By Ryan Duey
The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau proudly announces the participation of three iconic Abilene attractions in the 2024 Kansas Tourism Sunflower Summer program. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Dickinson County Heritage Center, and Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum invite Kansas families to explore and discover the beauty and history of Abilene.
Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Embark on a journey through history aboard Kansas’ Official State Heritage Railroad. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, a living museum on rails, offers a scenic 10.5-mile round trip through the picturesque Smoky Hill River Valley.
Dickinson County Heritage Center
Delve into the stories of Dickinson County’s notable former residents, from C.L. Brown, whose telephone company evolved into Sprint, to Wild Bill Hickok, Abilene’s former Marshal, and Joseph McCoy, who transformed Abilene into a bustling Cowtown in the 1860s by bringing countless cattle to the area along the Chisholm Trail. Don’t miss a ride on the 1901 C.W. Parker Carousel, the oldest operational Parker Carousel!
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum
Explore the life and legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, one of 15 Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a fan of Ike, or simply exploring Kansas, the Eisenhower campus promises a captivating experience. Be sure to capture a selfie with the impressive 11-foot bronze statue of General Eisenhower!
The Sunflower Summer Program is designed to encourage Kansas families with school-aged children to discover and appreciate the wonders of Kansas while supporting the state’s tourism economy. Eligible Kansas families can download the Sunflower Summer App to claim tickets to participating venues. The 2024 Sunflower Summer season will run from May 24 to August 11.
“We are thrilled to have these three attractions be a part of the 2024 Kansas Sunflower Summer program,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Abilene CVB director. “This opportunity allows us to welcome Kansas families to our area and provide them with an unforgettable experience.”
Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce, strives to promote travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts of tourism on our state and local communities.
“Kansas Tourism is excited to include these Abilene attractions in the Sunflower Summer program,” said Kansas Tourism Director Bridgette Jobe. “This program is a fantastic benefit for Kansas residents, and we look forward to its continued growth in the 2024 season. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Dickinson County Heritage Center, and Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum are vital to making this the best season yet for the program.”
For more information about Abilene, visit AbileneKansas.org. To discover more about the Sunflower Summer program, visit SunflowerSummer.org.
About Sunflower Summer:
Sunflower Summer is a program operated by Kansas Tourism, a division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. The program aims to help Kansas families affordably explore the Sunflower State. The official Sunflower Summer mobile app is available on Apple and Android. More information can be found at SunflowerSummer.org.
