Art in Abilene – Kansas Murals in America’s Heartland

It’s said that a picture is worth a thousand words. When it comes to murals, these large format, public art masterpieces can help share centuries of Abilene, Kansas, history in a very powerful way. Here’s a guide to the Kansas murals you’ll find when you visit Abilene in America’s Heartland.

A special thanks to the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau for inviting me to experience Abilene, Kansas.

Along I-70, about halfway between Kansas City and Hays, is the town of Abilene, Kansas. Not only is this former stagecoach stop and the West’s first cow town is full of:

but it’s also one of the best small towns in KansasUse this guide to discover the street art of Abilene, from murals to statues and more! 
 

NOTE:  When this article was originally published, it also included the murals inside the Brookville Hotel. Sadly, the 125-year-old destination for some of the best fried chicken in the Midwest was a victim of the Covid-19 pandemic and closed its doors in the Fall of 2020. However, it was recently reported that the old Brookville Hotel will soon reopen under a new name, Legacy Kansas. Stay tuned to see if the murals remain in place!

Have You Visited Abilene, Kansas?

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Bison Stamp Mural in Abilene KS

American Bison Stamp Mural - 203 N Cedar

When Abilene was settled, herds of bison were plentiful on the plains. The largest land mammals in North America were an important food source to Native Americans. However, white men drove the animals to the brink of extinction as a technique to help force the relocation of native men, women, and children.

Sadly, the last bison in Kansas was killed in 1886. But through preservation efforts, like those of William Temple Hornaday who founded the Smithsonian National Zoo, bison and several other North American species were saved from extinction.

Today, there are approximately 200,000 bison across America in national parks, preserves, tribal lands, zoos, and private herds. See the shaggy brown herbivores captured in this Kansas mural as a strip of 6¢stamps issued in 1970 with a focus on wildlife conservation.

Abilene local Harmon Geissinger picks people off the sidewalk in this mural

Interactive Harmon Mural - 200 N Broadway St

Let Abilene local Harmon Geissinger sweep you off the sidewalk when you pose with this interactive mural on the south wall of the building. Although I packed my tripod and planned to take plenty of fun photos here, the wind was out of control when I visited, so it looks like he is pinching a brick. Or maybe the wind is whipping through his fingers. Either way, seeing the real-life inspiration for this Abilene mural be picked up by his larger-than-life self is a way cuter sight. (Check it out here.)

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Kansas Statehood Stamp Mural in Abilene KS

Sunflower Stamp Mural - 306 NW 3rd St

With the red brick wall of Tossed n Sauced Pizza as a canvas, this Kansas mural features a sunflower and a pioneer family on a 4¢stamp. The stamp that inspired this mural was issued in 1961, commemorating Kansas’s centennial.

Related Article:  See the USA – Visit Kansas, the Sunflower State

Abilene Mural - 301 N Broadway St

With an important icon filling each letter of the town’s name, you’ll find this Abilene mural on the east side of La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant. Want to know more about the faces and places depicted in each letter? Here’s your secret decoder ring:

A = A gorgeous greyhound dog in honor of the National Greyhound Hall of Fame located in Abilene, Kansas

B = The Eisenhower Library and Museum in honor of the town’s most famous son

I = A horse on the oldest operational Parker Carousel in the world. Take a spin on this early 1900s gem by visiting the Dickinson County Heritage Society and Museum

L = C. L. Brown, the man who founded Brown Telephone Company in Abilene which grew to become Sprint Corporation (now part of T-Mobile) 

E = Over a stone dugout that was the original home of the first inhabitants of Abilene, Kansas, the beautiful Victorian-era Lebold Mansion now stands

N = Cowboys once drove cattle from Texas to Abilene along the Chisholm Trail

E = The American flag unites us all, from farmers to presidents

Statue of a Young Dwight Eisenhower in Little Ike Park in Abilene KS

Statue of Dwight Eisenhower as a Boy - Little Ike Park

With the Abilene mural painted on a bright blue wall as a backdrop, this statue of a young Dwight D. Eisenhower is the star of Little Ike Park at the intersection of NW 3rd St and N Spruce St in Abilene, Kansas.

Sage Advice:  Just across NW 4th St from Little Ike Park is a statue of Ben Franklin outside the Abilene Public Library.

Wild Bill Hickok Mural in Abilene KS

Wild Bill Hickok – 201 N Buckeye Ave

On the south side of Dave’s Guns is a very apropos Kansas mural:  Filling nearly the entire wall is one of the town’s most infamous residents, Wild Bill Hickok. After serving as Abilene’s marshal for just a few months, Hickok was relieved of his duties after accidentally shooting his deputy.

Train Mural in Abilene KS

Train Mural - 207 NE 3rd St

The west side of the Abilene Printing Company’s building embraces the important role the railroad played in Abilene’s history. 

Sage Advice:  Just a short walk from the Abilene Printing Co, tucked in an alley on the southwest corner of the Abilene Downtown Antique Mall along Kirby St is an angel wings mural that is perfect for selfies. Especially if it’s not insanely windy when you visit and there isn’t a red truck blocking the beautiful mural. Hypothetically speaking.

Ike Mural in Abilene Kansas

Dwight D. Eisenhower Mural - 405 N Buckeye Ave

This next Kansas mural moves us through history from the Wild West to the beaches of Normandy. In President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s boyhood town, Meysenburg Liquor Store pays homage to the architect of D-Day with a mural portraying Ike on the south side of the building.

Sage Advice:  Read more about William Counter, the artist behind several of the murals in Abilene, Kansas.

Longhorn Mural at Abilene Middle School

Longhorn Mural at Abilene Middle School - 500 NW 14th St

I love the way the beautiful blue Kansas sky matched the heavens above this herd of longhorns in this mural at Abilene Middle School in the northwest corner of town. 

Closeup of Longhorn Mural at Abilene Middle School
Greenhouse Mural in Abilene

Cedar House Greenhouse Murals - 307 NE 14th

Last, but certainly not least, don’t miss the inspirational murals at the Cedar House Greenhouse. While it was easy to recognize the murals as the work of Scribe, artist Donald J. Ross whose works graces everything from brick walls to hospital helicopters here in Kansas City, what I didn’t know was the story behind the greenhouse.

Turtle Sowing Seeds of Love in Abilene KS Mural

Stepping inside, folks have described the building as an art installation surrounded by a greenhouse. Tucked into colorful pots, visitors can find seedlings, houseplants, and succulents. But what makes Cedar House Greenhouse unique is that it is an outlet for women on the road to recovery from addiction.

Art on Trash Bins in Downtown Abilene KS

Bonus Art: Trash Cans in Downtown Abilene, Kansas

As you explore downtown Abilene, in the blocks just north of the train depot, look for art on each of the trash receptacles that line the sidewalks. From Abilene-specific icons (like President Eisenhower and greyhounds) to broader Kansas subjects (like sunflowers and the Wizard of Oz), each is a functional work of art.

To Visit Abilene, Kansas

Where is Abilene, Kansas?

Abilene, Kansas, is just south of I-70, about halfway between Junction City and Salina. Located in Central Kansas, this town of about 7,000 people is also the Dickinson County seat.

How far is Abilene from Wichita?

It will take you about 90 minutes to travel north from Wichita to Abilene, Kansas.

How far is Abilene from Kansas City?

Abilene, Kansas, is a little over two hours west of Downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

What's are the best places to stay in Abilene, Kansas?

During several trips to Abilene, I’ve spent the night at the Holiday Inn Express. You can read my review here. If you’re seeking an alternative hotel chain option, the Super 8 is also quite popular. 

What's the best way to plan my trip to Abilene, Kansas?

There are several articles to help you plan your trip to Abilene, Kansas, here at Everyday Wanderer. Additionally, I recommend the Visit Abilene, Kansas website where you can:

  • request a free visitor’s guide,
  • access a calendar of special events, and
  • find other useful information to plan your trip.

Have You Visited Abilene, Kansas?

What did you do and see when you were in Abilene, Kansas? What did you like most about the West’s first cow town? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Abilene KS Murals - Pin 2 - JPG
Abilene KS Murals - Pin 4 - JPG
Abilene KS Murals - Pin 6 - JPG
Sunflower in a Field at Sunrise

   

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3 thoughts on “Art in Abilene – Kansas Murals in America’s Heartland”

  1. I absolutely adore the Stamp street art!!! I love that art murals are starting to pop up all over small towns in America too!

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