3 Ways to Celebrate Kansas Day in Abilene in 2024
"If I went west, I think I would go to Kansas." - Abraham Lincoln
The first load of cattle left Abilene in 1867. Ten years later, Kansas Day was born in Paola, Kansas in 1877.
Kansas Day is celebrated yearly on January 29. With this special day right around the corner, we have three great ways to celebrate Kansas Day in Abilene.
1. Tour the Historic Seelye Mansion
Named an 8 Wonders of Kansas - Architecture winner by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, the Historic Seelye Mansion continues to leave visitors in awe.
Inside the 25 rooms are original furnishings purchased at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, Edison light fixtures, and a Tiffany-designed fireplace. Nearby, the Patent Medicine Museum contains artifacts of the A.B. Seelye Medical Company founded in 1890 and produced over 100 products, including cure-alls Wasa-Tusa, Fro-zona, and Ner-vena.
A tour highlight is bowling on an original 1904 Ball Ball bowling alley. And, if you're lucky, owner Terry Tietjens will lead the group in singing Kansas statehood song "Home on the Range" while playing a 1920 Steinway Piano picked out for the Seelye Family by Mr. Steinway; himself!
The Historic Seelye Mansion is open daily for tours.
2. Explore Art in Abilene
From the World's Largest Belt Buckle to unique murals and incredible statues, Abilene celebrates the arts.
3. Hunt for Unique Treasures
Abilene's antique stores host their annual sales in January. Visit the hundreds of booths to search for special finds.