Big Kansas Road Trip - 8 Wonders of Kansas in Abilene
The Big Kansas Road Trip is May 4-7, 2023, in Jewell, Republic and Smith Counties. On your way to the BKRT, consider checking out some of the Kansas Sampler Foundation's 8 Wonders of Kansas winners and finalists in Abilene!
The 8 Elements of Rural Culture are Architecture, Art, Commerce, Cuisine, Custome, Geography, History and People.
1. Overall - Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum is one of The 8 Wonders of Kansas because it tells of the remarkable lifetime achievements of Dwight D. Eisenhower, five-star General and President of the United States!
2. Cuisine - Brookville Hotel (Now Legacy Kansas)
The Brookville Hotel is a finalist for the 8 Wonders of Kansas because of its famous family-style chicken menu that has been serving people since 1915!
3. Architecture - Seelye Mansion
The Seelye Mansion was voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture because of the grandeur of this well-restored three-story Georgian style mansion.
4. Architecture - Lebold Mansion
The Lebold Mansion was voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Architecture because it is a rare surviving example of the architectural style known as"Italianate Tuscan Villa
5. Customs - Racing greyhounds
Where can you learn about this custom? The Greyhound Hall of Fame in Abilene tells how greyhound racing started in Kansas and much more!
6. Customs - Riding a carousel
Ride a 1901 Parker Carousel at the Dickinson County Historical Society.
7. People - Joseph McCoy
Joseph McCoy's approach to marketing cattle on the Kansas plains in Abilene, as opposed to marketing in the urban center of St. Louis, transformed a fragmented cattle business into the national industry that it is today.