10 Ways to Experience Ike in Abilene
As we countdown to the unveiling of the World’s Largest I Like Ike Button, we’re sharing 10 Ways to Experience Ike in Abilene.
1. Ike Wins Mural
"Ike Wins" by artist William Counter, completed on November 5, 2022 - 70 years to the date that his victory made the Abilene Reflector front-page news. A historic moment in Abilene, nine out of ten voters in Abilene voted for Ike in the 1952 Presidential election.
2. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, Boyhood Home, and Place of Meditation
Immerse yourself in Ike’s life and legacy on this beautiful campus.
3. I Like Ike Murals
On June 4, 1952, then-General Dwight D. Eisenhower announced in his hometown of Abilene that he was running for President of the United States. These murals, inspired by a TV ad promoting his candidacy, are mounted on the east wall of the Sunflower Hotel. The ad was produced by Walt Disney's brother Roy, with music by Irving Berlin. From this hotel's balcony (since removed), Eisenhower watched a parade on June 6, 1952, in honor of his homecoming.
4. Little Ike Park
Visit Little Ike Park to see a statue of young Dwight D. Eisenhower.
5. General Eisenhower Statue
Admire the 11' statue of the 5-Star General and 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower. Created by Robert L. Dean, Jr., the bronze statue, presented by the Harry and Edith Darby Foundation, depicts Eisenhower in his famous World War II "Eisenhower Jacket." The granite base features quotations from Eisenhower's illustrious careers as President, Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces, General of the Army, Supreme Allied Commander of Europe, and Chief of Staff of the Army.
6. Abilene’s Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast and Engle House Bed and Breakfast
Both properties have special connections to Ike, offering a unique lodging experience steeped in history.
7. “Ike’s Galaxy” Cowboy Boot
This decorative cowboy boot honors Ike’s role in creating NASA.
8. Eisenhower Park & Rose Garden
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Abilene City Park Historic District is home to the Eisenhower Park & Rose Garden, stadium, municipal pool, playground, and the Central Kansas Free Fair. In 1952, General Eisenhower announced his presidential candidacy from the stadium.
9. Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum
This building is where United Press International processed and sent wire photos of the Eisenhower Funeral on April 2, 1969.
10. World’s Largest I Like Ike Button
The “I Like Ike” campaign slogan, one of the most iconic in American history, is about to be celebrated in a big way in Abilene. The Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will unveil its latest project, the World’s Largest I Like Ike Button, on Friday, June 21, at 11:00 a.m.
Explore these unique attractions and immerse yourself in the legacy of Dwight D. Eisenhower in Abilene, Kansas.