5 Bus-Friendly Stops You Must Visit
While bus travel may be changing, there are still plenty of great stops for tour busses and groups in Abilene!
Check out our list of 5 Bus-Friendly Stops You Must Visit!
1. Historic Seelye Mansion
1105 N. Buckeye Ave / Open Daily
Named an “8 Wonders of Kansas – Architecture," the Seelye Mansion is like a time capsule. Most of the home’s furnishings were purchased at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The furnishings cost more than the $55,000 that was spent building the 11,000 square foot home. The home features the original Edison light fixtures and Tiffany-style mantel. Frank Lloyd Wright suggested remodeling the interior in the 1920s. The home was featured on the History Channel’s Mysteries at the Mansion. Visitors even get to bowl on the 1905 Box Ball alley, which was purchased at the Chicago World’s Fair.
Ike Fact: Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered ice to the Seelye Mansion when he was a young boy. The Seelye sisters recounted stories of Ike as a man from the “other side of the tracks”.
2. Dickinson County Heritage Center
412 S Campbell St / Open Wednesday - Friday from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Learn about Dickinson County’s famous former residents from C.L. Brown, whose telephone company eventually became known as Sprint, to Abilene’s former town Marshal Wild Bill Hickok and Joseph McCoy who brought hundreds of thousands of cattle to Abilene in the 1860s making Abilene into a booming cowtown at the end of the Chisholm Trail.
Make sure to take a whirl on the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel, believed to be the oldest operating Parker carousel in existence. The carousel is hand-carved, featuring 24 horses and four chariots.
3. Russell Stover Chocolates
1993 Caramel Blvd / Open Daily
Complete assortment of Russell Stover, Whitman's, and Pangburn's products including sugar-free and Weight Watchers by Whitman's. Make sure to check out the “back room” for added discounts!
Tip: Russell Stover has plenty of restrooms to accommodate bus travelers.
4. Greyhound Hall of Fame Museum
407 S. Buckeye Ave / Open: Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Explore the exciting world of racing and learn about the Greyhound dog breed at the Greyhound Capital of the World!
The Greyhound Hall of Fame museum is even named to Atlas Obscura's list of "The Ultimate List of Wonderfully Specific Museums".
Tip: You’ll be greeted by resident Greyhounds Ginger and Buddy!
5. Hitching Post Restaurant & Saloon
100 SE 5th St / Open for breakfast Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and open for dinner Friday and Saturday.
Located in Old Abilene Town. Homemade food. Hand-cut steaks.
Bonus #1: Great Plains Theatre
Great Plains Theatre is the perfect bus tour destination! Check out their 2022 Season here.
Bonus #2: Murals
Enjoy a drive-by tour of Abilene's murals.
But wait... what about the Eisenhower Museum?
The Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. for guests to explore the museum exhibits, campus grounds, and the Place of Meditation. Timed entry tickets are required and must be purchased online in advance. Capacity is limited and there are no on-site ticket sales. Face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status. The research room, gift shop, and boyhood home remain closed. Public and educational programs will remain as online virtual programs.
We hope to see hours and visitation capacity increases in the coming months. Make sure to check out their website for the latest information.
Need overnight lodging?
Abilene's Holiday Inn Express is happy to accommodate bus travelers.
Planning for 2023? The owners of Holiday Inn Express are building a brand-new Holiday Inn Express with an expected completion date by 2023. The current Holiday Inn Express property will also be rebranded.
Let us help you!
Need welcome bags or help to coordinate your group's visit? Contact us!