Abilene was originally established in 1881 on the Panhandle of Texas by cattlemen as a stock shipping point on the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Later, it became a large cattle-producing region with diversified farming. In 1981 when the city celebrated its centennial it set up an oil-drilling demonstration that, by pure accident, struck oil on their fairgrounds.
Things to do in Abilene
12th Armored Division Memorial Museum
This museum is dedicated to honoring the 12th Armored Division, which trained in Camp Barkeley, near Abilene, and served during World War II. The "Hellcats" fought in the European Theatre, Germany, France and finally occupied Japan. When the war ended, the division was deactivated and many of the men settled in Abilene. Located at 1289 N. 2nd St. Open Monday - Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. Find Best Western Abilene Lodging nearby. Call 325-677-6515 for more information.
Abilene Lake
Located adjacent to Abilene State Park. This 595-acre lake offers fishing, swimming, boating and other water sports as well as lakeside camping. Located about 15 miles southwest of Abilene. Find Best Western Abilene lodging nearby.
Abilene State Park
This 621-acre park is located near Lake Abilene. Known for its picnic areas, shelters, swimming pool and its hiking and fishing. A large grove of 4,000 native pecan trees stand where the Comanche Indians use to camp. Located about 15 miles southwest on FM 89. Find Best Western Abilene lodging nearby. Call 512-389-4800 for more information.
Abilene Zoo
One of the five largest zoos in the state. Visitors can see animals displayed in modern areas in a simulated natural habitat. The Discovery Centers offers a "zoo within a zoo" housing comparative habitat and displays of invertebrates, fish, reptiles, birds and small mammals from the Southwestern U.S. and Africa. Located in Nelson Park, 3 miles east of Abilene, across from the West Texas Fairgrounds. Open daily 9am - 5pm. Find Best Western Abilene lodging nearby. Call 325-676-6085 for more information.
Center for Contemporary Arts
This downtown gallery showcases sculptures, contemporary art and photography in its three galleries. The exhibits on display, which are changed monthly, feature various local, regional and national artists. Working artist studios. Open Tuesday - Saturday 11am-5pm.
Dyess Air Force Base
Home of the Air Combat Command's historic 7th Wing and currently flies B-1B Lancers and C-130H Hercules. The base's Linear Park contains 30 aircraft from World War II to present. Open during daylight hours. Visitors must stop at gate for temporary pass to see display of planes. For extensive base tours please prearrange with Public Affairs. Located on the Loop 312 south of Business Loop I-20/U.S. 84. Call 325-696-2863 for more information.
Fort Phantom
This 4,246-acre lake is located on Elm Creek in Taylor County and just 15 miles north of Abilene. Blue catfish, hybrid striped bass and white crappie provide the best fishing here. The west bank is steeped in acres of black willow trees while other parts of the lack are predominantly rocky with boat docks and brush piles.
Fort Phantom Hill
This Forth was established in 1851 to protect the frontier from Indians. The post suffered a series of hardships and was abandoned in 1854. Historians say desertions were frequent due to monotony and loneliness. The fort burned shortly after but the chimneys and foundations remain today along with the stone commissary, guardhouse and powder magazine. The site offers interpretive signs. Located 10 miles north of Abilene on FM 600.
Grace Museum
Comprised of the Fine Arts Museum, Abilene Historical Museum and the Children's Museum. All are located in the historic Grace Hotel, known today as the Grace Cultural Center. Built in 1909, the Grace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Some portions have been restored to their 1929 condition while others have been renovated to make them appropriate for the Museums' use today. Located at the corner of Cypress and North First Streets, The Grace Museum is in the heart of historic downtown and across the street from the restored Texas and Pacific Railroad Depot. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10am - 5pm; Thursday 10am - 8:30pm; Closed Sunday, Monday & Major Holidays. Call 325-673-4587 for more information.
Kirby Lake
This 740-acre lake can be found on the south side of Abilene, east of the US 83. On the east shore of the lake there are two boat ramps, fishing pier and a city park. Camping is not permitted.
Lake Clyde
Located on the headwaters of the Pecan Bayou 25 miles east of Albilene and five miles south of Clyde. Rated good to excellent for largemouth bass and sometimes for crappie.
Maxwell Golf Course
1166 Ben Richey Drive, Abilene, TX
Paramount Theatre
An Abilene Historic Landmark, the Paramount Theatre is on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside the beautiful art deco building visitors will find slow, drifting clouds and twinkling stars on a blue sky. Neon and incandescent cove lighting alter the brightness and coloring of the sky beyond the archways and bell tower with twin domed turrets. Weekend classic films, art film series, plays and concerts presented throughout the year. Located at 352 Cypress Street. Call 325-676-9620 for more information.
Shore Art Gallery
Traveling exhibits and works of students and faculty are displayed throughout the year. Open Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm; Sunday 1 - 5pm. Closed May 1 - August 31. Located in the Don H. Morris Center on the Abilene Christian University Campus.
Visitor Information Center
This helpful location is housed in the restored depot directly across from the Grace Cultural Center. Information on local and West Texas events can be obtained here. Open Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5pm; Saturday 10am - 2pm. Located at the corner of North First and Cypress Streets. Call 325-676-2556 for more information.
Willow Creek Golf Center
1002 South 32nd Street, Abilene, TX
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