Abilene Travel Guide, Texas

Located 185 miles W of Dallas, Abilene is a city of about 115,000 residents. It came into being when the Texas & Pacific Railway decided to lay tracks on the area and it grew to become the county’s seat because of the railroad that brought a lot of pioneers to Abilene.

The city over ranked Buffalo Gap, the first county seat but it still remained a town with a pleasant quaint atmosphere and one of the area’s top attractions for tourists.

The main activity in the area was based on using the hundreds of thousands of buffalo skeletons. They were used by sugar refineries and fertilizer manufacturers and this industry in the area thrived helping the city develop into the county seat.

Later on in 1940 another activity arose when Camp Barkley opened near the city. It was a huge U.S. Army training center hosting 60,000 troops. It was without doubt a good point for the city, but the camp closed after the World War II and many feared the local economy would collapse. However another base came to the rescue in the 1950s, Dyess Air Force Base, a training centre for B-1 bomber. The base is still the major employer in the area having 15,000 employees.

In the 1990s, economic developments continued to strengthen the city and other activities began to thrive just to mention the horse shows that are very popular and renowned in the country; several equine events being held here every year.

The area around the city is a prime destination for the ones that are into fishing and hunting, the center of “Big Country" as Texans call it. The region abounds in reservoirs and natural beauty of an area still unraveled by man. Abilene State Park is one of those areas found 15 miles southwest of the city. For people who like outside action is the perfect place. They can choose from a great number of activities: hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping. And not far is another top destination Lake Abilene perfect for fishing and boating. The park has maintained its original purity from the days of Comanches and buffalo herds and it is still abundant in pecan and oak trees.

It is the perfect home for the numerous animals like: armadillos, deer, raccoons, longhorn and foxes that still live here. Anyone remotely interested in the natural world should set aside a full day to explore it as there are 110 campsites and if you fell like staying overnight you are welcomed at the 15 tent sites.

A day in the park is revitalizing and invigorating and will charge your batteries for a night in town. So coming back in town for a bit of fun and cultural events is a good idea. Downtown is a good place to start as it boasts with venues. For the most artistic souls there is Paramount Theatre a beautiful restored building from the 1930s that hosts art films and classics but also live performances and musical concerts. From here you can go to Abilene Cultural Affairs Council and watch one of the seven performances held annually at the Paramount.

Symphonic music fans can head to Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra and enjoy one of the eight classical and pops shows.

The events on offer will be some of the brightest moments of your vacation. You will sample what this city loves, and you'll come back for more, these events will make your vacation happen!

With activities for every age range, price range, and interest, you'll feel like your vacation just went over the top! When it comes to outdoor or indoor activities, you'll find Abilene to be the hottest spot for action and excitement!

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