Visit Abilene, the defining city of West Texas. Alive and well, the frontier spirit here applies to discovery, development, and creativity. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Abilene, we’ve got the perfect list for you.
Abilene is in a central location. It’s just 150 miles west of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and is home to 120,000 friendly people. Relax, explore, and enjoy the mix of western heritage, contemporary culture, and traditional values.
7 Fun Things To Do In Abilene
While there is no shortage of fun things to do in Abilene, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding area too. Enjoy this list of awesome places to see and visit.
- Visit an interactive museum – There are many opportunities to learn more about the history of Texas. In particular, the city of Abilene has much to offer. Check out Frontier Texas where you experience history, adventure, and legends. In fact, travel down a winding pathway through the Century of Adventure where the legends of the Old West come to life. Their theaters provide an introduction to Texas history. You meet the people in state-of-the-art technology as they play out their lives on the frontier. The Grace Museum has it all, including an art museum with incredible exhibitions. There’s also a history museum depicting life in early Abilene. And you’ll love the exciting, hands-on, interactive children’s museum. The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature celebrates authors through exhibits of their original artwork.
- Go paddling on the lake – Rent a SUP (stand-up paddleboard) or kayak and go paddling on Lake Fort Phantom. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Abilene.
- Walk a historic downtown – Trolley buses provide free transportation to Abilene’s interesting historic area. Abilene’s downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many buildings date back as early as 1906.
- Visit the zoo –Abilene Zoo is home to more than 600 animals including 5 adorable lion cubs and the ocelot, an endangered species. The opening of the Elm Creek Backyard is an exciting new addition to the zoo. It includes a wonderful assortment of local wildlife from armadillos to cougars and turtles to turkeys. The Abilene Zoo is beautifully landscaped. It’s also one fun thing to do for the entire family.
- Go dancing – The Lucky Mule’s mission statement seems to be working. They throw the wildest, craziest, and best party in town every single night. Whether you are at the Lucky Mule to celebrate a birthday, listen to your favorite Texas country singer, or dance to the Top 40 or hip-hop, you will have a good time.
- Go to the park – Abilene State Park is a scenic park covering 1,612 acres along Elm Creek. Once a resting place for the Comanche Indians, you will find hiking & nature trails, picnic sites with playground areas, a swimming pool, birding and wildlife observation, and biking and hiking trails. You can also find bird watching and nature trails at Big Country Audubon Society and Cedar Gap Farm. You’ll also find biking and mountain biking trails at Buck Creek Trails.
- Play some golf – There are three public courses: Diamondback, Maxwell Municipal, and Willow Creek. You can also find disc golf courses in Abilene: Cal Young Park, wildcat Disc Golf Course, and Will Hair Park. Playing golf is one of the most fun things to do anywhere, but you’ll really enjoy it in Abilene.