Founded by cattlemen as a railroad shipping point and named for Abilene, Kansas, this city has a long history as a cattle producing area. Cattle gave way to oil and today both form the backbone of the economy.

The city is home to Abilene Christian, Hardin-Simmons, and McMurry universities.

An historic downtown district, which includes several renovated turn-of-the-century buildings and one of the original Paramount Theaters, is home to several arts organizations, galleries, and museums.

Abilene Attractions

Abilene State Park. This 529-acre park includes camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing and hiking. Tucked in a grove of large pecan trees, this site was once a campground for Native Americans. 15 miles southwest of Abilene on Rt. 89.

Abilene Zoo. Especially noted for its Discover Center, this 13-acre zoo in Nelson Park is filled with more than 800 animals covering over 200 species, from fish and birds to small mammals from the Southwestern US and Africa. There's also a special wetlands exhibit. Open daily.

Buffalo Gap Historic Village. This historic village contains 20 buildings from the region's frontier days, including the Old Taylor County Courthouse, a country store, a blacksmith shop, and a bank. A short video introduces you to some area history. Located at 133 N. William Street, Buffalo Gap. From Abilene, take FM 89 (Buffalo Gap Rd.) to Buffalo Gap, turn right on Elm and continue two blocks to 133 North William.

Frontier Texas!

Grace Museum. Located across the street from the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the former Grace Hotel (built in 1909) now houses a fine arts museum, an historical museum for the town of Abilene, and a children's museum. Located at 102 Cypress St.

12th Armored Division Memorial Museum. Recalls the World War II history of this brave division. Located at 1289 N. 2nd.

Center for Contemporary Arts. Comprised of a group of working artists with studios that are open to the public, this arts venue displays rotating monthly exhibits in mediums ranging from painting to sculpture to photos. The Center also hosts ArtWalk on the second Thursday of each month, held from 5 to 8:30pm downtown. Located at 220 Cypress St.

National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature. This free, unique museum showcases the works of the world's best children's book illustrators. Located at 102 Cedar.

Paramount Theater. One of the original few remaining, self-guided tours of this historic theater are available on weekday afternoons. Located at 352 Cypress.

Dining

Perini Ranch Steakhouse. This must-visit restaurant, the product of cowboy gourmet Tom Perini, is located 13 miles south of Abilene. Partly built of old wooden railroad ties, with painted wood and brick floors and lots of windows overlooking oak trees and rolling hills, the restaurant is part of the well-known Perini Ranch and has received accolades from magazines ranging from Southern Living to Texas Monthly, serving a clientele that's included President George W. Bush, Fess Parker, and others. Try the signature beef tenderloin, rubbed in spices and cooked to order over mesquite served with a horseradish sauce. You may also want to try the fried chicken or catfish or the bread pudding and jalapeño cheesecake. Located in Buffalo Gap at 3002 FM 89.

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For More Information:

• visit www.abilene.com/visitors

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