Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad - a Day Trip from Kansas City
Have you ever wondered what riding a historic Kansas train would be like? We recently had the opportunity to experience the historic and authentic Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad. This unique adventure is only two hours from Kansas City and makes for the perfect day trip. This was particularly special for my kids, as it was their first time on a real train. It turned out to be a great way for us to enjoy a memorable day trip from Kansas City together this summer. Here is a walk through of what a day trip looks like to the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad!
The Historic Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
Getting Started: Boarding the Train
We woke up early and drove from Kansas City to Abilene, KS. To ensure a smooth start, we made sure to arrive early. Tickets are available for purchase at the depot, but you can also buy them online. If you’re a Kansas resident, there's an exciting perk: you can ride for FREE with the Sunflower Summer App until August 11, 2024. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience this historic train ride without any cost.
Excursion train rides take place Wednesday - Saturday at 10 AM or 2 PM (we chose 10 AM) and Sunday at 2 PM (summer hours). There are also dinner trains and special event trains available. Arrive about 30-40 minutes early for your train ride to get your tickets, use the restroom, and explore a while.
Preparing for the Ride
Once onboard, you have the option to choose between two types of cars. The enclosed, air-conditioned car offers comfort from the elements, while the open-air gondola car provides a more immersive experience with the surrounding scenery. Both options have their own charm, and the good news is you can switch between them during the trip.
Before boarding, a little tip: make sure to use the restroom at the depot. The train itself doesn’t have restroom facilities, so it's best to be prepared.
The Layover in Enterprise, KS
About halfway through the journey (40 minutes), there's a 30-minute layover in Enterprise, KS. This stop allows you and your kids to stretch your legs before returning to Abilene. Here, you can visit the historic Hoffman Mill, grab a snack or drink, use the restroom, and explore the flour milling machine. The layover also offers the unique opportunity to see the train engine being rotated, a fascinating process you can witness up close and maybe even get a chance to ride in the engine! My kids loved this part of the experience!
After the layover, we boarded the train and decided to sit outside in the open-air gondola. The return journey was just as enjoyable and we ate the snacks we picked up at the Hoffman Mill. I loved getting to take in the beautiful Kansas countryside landscape on the return ride to Abilene.
Why You Should Visit the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad
For Kansas residents, this is a must-do adventure. The Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad offers a wonderful way to step back in time and enjoy a piece of living history with the 1800’s depot, Old Abilene Town experience, and the historic train ride. Plus, the free ride offer through the Sunflower Summer App makes it too good to miss. If you’re not from Kansas, you may still consider a day trip or wait for the special fall or holiday train rides!
We enjoyed our day trip to the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad! You can make a day of it and explore the charming town of Abilene after your train ride.
Other places to visit in Abilene, KS:
Seelye Mansion (best for mature or older children)
The World’s Largest Belt Buckle and the World’s Largest Spur
We decided to eat a quick lunch in Abilene and then start our journey back to Kansas City. We stopped at the Oz Museum in Wamego, KS which was a fun and quick stop!
Whether you're a train enthusiast, a history buff, or a family looking for a fun outing, the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad is sure to create lasting memories. Make sure to add this to your next day trip from Kansas City with kids!
Address: 200 SE 5th St, Abilene, KS 67410
Website: https://asvrr.org/
Looking for a longer trip? Check out The Gathering Place in Tulsa, OK!
Gabrielle Isom - 8/9/24
