Make 2026 the Year of the Road Trip
Start in Abilene, Kansas
A new year brings fresh plans, open calendars, and that familiar urge to go somewhere memorable. In 2026, we invite travelers to slow down, hop in the car, and rediscover the joy of the American road trip. There is no better place to begin than Abilene, Kansas, right in the heart of the country and along Kansas I 70, Eisenhower’s Interstate System. Stretching 2,171 miles coast to coast, I 70 connects big cities, welcoming small towns, wide open skies, and beautiful vistas, with Abilene proudly at its center.
Road trips are about freedom, flexibility, and stops you did not plan but never forget. They are about small towns that surprise you, conversations over coffee, photo stops you did not expect, and destinations that feel welcoming the moment you arrive. That is exactly what travelers find in Abilene.
Perfectly Placed for a 2026 Road Trip
Location matters on a road trip, and Abilene sits in North Central Kansas, right in the Heart of America. Just two hours west of Kansas City and about six and a half hours from Denver, Abilene is perfectly positioned for a weekend getaway, a mid-journey stop, or the anchor destination of a multi-day Kansas adventure.
Once you arrive, the pace feels just right. With walkable streets, friendly locals, and attractions close together, you can see and do more without feeling rushed. It is an ideal stop for travelers who want meaningful experiences, not just drive-by photos.
Experiences You Cannot Replicate Anywhere Else
Road trips shine brightest when they deliver experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else. In Abilene, that means riding vintage passenger cars on a historic railroad, stepping onto the oldest known operational C.W. Parker carousel, meeting resident greyhounds at a one of a kind museum, and shopping locally-owned stores with Kansas made finds.
It also means enjoying local dining, seasonal events, and the kind of hospitality that still believes visitors should feel like guests, not transactions.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of reflection, celebration, and travel that reconnects us with place. Road trips offer the perfect way to do that. They invite curiosity, reward patience, and remind us that some of the best destinations are found between major cities, not just at the end of a flight.
Abilene is ready to welcome those travelers. Whether you are chasing history, planning a family adventure, or simply looking for a reason to take the long way, this is your sign to put Abilene on your 2026 road trip list.
So grab the keys, cue the playlist, and point the car toward the Heart of America.
2026 is the year of the road trip. We we look forward to seeing you in Abilene!