News
We love to share positive stories about our five-star community!
Check out some of our favorites:
- #2 Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY (2023)
- Top 10 True Western Town of the Year by True West Magazine (2023)
- Best Promotion of a Historic Place by True West Magazine (2023)
- Destination of the Year by Midwest Travel Network (2022)
- #2 Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY (2022)
- #1 Favorite U.S. Small Town by TravelAwaits (2022)
- #1 Friendliest U.S. Small Town by TravelAwaits (2022)
- Best Promotion of a Historic Place by TrueWest magazine (2022)
- #4 Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY (2021)
- Best U.S. Small Town by TravelAwaits (2021)
- #2 Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY (2020)
- Coolest Small Town in Kansas by Far and Wide (2020)
- Most Beautiful Small Town in Kansas by House Beautiful magazine (2020)
- #8 Best Historic Small Town by USA TODAY (2019)
- #1 True Western Town of the Year by TrueWest magazine (2018)
- Best Weekend Getaway by KANSAS! magazine (2018)
Keep checking back as we continue to populate this list!
Best Historic Small Town Winners Announced
In his Homecoming Speech, Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “The proudest thing I can claim is that I am from Abilene.” And, thanks to a recent announcement from USA TODAY, Abilene is giving Ike another...
Abilene, Kansas - A True Western Cowtown
The once lawless cattle town is now one of the West’s most historic Old West destinations. The railhead town of Abilene, Kansas, had a wild range of characters vital to its prosperity on the...
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad Receives Unexpected Anniversary Present
Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad officials have received an unexpected present as the railroad nears its 30th anniversary in June. After filing the required Federal Railroad Administration...
The President Visits Home
Featured in the KANSAS! Magazine January/February issue of 1955 It was dusk in Abilene. A large crowd of several hundred people, complete with a brass band, had gathered in front of the Hotel...
Kansas town named finalist in best historic small town contest
Abilene will have another shot at being named the best historic small town in 2023. USA Today’s 2023 Reader’s Choice Best Historic Small Town content includes the town of Abilene for the fifth year...
Kansas town named finalist in best historic small town contest
Abilene, Kansas, will have another shot at being named as the best historic small town in 2023. USA Today’s 2023 Reader’s Choice Best Historic Small Town content includes the town of Abilene for the...
Abilene a finalist for Best Historic Small Town for 5th year in a row; vote now
For the fifth year in a row, Abilene is a finalist in USA Today's 2023 Readers' Choice Best Historic Small Town contest. "This is so exciting," said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene Convention and...
Abilene named one of Best True West Towns, Historic Small Towns
The City of Abilene has been named one of the Best True West Towns of the year and has been named as a finalist in USA Today’s Best Historic Small Town contest. For the fifth year in a row, the ...
Abilene Does It, Again!
For the fifth year in a row, Abilene is a finalist in USA Today's 2023 Readers' Choice Best Historic Small Town contest. "This is so exciting," said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene Convention and...
20 Charming Small Towns To Visit In 2023
There’s something magical about spending time in a small town. The pace of life slows down and you’re able to relax and soak in the atmosphere around you. Our writers were busy seeking out and...
Midwest Travel Network Award Winners
Each year at our annual conference we recognize those that have gone the extra mile. Members of the Midwest Travel Network have the opportunity to nominate those that they think are deserving of the...
Visit These 12 Incredible Charming Small Towns In Kansas, One For Each Month Of The Year
There are so many great small towns in Kansas that are worth a visit. If your New Year’s resolution is to head out and explore the Sunflower State, we’ve got just the mission for you! How about...
Abilene unveils world’s largest belt buckle
At 19 feet 10 1/2 inches wide and 13 feet 11 1/4 inches tall (not including the frame), Abilene, Kansas is now home to the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. Unveiled Wednesday at noon at Eisenhower Park,...
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World’s Largest Belt Buckle Unveiled
The world’s largest belt buckle has been unveiled. According to the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, at 19 feet 10 ½ inches wide and 13 feet 11 ¼ inches tall (not including the frame),...
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Abilene unveils world’s largest belt buckle Wednesday
At 19 feet 10 ½ inches wide and 13 feet 11 ¼ inches tall (not including the frame), the World’s Largest Belt Buckle is now at home in Abilene. Unveiled Wednesday at noon at Eisenhower Park, the...
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Abilene unveils world’s largest belt buckle
Abilene, Kansas is now home to the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. The buckle stands At 19 feet 10 ½ inches wide and 13 feet 11 ¼ inches tall, not including the frame. It was unveiled Wednesday at...
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Kansas town now holds new world record
After months of waiting, the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau is showing off the newest World’s Largest Belt Buckle. The belt buckle comes in at 19 feet, 10.5 inches wide and 13 feet, 11.25...
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New World’s Largest Belt Buckle unveiled in Kansas
The town of Abilene has yet another claim to fame. After months of waiting, the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau is showing off the newest World’s Largest Belt Buckle. The belt buckle comes...
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World's Largest Things in Kansas
Explore the World’s Largest Things in Kansas Scattered throughout Kansas, 18 World’s Largest Things will astound you. The colossal world-record holders range from a gigantic grain elevator to a huge...