New in 2024: Celebrating Growth and Excitement in Abilene, Kansas

on December 27, 2024

Iron Horse Trail

Life is sweeter when you see the glass half full, and 2024 was brimming with positivity in Abilene, Kansas! As one of the Best Small Towns in America, Abilene welcomed an incredible array of new businesses, art installations, housing developments, and events that have strengthened its reputation as a vibrant and welcoming community.

From historic milestones to brand-new opportunities for residents and visitors alike, Abilene has proven once again why it’s a place worth celebrating. Many towns would celebrate one of these milestones, but Abilene brought them all to life in 2024!

Business Updates

Holiday-Inn-Express-Abilene,KSAbilene continues to thrive with new dining, hospitality, and retail additions, including:

  1. Holiday Inn Express – Providing visitors with the nicest and newest place to stay on Kansas I-70.
  2. Munson’s Tap House – A must-visit spot to grab a delicious burger featuring locally-raised beef.
  3. Scooter’s Coffee – Serving delicious drinks to keep Abilene energized seven days a week.
  4. Midwest Creamery + Q – Expanded new location offering sweet treats and savory eats.
  5. Ike’s 2.0 – A fresh take on a beloved local favorite.
  6. Hickok Bar + Grill – Adding flavor and fun to the downtown scene.
  7. Rackets Tap House – A hotspot for drinks and gathering with friends.
  8. Susie’s Deli – A delicious new stop for lunch lovers.
  9. Donut Palace – Now conveniently located downtown!
  10. Sonic – Gave its signage a fresh new look.
  11. McDonalds - The lobby at McDonalds experienced a temporary closure for an update. The refreshed look better accommodates customers. 

Quality of Life Additions

Abilene’s commitment to enhancing the community experience shines through with these exciting developments:

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  1. Abilene Terrace - New 55+ Housing Development – Providing homes tailored to retirees.
  2. Golden Belt Heights Housing – Meeting the needs of Abilene’s growing community with single-family homes and apartments.
  3. Twin Valley Communications Fiber Installation – Bringing faster, more reliable internet to our community.
  4. Love Abilene Campaign – Encouraging residents and visitors to come home to Abilene.

Tourism Additions

Abilene’s status as a destination town grew even stronger with these impressive additions:

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  1. State Recognition – Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad named official State Heritage Railroad and its steam engine designated as the official State Steam Engine.
  2. Abilene Celebrates America 250! Mural – A patriotic tribute to America’s history and Kansas' first America 250 mural.
  3. Eisenhower Foundation “Heart of America” Mural – Abilene's tallest mural highlighting Ike’s life and legacy.
  4. World’s Largest I Like Ike Button – A giant, whimsical nod to President Eisenhower.
  5. “Recycle Dorothy” Cowboy Boot – A unique addition to Abilene’s iconic boot sculptures.
  6. "C.W. Parker Carousel" Cowboy Boot – Showcasing the Parker Carousel at the Dickinson County Heritage Center.
  7. Abilene Song Art – Featuring the lyrics to “Abilene” alongside its iconic steam engine imagery.
  8. Iron Horse Trail Progress – Pedestrian walkways added to bridges, bringing this trail closer to completion.
  9. New Passenger Cars at the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad – Enhancing the rail experience.
  10. D-Day Movie Announcement – Pressure, starring Brenda Frasier, highlights a significant chapter in history.
  11. New Director of the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum – Bringing fresh leadership and vision.
  12. “See Kansas” Exhibit – Featuring “See Abilene” at the Abilene Public Library.
  13. Abilene Featured on Jimmy Failla’s Fox News Segment – Gaining national recognition.
  14. International Film Crew Visit – Documenting Abilene in The Darkest Line.
  15. Downtown Cruise for Food Car Show – A new addition to the beloved Abilene Downtown AntiqueFest.
  16. Civic Center Updates – In 2024, the Abilene CVB offices received a refreshing facelift, creating an even more welcoming environment. The space also gained a wonderful new neighbor as the Community Foundation of Dickinson County joined the Civic Center, strengthening its role as a hub for community collaboration and progress.
  17. Kansas Gunsmoke Trail Passport - In collaboration with Dodge City, Hays and Wichita, Abilene launched the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail Passport to allow cowboy enthustists the opportunity to earn prizes along their Kansas Gunsmoke Trail journey.
  18. New Exhibit at Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum - Cold War: Soviets, Spies and Secrets" Exhibit 
  19. New Seating at the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo Arena - The Wild Bill Hickok PRCA Rodeo arena gained new over-the-chutes seating at the north end of the arena. The new seating can accommodate larger groups for a unique view of the rodeo. 

A Year to Remember

2024 wasn’t just a great year – it was a transformative one for Abilene. Every mural, business opening, and community initiative adds to the story of our incredible small town. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, there’s no better time to experience why Abilene, Kansas, continues to shine as the heart of America.

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