Step Into the Past
Join us for a walking tour of a West Texas town that's more than a century
old. Follow in the footsteps of the builders of the frontier that made Abilene
what it is today.
Created by the T&P Railway, Abilene rose from the prairie to become a vital
center of activity in West Texas. Abilene began when lots were sold at auction
in 1881. Oil strikes and record harvests led to unparalleled prosperity in the
1920s, the decade in which many of the buildings on this tour were constructed.
Now the home of three universities and a large air force base, Abilene, a
leader in the oil industry, serves as the medical, shopping, and cultural hub
for this area of the state.
Enjoy the efforts of Abilene's recent downtown revitalization, which has become
a model for other communities interested in preserving their heritage. The
Abilene Commercial Historic District, created in 1991, preserves the unique
architecture and cultural landscape that developed from Abilene's position as
the regional trade center.
Begin your tour by walking west from Frontier Texas! down North 1st St. until you reach the 1st building on the walking tour, the T&P Depot (see map of Abilene Historic Downtown Walking Tour).
Outdoor Fun
Abilene State Park
- Overnight camping reservations are now available for spaces, shelters, and yurts.
- Day-use reservations can be made online at www.texasstateparks.org or by calling 512-389-8900.
- The swimming pool is now closed for the season.
- Rent kayaks and canoes to use on Lake Abilene at the new rental kiosk.
- Follow the park's Facebook page for news.
Birdwatching
Texas Parks & Wildlife recommends these places to spot different avian species. Grab binoculars and visit Fort Phantom Hill, Seabee Park at Fort Phantom Lake, Lake Kirby Nature Park, Will Hair Park, Grover Nelson Park, or Abilene State Park and the adjacent, Lake Abilene.
Expert Jay Packer has documented more than 289 bird species in Taylor County during a birding “Big Year,” in 2019 and his daily blog of the adventure is a colorful catalog. Here are resources to help get started. You will want to start a digital journal and document your work as a citizen scientist through a free account and smartphone app via eBird.org. Bird fans also can join the Big Country Audubon Society group on Facebook and share findings with other bird lovers.
Camp Barkeley Dog Park
- Dogs can enjoy off-leash freedom in the two, large fenced parks: Dogs under 30 pounds and another for bigger dogs.
- Water and waste-bags are available on-site.
Take a walk with your leashed animal, fish or feed prairie dogs.
- Basketball, tennis, disc golf, and fishing are open to the public.
- All five Splash Pads are free and open at these parks: Grover Nelson Park, Redbud Park, Scarborough Park, Arthur Sears Park, Stevenson Park
- Adventure Cove is now open Saturdays, 11 am to 7 pm, Sundays from 1 to 7 pm. It will be open Labor Day, Sept 6, 11 am to 7 pm, and Doggie Splash Day will close the season on Sept. 11, 10 am to noon.
Spot wildflowers or birdwatch at Lake Kirby Nature Park, Will Hair Park, or Grover Nelson Park.
- Experience Adventure Lab, a series of virtual, location-based geocaches. Download the app and try it out! The adventure starts at the first interpretive sign near the pavilion and then proceeds along the Boardwalk.
Take a walk, throw a frisbee or picnic at these parks:
