail wooden directional signs under trees](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179387230-IMG_20260605_152602875_HDR.jpg) ![Owl house mounted high on a tree trunk among green leaves](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179400631-1V3A1219.JPG) ![Gas station canopy with a red SUV and empty pumps on a wet lot](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179377935-phillip.webp) ![Mini golf course with a blue clubhouse and windmill in open countryside](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179380432-putt.webp) ![Outdoor swimming pool area fenced beside a blue building and windmill](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179374226-swim.webp) ![Convenience store aisles stocked with snacks and drinks](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179498935-store fish.webp) ![Rustic store counter with mounted fish plaques and guitars on a wood wall](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179498330-store guitar.webp) The campground also serves the local community by hosting civic groups and events, including meetings of the Kiwanis Club. - **Address:** 2500 Mink Road, Abilene, KS 67410 - **Interstate Access:** Exit 281 on I-70 - **Distance from Downtown Abilene:** About 6 miles east Enjoy full-hookup RV sites or tent camping with free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and a modern shower house. Have fun at the playground, dog park, catch-and-release fishing pond, or mini golf course. Explore the nature trail, gather around campfire rings, and play horseshoes or cornhole. Convenient amenities include laundry facilities, a country store stocked with groceries and camping supplies, plus 24-hour gasoline and diesel. Convenient for visiting attractions such as the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home and other historic sites. ## **Lewis and Clark Bears** When we started planning for this trip, my brother-in-law started calling us Lewis and Clark. I was able to order Lewis and Clark bears from eBay. Here are some pictures of the bears enjoying the trip: ![Two travel teddy bears on a car dashboard overlooking a highway and barns](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179322635-bear.webp) ![Two travel teddy bears sitting on white hotel pillows](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179311367-bears 2.webp) ![Spring rider playground horse with a teddy bear on the seat](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179338136-horse.webp) ![Metal jungle gym climbing structure with a teddy bear on the bars](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179337534-jungle.webp) ![Airplane-shaped playground spring rider with a teddy bear aboard](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179328831-plane.webp) ![Green disk swing with two teddy bears sitting on the seat](https://cdn.hiking-ohio.com/blog-hiking/2026/07/1785179321035-swing.webp) ## **Conclusion:** Abilene Kansas turned out to be a wonderful place to visit. There were many things to see and do. I didn't expect that. Abilene is definitely worth a stop if you are traveling in Kansas.