Adventures in Abilene

Drive west out of Fort Worth on I-20 for 150 miles and you’ll run right into Abilene, a city of about 170,000 people and three universities. Originally settled in 1881, Abilene is the present-day home of Dyess Air Force Base, the Abilene Zoo and the Abilene Regional Airport to name a few. Abilene got its name from Abilene, Kansas, which was the endpoint of the Chisholm Trail, a major cattle trail heavily utilized during the westward expansion of the US.

The Abilene of today is a great spot for a weekend getaway to explore a great Texas town. Filled with museums and activities, Abilene will keep you busy while allowing you to escape the metropolitan hustle and bustle you may experience in Houston or Dallas. Nicknamed the Key City, Abilene has a thriving downtown cultural district that serves up fun for all ages. Head west to Abilene for a great getaway you won’t soon forget.

Seven fun things to do in Abilene, Texas

1. Learn about the journey early settlers undertook at Frontier Texas. From cowboys and longhorns to the Guns of the West, Frontier Texas has a number of interactive exhibits to help visitors engage with the artifacts that helped shape the Texas we know and love today. When you’re done exploring, shop for treasures at the General Store that sells all kinds of unique wares, many crafted by local artisans.
2. Indulge your love of children’s literature at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature. Free and open to the public, this spot offers up curated art that changes every few months. You can also find lots of free programming for kids and families here to help foster a child’s love of reading and drawing. This is one unique spot you won’t want to miss.
3. Take a walk on the wild side at the Abilene Zoo. What’s not to love about visiting the zoo? Kids can enjoy a ride on the carousel and feeding the giraffes while parents can enjoy being outdoors in a fun, learning environment with their little ones. But the zoo isn’t just for families! Everyone can benefit from observing animals as they hang out and go about their days. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy Mother Nature and all her creatures at the Abilene Zoo.
4. Test your putting skills at Play Faire Park, the oldest mini golf course in Texas. This spot has been in continuous operation since 1947, meaning it has provided joy to Abilene locals and visitors for generations. Soak up the sunshine while you play with friends and, on weekends, enjoy live music by talented local musicians. This is the spot to go for good old-fashioned fun in Abilene.
5. Engage with the past at The Grace Museum Abilene. Guests of all ages will enjoy strolling through the various exhibits showcasing what life was like in yesteryear. Enjoy the Tools for Modern Living Exhibit, which will provide you with a healthy dose of nostalgia as you take in typewriters, stoves, toasters and more owned by Abilene residents of years gone by. Prepare to blow the kids away with some of these true relics.
6. Watch your favorite children’s stories come to life at the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden. Free to enjoy and open year-round, the Storybook Garden has beautiful sculptures of beloved characters, including The Three Little Pigs, Charlotte’s Web and more. Enjoy some time outdoors while you snap photos in this picturesque fairytale garden.
7. Step back in time at The Historic Fort Phantom Hill. The Fort was occupied by U.S. soldiers from 1851-1854 and was originally called the “Post on the Clear Fork of the Brazos.” Today it is one of the most well-preserved historical sites in Texas and offers visitors a clear view of history. Enjoy a stroll through this site solo or with friends.

Abilene lodging

When your travels take you on an awesome Abilene adventure, you will need a great place to rest up in the evenings. Aviator RV Park Abilene is just the spot for travelers. Abilene’s newest RV park offers loads of amenities for travelers, including a playground, shaded picnic areas, laundry facilities and more. You’ll love this park’s easy-to-access location as well as the gorgeous sunsets you’ll see in west Texas. Kick back and stay while, won’t you?

Happy travels!