HomeNewsBlog

I Like Ike: Must See Ike Sites to Visit This Summer!

on August 5, 2024

ike_sites.png

"The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

"I come from the heart of America." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

This summer, discover the rich history of Abilene through the lens of Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States. Explore these "Ike Sites" to get a glimpse into the life and legacy of this remarkable leader:

  1. Kansas I-70 - Eisenhower's Interstate System Begin your journey to Abilene via Kansas I-70, part of Eisenhower's Interstate System, or Highway 15/Buckeye Avenue, also named after him.
  2. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum - 200 S. E. 4th Street - Immerse yourself in the exhibits at the Presidential Museum, Library, Boyhood Home, Visitors Center, and Place of Meditation, where Ike, Mamie, and their young son, Doud, are buried.
  3. General Eisenhower Statue - Witness the 11' statue of 5 Star General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, depicting him in his World War II "Eisenhower Jacket."
  4. Boyhood Home of Dwight D. Eisenhower - Visit the home where the Eisenhower family lived from 1892-1898.
  5. Lincoln Elementary School Site - Explore where the Eisenhower boys attended grades 1-6, now the site of the existing Visitor Center.
  6. First Abilene Home - 112 SE 2nd - See the home where the Eisenhower family lived from 1892-1898.
  7. Belle Springs Creamery - Cottage Street - Learn about Ike's early work life and his family's connection to Abilene's creamery industry.
  8. Ike Wins Mural - 401 N Buckeye Ave - Commemorate Eisenhower's historic win in the 1952 Presidential election with this mural by artist William Counter.
  9. Central School Site - 300 NW 7th Street - Discover where Ike attended grades 7-12, now the site of the Garfield Senior Living.
  10. Seelye Mansion - 1105 N. Buckeye Avenue - Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered ice to the Seelye Mansion as a young boy. The Seelye sisters recounted stories of Ike as a man from the “other side of the tracks.”
  11. Engle House Bed & Breakfast - 102 Highland Drive - Stay at this historic B&B with ties to Ike's early work life. The former owner of the home, Jacob Engle, also served as School Board President and signed Ike's high school diploma.
  12. Abilene Cemetery - 502 NW 21st Street - Pay respects to Ike’s parents, David and Ida Eisenhower, buried at the Abilene Cemetery.
  13. Eisenhower Park & Stadium - 500 Pine St - Visit the park dedicated to Eisenhower in 1944, where he announced his candidacy for President in 1952.
  14. Royer Band Shell – 500 Pine St - Learn about the Abilene Municipal Band, which played at welcome parades for Ike and his presidential announcement.
  15. Abilene’s Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast - 820 NW 3rd - Stay at this Victorian home with connections to Abilene’s history and Ike's early life.
  16. Mud Creek - NW 3rd Street - Discover the creek where the Eisenhower boys enjoyed fishing and swimming.
  17. Sam Heller’s House - 214 N. Walnut Street - Explore where Ike frequently entertained and where the decision to run for President was made.
  18. Sunflower Hotel - 409 NW 3rd Street - President Eisenhower and his family frequently stayed in suites at the former Sunflower during trips to Abilene.  They were photographed here, viewing the Welcome Parade for Ike from the Hotel balcony in 1952.
  19. Downtown Abilene - Walk through historic downtown Abilene, which is full of small tidbits of Ike's history and favorite storefronts.
  20. Little Ike Park - 324 N. Spruce Street - See a statue of young Dwight D. Eisenhower in "Little Ike" Park.
  21. Union Pacific Railroad Depot - 201 NW 2nd Street Explore the depot site where Ike departed for West Point and the current depot where his body was returned for burial.
  22. Ike's Galaxy Painted Cowboy Boot - 419 N Broadway St - Admire the cowboy boot celebrating Eisenhower's signing of the National Aeronautics and Space Act.
  23. *NEW* World's Largest "I Like Ike" Button - 324 N Spruce St - 

    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 iconic pin-back clasp and convex curve of the original “I Like Ike” campaign button.