Stop #3 Abilene, KS

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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:

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.