All Aboard for Labor Day Weekend Fun!
Labor Day weekend is right around the corner and if you're on the hunt for where to spend the long weekend, look no further than Abilene, Kansas.
1. See the World's Largest Operating Steam Locomotive
The Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 will arrive in Abilene on Thursday, September 2 at 4:30 pm. This is a must-see for train lovers of all ages. The simple comparison between its size and the size of the depot is remarkable! Tip: Make sure to bring your camera to capture photos of this beautiful steam engine!
2. Shop Small at Abilene's 2nd Annual Boutique Crawl
COVID-19 has affected businesses of all sizes, but Abilene's Boutique Crawl gives shoppers an extra incentive to get out and support small businesses. The fun starts on Thursday, September 2 at 5:30 pm at Little Ike Park. The first 50 shoppers will receive special goodie bags. Complete your boutique passport for a chance to win special prizes.
3. Ride the Rails with the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Now that you've experienced a train up close, you'll definitely want to go for a ride!
- Saturday, September 4 - departures at 10 am and 2 pm
- Sunday, September 5 - departures at 2 pm
- Monday, September 6 - departures at 10 am and 2 pm
Update: Ordinarily, the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad's steam engine runs during Labor Day weekend. However, due to mechanical difficulties, the Diesel Engine will be running on Labor Day Weekend, not the Steam Engine.
4. Enjoy hard-working draft horses on display - *Canceled due to rain*
9/3/2021 Old Abilene Town Update:
We regret to announce the cancellation of tonight's draft horse pull due to heavy rain last night and again in the forecast this evening. Saturday events are still scheduled. We can get undercover and inside for a lot of it. The concert will still go on.
Thank you for your understanding and we hope to reschedule the draft horse pull in the near future. We will keep you posted.
These draft horses give a new meaning to horsepower! Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy an evening at Old Abilene Town watching these incredible draft horses do what they do best: pull.
Admission: $10
5. Celebrate the Chisholm Trail
On September 5, 1867, the first load of longhorns left Abilene via rail. Celebrate Abilene's Chisholm Trail history at Chisholm Trails Days, Saturday, September 4. Gates open at 5 pm and tickets are $20.
Schedule:
- Sons of the Pioneers - performance at 7:30 pm
- Also performing: Geff & Dawn Dawson with special guest Cuz Garver, Serenity String Band, and Bryan Knowles.
- Enjoy cowboy poetry from Gary Pratt, Time Keane, Danny McCurry, and Rocky Sullivan.
- Enjoy gunfight performances, shop with special vendors, and much more!
6. Experience Abilene's other tourist attractions
The fun doesn't stop with these special events! Many other tourist attractions will also be open on Labor Day weekend.
- Dickinson County Heritage Center - open Wednesday-Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 1-5 pm. Make sure to check out their 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel!
- Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum - Open Wednesday-Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Stop and say hello to resident Greyhound greeter, Ginger!
- Historic Seelye Mansion - open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 1-4 pm. This is a mansion tour unlike any other you'll experience!
- Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum - Open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Thursday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. This museum helps Abilene's history come alive with an incredible collection of photos!
7. Eat local
With so much to do, you're bound to work up an appetite! Check out this list of local restaurant options for help planning your dining spots.
Four-Legged Friends
Abilene is also host to the Heart of America Greyhound Gathering September 2-4, 2021. Visitors will see many adopted Greyhounds around the community during this time.
Updated 8/30/2021