Celebrate Mom in Abilene: A Mother’s Day Weekend to Remember
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day? Make it a weekend in Abilene, where charming shops, memorable attractions, and one-of-a-kind experiences create the perfect backdrop for making new family memories.
From antiques and classic cars to dining aboard a heritage railroad, here are five wonderful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend in Abilene.
1. Shop the 8th Annual Abilene Downtown Antique Fest
Saturday, May 9 | Downtown Abilene
Spend the day treasure hunting at the 8th Annual Abilene Downtown Antique Fest, where downtown streets fill with antiques, vintage finds, handmade goods, and specialty treasures. Whether you are searching for a thoughtful gift for Mom or simply enjoying a day browsing together, Antique Fest is a Mother’s Day weekend tradition worth discovering.
Pair it with lunch downtown, a little shopping, and an afternoon exploring one of Kansas’ most charming historic districts.
2. Stroll Through the Downtown Cruise for Food Car Show
Saturday, May 9 | Little Ike Park
Add a little chrome and nostalgia to your weekend at the Downtown Cruise for Food Car Show. Admire beautifully restored classics, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and support a good cause while you are at it. It is a fun stop that pairs perfectly with Antique Fest and adds another reason to make a day of it in downtown Abilene.
3. Tour the Historic Seelye Mansion
Open Daily | Saturday Tours Begin at 10:00 a.m.
Treat Mom to a tour through one of Kansas’ grandest homes. The historic Seelye Mansion dazzles with original furnishings from the 1904 World’s Fair, Edison light fixtures, beautiful craftsmanship, and stories around every corner.
A visit here feels both elegant and timeless, making it a fitting Mother’s Day outing.
4. Enjoy a Pre-Mother’s Day Dinner Aboard the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad
Saturday, May 9 | 6:00 p.m.
Give Mom a gift she will not expect: dinner aboard the Smoky Valley Limited.
The Mother’s Day Express offers a two-hour rail adventure through the scenic Smoky Hill River Valley, paired with a delicious meal from Kites of Aggieville. Choose shrimp scampi or grilled chicken over fettuccini alfredo, served with Caesar salad, breadsticks, and Reese’s peanut butter pie for dessert.
It is a memorable way to celebrate Mom with an experience she will be talking about long after the weekend ends.
5. Share Mother’s Day Lunch on the Railroad
Sunday, May 10 | 1:00 p.m.
Looking for a family-friendly outing on Mother’s Day itself? Climb aboard the Flint Hills Express and enjoy the Wheat State Family Diner excursion.
Packed lunches from Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro make this train ride a relaxing and memorable way to spend the holiday together. Travel through the Smoky Hill River Valley, stop in Enterprise at the Hoffman Mill and General Store, and enjoy the simple joy of time shared.
Sometimes the best Mother’s Day gift is time together!
Start planning your Mother’s Day getaway at AbileneKansas.org.