For the Love of Art – North Central Kansas Road Trip

By Abilene CVB on January 26, 2022

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Abilene, Kansas, located along Eisenhower’s Interstate 70 in North Central, Kansas is home to a great arts scene. From murals of all types and sizes to traditional and innovative statues and, of course, the five-star Great Plains Theatre, art lovers of all ages will love their visit to Abilene.

  • Great Plains Theatre - Abilene, KS

    Great Plains Theatre

    Take in a show at the only professional live theatre between Denver and Kansas City on I-70.

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  • Ike's-Galaxy-Cowboy-Boot-Abilene,KS.jpeg

    "Ike's Galaxy" Cowboy Boot

    Visit Abilene, Kansas and experience its unique Cowboy Art Trail!  Celebrating its cowboy roots, the Cowboy Boot project pays homage to T.C. McInerney's Drovers Boot Store from the 1870s.

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  • worlds_largest_i_like_ike_button_abilene,ks.jpeg

    World's Largest "I Like Ike" Button

    Abilene is now home to the World’s Largest “I Like Ike” Button. Created by local artist Jason Lahr of Fluters Creek Metalworks, this impressive button measures 6 feet in diameter and features the...

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  • World's-Largest-Belt-Buckle-Abilene,Kansas

    World's Largest Belt Buckle

    At 19 feet 10 ½ inches wide and 13 feet 11 ¼ inches tall (not including the frame), Abilene, Kansas, is now home to the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. 

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  • Harmon-Mural-Abilene,KS

    Interactive "Harmon" Mural

    This interactive mural inspires visitors to create a variety of poses. This giant mural was modeled after local resident Harmon Geissinger and completed by graffiti artist, Whitney Kerr. 

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  • Bison_Mural_Abilene_KS

    American Bison Stamp Mural

    The American Bison is featured on this special 6 cent stamp postmarked from Abilene and completed by local artist William Counter. 

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  • The-Abilene-Cowboy-Abilene,KS

    The Abilene Cowboy

    Installed in early 2020, The Abilene Cowboy is a one-of-a-kind piece of art. It stands more than 15 feet tall and weighs more than one ton.  Artists: Jason Lahr and Donnie Knauss Read more

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  • Sunflower-Stamp-Mural-Abilene,KS

    Sunflower Stamp Mural

    This stamp was issued in 1961 to celebrate Kansas' centennial and was completed by local artist William Counter. 

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  • Mud-Creek-Cowboy-Boot-Abilene,KS

    "Mud Creek" Cowboy Boot

    Visit Abilene, Kansas and experience its unique Cowboy Art Trail!  Celebrating its cowboy roots, the Cowboy Boot project pays homage to T.C. McInerney's Drovers Boot Store from the 1870s.

    Read more

  • General-Eisenhower-Abilene,KS

    General Eisenhower Statue

    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...

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  • Big-Spur-Abilene,KS

    Big Spur

    At 28 feet high, the big spur stands on its ends to form an arch and weighs a ton. It was built by Larry Houston in 2002 and was certified as the World's Largest Spur by Guinness World Records until...

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  • Cedar-House-Greenhouse-Mural-Abilene,KS

    Cedar House Greenhouse Mural

    Thanks to the efforts of Patti O'Malley and the Cedar House, Donald "Scribe" Ross, a famous Kansas City artist, completed another new mural in Abilene. The mural is on the side of the Cedar House...

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  • Jeffcoat-Photography-Studio-Museum-Abilene,KS

    Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum

    The Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum features a unique look at the history of Abilene and Dickinson County, Kansas through the photographic work of the Jeffcoat Photography Studio. Operating since...

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  • abilene_song.jpg

    Abilene Song Art

    The lyrics to the classic song 'Abilene' are beautifully overlaid on a striking photo of Abilene’s iconic steam engine, capturing the town’s nostalgic charm and rich railroad history.

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  • Ike-Wins-Abilene,KS

    Ike Wins

    "Ike Wins" by artist William Counter, completed on November 5, 2022 - 70 years to the date that his win made Abilene Reflector front page news - a historic moment in Abilene. A total of nine out of...

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  • Benjamin-Franklin-Abilene,KS

    Abilene Public Library / Carnegie Library

    Statues grace the front lawn of the Abilene Public Library, including a special statue of Benjamin Franklin.

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  • Barn-Quilt-Old-Abilene-Town-Abilene,KS

    Eisenhower Barn Quilt Trail

    Driving through the countryside anywhere in the world you will likely come across many barns.  They drape the country in many designs, colors, and architecture.  Some barns are painted to display...

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  • World's-Largest-Belt-Buckle-Abilene,KS

    World's Largest Belt Buckle

    At 19 feet 10 ½ inches wide and 13 feet 11 ¼ inches tall (not including the frame), Abilene, Kansas, is now home to the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. Unveiled December 21, 2022 in Eisenhower Park, the...

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  • Meraki-Hair-Studio-Mural-Abilene,KS

    Meraki Hair Studio Mural

    Completed July 30, 2023 by Mindy's Murals.

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  • Hickok-Mural-Abilene,KS

    Wild Bill Hickok Mural

    Paying respects to Abilene's famous former town Marshal, Wild Bill Hickok, this mural was completed in 2018 by local artist William Counter. 

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While in North Central Kansas, make sure to check out these other art destinations.

1. Clay Center

Following Abilene’s lead, Clay Center is embracing the mural movement. Keep your eyes open, you never know where you'll spot a mural!

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2. Concordia

See the Whole Wall Mural – the longest sculpted brick mural in the US. Make sure to check out the statues commemorating the Orphan Train.

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3. Cawker City 

No Kansas road trip would be complete without a stop and the iconic World's Largest Ball of Sisal Twine!

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4. Lucas

The Grassroots Art Capital of Kansas, you never know what you’ll find in Lucas. From America's Most Artistic Giant Toilet to the Garden of Eden, the Grassroots Arts Center and the Wold's Largest Collection of the World's Smallest Things, art is everywhere in Lucas!

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5. Salina

Downtown Salina is home to a great variety of sculptures. Each year, between 15-25 sculptures are selected and carefully sited in historic Salina. Take a stroll through downtown and admire these great pieces of art!
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