Western heritage is a source of pride in Abilene, evidenced by its museums, modern-day saloons and entertainment venues. It’s also a town that embraces literature, family entertainment and Texas-style cuisine.
Things to do in Abilene
Get a feel for America’s Wild West period by visiting Frontier Texas!, a collection of exhibits and life-size holograms that bring the frontier to life. You’ll see a buffalo stampede, a desert range with fireflies and cacti and a card shark in a rowdy saloon. Visit Grace Museum inside the former Grace Hotel to learn about Abilene’s railroad and military history.
Living up to its nickname as the “Storybook Capital of America”, the downtown cultural district of Abilene cradles at least 24 colourful sculptures depicting cherished storybook characters from Dr. Seuss, Seymour and James Joyce’s “Guardians of Childhood”. For a deeper look at impactful children’s stories, visit the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature.
At the Abilene Zoo you can see elephants, jaguars and ocelots and slither through the Creepy Crawly Center and Discovery Center. Roam through the ruins of 19th-century Fort Phantom Hill with its eerie landscape of cacti and lonely mesquite trees.
Dive into the classic barbecue brisket at Betty Rose’s Little Brisket or get a little rowdy at Beehive Restaurant and Saloon. Take things up a notch with an evening at Paramount Theatre, Abilene’s grand performance palace for concerts and theatrical productions.
Getting around Abilene
Transportation options in Abilene include taxis, city buses and trolleys in the downtown area. Rental vehicles are available at Abilene Regional Airport or in Midland and Fort Worth, both about 2.5 hours away by car.