Abilene in the running for best historic small town contest

ABILENE (KSNT) – A small town situated in the heart of Kansas is in the running for a national contest hosted by USA Today.

The Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau announced in a press release on Monday, March 4 that Abilene will be a finalist for USA Today’s Readers’ Choice ‘Best Historic Small Town’ contest. Abilene came close to the number one spot in 2022 and 2023.

“This honor is truly remarkable!” Director of the Abilene Convention & Visitor’s Bureau Julie Roller-Weeks said. “Achieving this recognition once is a significant accomplishment, and securing it for six consecutive years in a nationwide contest against other exceptional small towns is beyond imagination!”

Abilene has routinely appeared in the top ten for the contest due to the town’s rich history. Places like the Seelye Mansion, Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, Old Abilene Town and more are part of what makes Abilene stand out.

“Embracing Abilene as one of the nation’s best historic small towns also embraces the impact tourism plays: a positive ripple effect, boosting our local economy and enriching the lives of our residents,” said Jessica Goodale, Dickinson County Economic Development Corporation Director.

Voting for the contest online starts at 11 a.m. on March 4 CST and wraps up at 10:59 a.m. on Monday, April 1 CST.

“Thank you to the tourism attractions, businesses, residents, employees, volunteers, and community leaders who help make Abilene the best historic small town. And a special thank you to the voters who continue to support Ike’s five-star hometown in the heart of America,” Roller-Weeks said.

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