Top 12 Things to Do When You Visit Abilene

A Dozen Things to Do When You Come and Visit Abilene

I consider myself a native of Abilene, having first come here in the early '70s. I moved away and came back several times (Dad was in the Air Force). Every time I returned, I found something new and exciting to see and do. For instance, the Abilene Civic Center and the Taylor County Coliseum were voted in and built during one of my returns.

It's hard for young adults in Abilene to imagine that the city was once dry, meaning no alcohol was sold within the city limits. A little community known as Impact, Texas (impact: defined by the Oxford Dictionary as the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another), was born of prohibition.

Impact sold booze to thousands of Abilene residents, and now the fun could begin. Since then, I've watched in awe as Abilene has grown and expanded its boundaries. Today, if you are looking for something historic, interesting, fun, or just want to take in the sights, we have a place for you.

Whether you walk, jog, cycle, ride motorcycles, or love live music, nearly every place in Abilene can accommodate your interests. In today's Abilene culture and society, I hear so many say, "Oh, that place is an awesome event venue!" So here goes:

A Dozen Places To Do Things in Abilene

1. Frontier Texas - An interactive history museum with holographic storytelling, multimedia exhibits, and a gift shop with local souvenirs.
2. Abilene Zoo - A wonderful animal museum featuring animals small to large. It is very kid-friendly, with great interactive views of the animals, where one can feed the giraffes, and it also has a great gift shop!
3. Jacob's Dream Sculpture - A 40-foot-tall bronze sculpture on the Abilene Christian University campus. This is a great place to walk and take in the sights of Abilene's biggest university.
4. Fort Phantom Hill - If you like history, this is a great place to start learning about how Texas was settled.
5. 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum - Three floors of exhibits take you through the life and times of the 12th Armored Division from activation at Camp Campbell, KY, in 1942, to Texas, to New York, to Europe, and finally to deactivation in Germany.
6. The Grace Museum - A hub of the art community located in historic downtown Abilene. Originally built in 1909 for railroad travelers as the Grace Hotel, today it's the art capital of the United States.
7. Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden - Located on the grounds of the Abilene Convention Center, this garden features artists who have captivated our children's eyes and minds for years.
8. National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature - The Dr. Seuss sculptures are on, in, and around the historic train depot, with a few on street corners. This makes Abilene the art capital.
9. Swenson House Historical Society - This must-see structure is the hub of Abilene's culture and history. If you are just passing through, stop in for a break from your journey and take an escorted tour of this mansion.
10. The Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene - This cemetery holds the history of all the military veterans who gave their all to ensure our freedom in West Texas, Texas, and the United States of America.
11. Red Bud Park - The park features a splash pad, picnic tables, a large playscape, a covered pavilion with exercise equipment, and much more. A day spent in the park is like a vacation in the great outdoors.
12. The Winery at Willow Creek - Here, you can sit and relax with an incredible glass of wine while enjoying one of the many creeks that cut through the Key City. (Source: TripAdvisor.com)