What to do and see in Abilene, Texas (TX): The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

Designed and built in 1930 by architect Davis Castle, the landmark Paramount Theatre in Abilene, Texas has a rich and significant history. A beautiful example of the nostalgic “atmospheric” movie theatre, it was built in an era when movie-going was meant to be a grand experience that transported you to another time and place. The theatre’s main auditorium space was designed to re-create a Spanish / Moorish courtyard at night, complete with projected clouds passing over a neon-lit night sky fitted with twinkling stars. The Paramount, restored in 1987 and renovated to accommodate live theatre, is now the home to a myriad of events, including film, ballet, opera, and concerts. For over 89 years it has stood the test of time as an entreatment showcase of West Texas.

Jacob’s Dream, a 40-foot-tall bronze sculpture on the campus of Abilene Christian University, was commissioned and dedicated as part of the university’s Centennial Celebration in 2006. The sculpture features four 8-foot-tall angels ascending and descending a ladder reaching to heaven, illustrating the biblical account of Jacob’s dream from Genesis 28. It is surrounded by an arrangement of limestone blocks inscribed with scriptures and a limestone pool. Its sculptor, ACU art and design professor Jack Maxwell, included art students in the creation of the project.

The Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden is located on the grounds of the Abilene Convention Center, which is owned by the city. The garden was created by funds raised by the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council, a division of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce. The garden is home to pieces of the council's Storybook Sculpture Project, which are characters brought to life from the pages of children's illustrated books. The garden is free to explore and lit at night.

Located in historic downtown Abilene, Frontier Texas! is a western heritage center that allows visitors to relive the Old West through the magic of state-of-the-art technology. Frontier Texas! brings the frontier to life and lets visitors meet people who played out their lives on the Texas frontier. Frontier Texas! also serves as the official visitor center for Abilene and the Texas Forts Trail Region. Experience the legendary Texas frontier through innovative exhibits and unique encounters at Frontier Texas! Learn the story of the old west through our 90 minute hands on old west adventure "Blood & Treasure on the Frontier." Educational Programs at Frontier Texas! are designed to provide a rich educational experience for everyone. The 14,000 square-foot facility isn't a traditional museum with exhibits displayed in glass cases. At Frontier Texas!, you relive buffalo stampedes, a shootout in the Bee Hive Saloon, a wolf attack and more. And don't forget to visit The General Store that carries all your Texas souvenirs including books, t-shirts, jewelry, canned goods, and unique items made by local artisans. Frontier Texas! is the perfect place for families, History buffs, or anyone who just wants to learn a little bit more about the Lone Star state. Legends, History, Adventure.

Three floors of exhibits take you through the life and times of the 12th Armored Division from activation at Camp Campbell, KY, in 1942, to Texas, to New York, to Europe to deactivation in Germany in 1945. We are a "unique" museum with artifacts from all aspects of the daily life of a WWII soldier - and the 12th is also a recognized liberator. 12th men were there at the liberation of a sub camp of Dachau.

The Grace Museum is a hub of art, culture and community located in historic downtown Abilene, Texas. Originally built in 1909 for railroad travelers as the Hotel Grace, the fully renovated Mission Revival style Grace Museum now showcases rotating exhibitions of world-class art and photography by American artists with Texas connections, as well as historic works and objects from the Museum's permanent collection. The Grace also houses an interactive children’s museum with exhibits that kids of all ages can enjoy.