Exploring the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail in Abilene

Connie Attractions & Events, Kansas May 23, 2024May 24, 2024Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, Big Spur, Dickinson County Heritage Center and Museum, Kansas attractions, Kansas Gunsmoke Trail, Old Abilene Town, Things to do in Abilene, Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, World's Largest Belt Buckle 0 Comment

In this article, we’re exploring the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail in Abilene. We had already visited Wichita, Dodge City, and Hays. These four cities were mentioned often during the old Gunsmoke television and radio show series. They were all cowtowns in the mid- to late-1800s, as cattle were driven up on trails from Texas to be loaded onto trains and shipped east.

Life could be rough on the Western Frontier, as cowboys came off the trail and got paid after months of hard work. Whooping it up in saloons, gambling houses, and brothels was common for these guys, and being a lawman in these cities wasn’t easy. It took tough characters like the legendary Wild Bill Hickok and Wyatt Earp to keep some semblance of peace.

Today, these former cowtown share their Old West days with visitors through museums, artwork and events. Here are the Old West attractions we visited in Abilene.

This is Part 4 of a 4-part series on the Kansas Gunsmoke Trail.

Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, Abilene KS: Experience the Wild West

Connie Attractions & Events, Kansas July 11, 2023July 22, 2024Abilene Kansas, Abilene Kansas Wild bill Hickok Rodeo, Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo Show 2 Comments

Last summer we visited Old Abilene Town in Abilene, Kansas, as part of a media event. That evening, our hosts treated us to a cattle drive featuring Texas Longhorn cattle, a ride on the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad, and a museum tour. In the museum we learned about Wild Bill Hickok’s time in Abilene. So, we were excited when we were also invited to attend the Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo, where we could see real cowboys and cowgirls in competitive action.

The Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo is an annual event, named multiple times as one of the top five professional outdoor rodeos in America. What was the rodeo like?