Celebrate Mom in Abilene: A Mother’s Day Weekend to Remember
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Abilene, Kansas—recently named one of the Best Historic Small Towns to Visit—is the perfect destination to celebrate Mother’s Day. Whether you’re planning a full itinerary or just one special outing, you’ll find no shortage of memorable ways to show Mom how much she means to you.
Here’s how to spend a beautiful Mother’s Day weekend in Abilene:
1. Shop the 7th Annual Abilene Downtown Antique Fest
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Downtown Abilene
Browse antiques, vintage goods, handmade items, and specialty finds from a wide variety of local vendors. Held in the heart of downtown, this fun and festive event is perfect for finding a thoughtful gift or simply enjoying a morning of treasure hunting.
Learn more: abilenekansas.org/antiquefest
2. Stroll Through the Downtown Cruise for Food Car Show
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Little Ike Park
Classic cars, cool rides, and a great cause—what more could you ask for? This community car show benefits local food pantries and adds an extra layer of nostalgia to your day. Entry is $10 plus a non-perishable food donation.
Registration: 9:00–11:00 a.m. at Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro
3. Tour the Historic Seelye Mansion
Open Daily | Tours begin at 10:00 a.m. The last tour begins at 3:00 p.m. | 1105 N. Buckeye
Step inside early 20th-century elegance with a guided tour of the Seelye Mansion. Filled with original furnishings from the 1904 World’s Fair, Edison light fixtures, and even a rare bowling machine in the basement, this tour offers a fascinating look at Abilene’s golden age.
Admission: $15 adults, $7 children. No reservation required.
4. Experience Teatime with Jenny Seelye on the Smoky Valley Limited
10:00 a.m. mansion tour | 1:00 p.m. tea on the train | Rock Island Depot
Enjoy a morning tour of the Seelye Mansion followed by an elegant tea party aboard the Smoky Valley Limited. Abilene baker Amanda Collins is preparing finger sandwiches and desserts inspired by the Seelyes’ original social gatherings. Sip English breakfast tea and enjoy narrated stories of the mansion’s history as the train rolls through the scenic Kansas landscape.
Tickets: $65 (includes Seelye Mansion Tour Ticket)
Reserve: asvrr.org
5. Enjoy Dinner on the Mother’s Day Dinner Train
6:00 p.m. departure | Rock Island Depot
Climb aboard the Smoky Valley Limited for a two-hour dinner experience featuring a delicious meal catered by Broadway Station of Herington. Choose from salmon or smothered chicken, served with cheesy potatoes, green beans, and strawberry shortcake for dessert.
Tickets: $90
Reserve: asvrr.org
6. See Steel Magnolias at Great Plains Theatre
Matinee: 2:00 p.m. | Evening: 7:30 p.m. | 215 N. Campbell
Celebrate the strength and beauty of women with this heartwarming stage production about friendship, resilience, and community. Based on the beloved film, this PG-rated show is a wonderful choice for a Mother’s Day outing.
Tickets and schedule: greatplainstheater.com
Make It a Weekend
With charming shops, welcoming accommodations, and one-of-a-kind attractions, Abilene is the perfect place to relax and reconnect. However you choose to celebrate, a Mother’s Day in Abilene is sure to be unforgettable.
Start planning your trip at www.AbileneKansas.org