WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The City of Abilene has again been honored by USA Today as one of America’s best historic small towns.

The newspaper announced Wednesday that Abilene placed fourth in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Historic Small Town.

It’s the eighth year in a row that Abilene has been recognized in the top 10 in the annual poll. Each year, readers are asked to vote for their favorite historic small town from a list of 20 communities compiled by a panel of experts and USA Today staff.

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“We’ve worked hard to make sure Abilene stands out on a national stage,” Julie Roller Weeks, director of the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, said in a news release. “This recognition reflects the strength of our brand and the momentum we’ve built by continuing to enhance and expand the visitor experience. We’re proud to showcase Kansas in this way.”

Last year, the city came in second, and it placed third in 2024.

In choosing Abilene, USA Today noted not only the Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood home, but other attractions, including the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, the historic Seelye Mansion, the oldest Parker Carousel still in operation and Old Abilene Town.

You can see the full list of winners on USA Today’s website.

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