News
We love to share positive stories about our five-star community!
Check out some of our favorites:
- Destination of the Year by Midwest Travel Network (2002)
- #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!
40 of the Best Small Town Vacation Spots
When it comes to your vacation, most people seek out places they've seen on TV or have heard about from friends and family. Fair enough. Now, let us introduce you to 40 unsung hot spots. These...
Cattle Drive in Abilene
A herd of Texas longhorn steers will be in Abilene for the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo and the Central Kansas Free Fair parade. The majestic animals are the same breed as was driven from Texas to...
Presidential Historians Survey 2021
For the second time in a row, President Dwight D. Eisenhower is named #5 Best President by C-SPAN Historians. The Qualities of Presidential Leadership are based on categories including: Public...
New owner plans to bring 140-year-old Abilene mansion back to life
The Lebold Mansion in Abilene has a new owner, a modern Renaissance man of sorts who has a number of ideas to bring the historic mansion and the public together once again. "The lights are on again...
Here Are The 10 Most Beautiful, Charming Small Towns In Kansas
There’s no denying it (no matter how hard you try): Kansas is a gorgeous state with some of the kindest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. Aside from the lovely scenery and residents, we are...
Bulls Head Saloon Longhorn Coming Home
Thanks to more than 70 donors from Abilene and throughout Kansas, "Shotgun" Ben Thompson’s Bulls Head Saloon Longhorn is returning to Abilene. “We are beyond excited to bring this unique piece of...
7 Incredibly Charming Small Towns To Visit In Kansas
Any list of charming Kansas small towns starts with Abilene, our 2021 Best U.S. Small Town winner, and Lindsborg, winner in the most Hallmark Movie–Esque Small Town category and finalist for the...
How to appreciate the beauty of Kansas like an out-of-state tourist
Our host told a story as the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad excursion train pulled away from town: Years ago, a local young woman turned down the offer of a date from a local young man — he was...
Get the best of the Midwest with these KC summer day trips
The time is here for summer vacations! The school year is through and the continuing re-openings have us all craving a getaway. Did you know that there are some amazing destinations relatively close...
Eisenhower Announces Expanded Hours
The Eisenhower Museum is now open Monday through Saturday! New Hours (Effective June 21) Monday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Note: Last entry at 1:15 p.m. Tickets Timed entry tickets are...
Memorialized - Abilene rodeo celebrates 75th anniversary, legendary rodeo clown on belt buckle
A man near and dear to the hearts of rodeo fans in Abilene and around the nation has been memorialized on a Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo buckle. Lecile Harris, a Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame rodeo clown who...
Road Trip: Your Guide To Summer Adventures Across Central Kansas
While it may not be first in mind when you think of a road trip destination, the key to a good Kansas adventure is to get off the beaten track — and by track, we mean I-70. The straight shot west...
8 Small Towns In Kansas That Are Full Of Charm And Perfect For A Weekend Escape
You don’t have to stay in a big city for the perfect weekend getaway. You can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, while still enjoying the perfect weekend in one of the many charming...
Unique Places To Stay In North Central Kansas
When you travel to North Central Kansas, you have the opportunity to stay in some incredible places for lodging. I recently traveled through this area of Kansas and found some unique places to stay;...
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14 Midwest Towns Perfect For History Lovers
America’s heart, the Midwest, is crammed full of natural wonders, charm, and loads of history. From its indigenous people to explorers, pioneers, and immigrants, Midwestern residents from the past...
7 Delightful Day Trips That Are Less Than 3 Hours Away From Kansas City
These seven delightful day trips are less than three hours away from Kansas City. Each of these destinations offers something special for everyone that visits. I have been to each of these cities,...
Abilene Named Best U.S. Small Town
Abilene was named Best U.S. Small Town in TravelAwaits’ 2021 Best of Travel Awards. “We’re really excited to receive this recognition,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene Convention & Visitors...
Munson’s Prime, LLC steakhouse and The Brookville Hotel II, Inc. family style chicken house to Reopen as Legacy Kansas, LLC
Updated May 25, 2021 Statement from Charles and Deanna Munson While we made every effort to expedite the opening of Legacy Kansas to accommodate summer travel demands, it is now apparent the...
Iron Horse Trail Informational Meeting
Spurring economic development through increased outdoor recreation opportunities is the goal of the Community Foundation of Dickinson County’s Community Philanthropy Innovators Network (CPIN)...
The Most Beautiful Small Towns In Every State
There's always something to see in a big city, but sometimes, you want a slower pace. Thankfully, the United States boasts some incredible small towns. Whether you want to brush up on history or go...