Kansas town tapped as one of Top 10 True Western Towns, again

ABILENE, Kan. (KCTV) – A town in Kansas well-known for its history and importance in the Wild West has been named one of the nation’s Top 10 True Western Towns, again.

The City of Abilene has announced that for the third straight year, it continues to reign as a must-visit destination for Western history buffs and enthusiasts. In 2024, the town won the No. 7 spot as one of the Top 10 True Western Towns of the Year by True West Magazine.

City officials noted that the recognition, featured in the magazine’s January/February 2025 edition, will mark the third straight year the honor has been earned and solidify its legacy as a hub of Western heritage.

“Abilene is synonymous with the Wild West, and we are proud to preserve and promote that legacy to visitors from around the world,” said Julie Roller Weeks, Director of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This award celebrates not only Abilene’s storied history as the original Cowtown but also our ongoing efforts to create new experiences, like the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, that honor our Western roots.”

City leaders indicated that the Kansas Gunsmoke Traily, a new initiative, invites visitors to explore the heart of the Wild West as they connect iconic towns like Abilene and Dodge City, which took home the No. 9 spot this year. The trail reinforces the town’s status as a premier destination for authentic Western experiences.

Visitors can also stroll through Old Abilene Town and experience reenactments, ride the rails with the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, explore the Dickinson County Heritage Center, admire Westernothemed Art and experience the excitement of the Wild Bill Hickock PRCA Rodeo.

For more information about attractions and events in Abilene or to request a visitor’s guide, click HERE.

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