Frontier Texas in downtown Abilene connects the history of the American West with modern museum technology: the interactive museum also serves as a visitor center. Its exhibits include the oldest documented map of Taylor County; exhibit dates may change. Frontier Texas is also the official visitor center for Abilene and the Texas Forts Trail Region. If you plan to use it for guidance, check its current operating status in advance.

Museums and Frontier History

The Grace Museum is housed in a building dating to 1909. Originally built as the Hotel Grace, it accommodated travelers on the T&P Railway. Today, its history galleries feature changing exhibits on the cultural and social history of Abilene and West Texas. The building brings together the history of travel and changing perspectives on the region.

At Buffalo Gap Historic Village, actual historic buildings stand around the original Taylor County Courthouse. They represent roughly the last 50 years of Texas frontier history, from 1875 to 1925. One of the village’s log cabins is described as the oldest structure in Taylor County. Visits are self-guided: when you purchase your ticket, a map with additional information about the buildings and a suggested route is available at the Admissions Office. Signage at each stop explains the buildings. This lets you shape your walk around the individual stops without having to follow a guided tour.

The 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum offers further historical perspectives. Its collection consists mainly of archives, memorabilia, and oral histories about the 12th Armored Division in World War II, along with selected loans and donations. The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature develops its own exhibitions in collaboration with award-winning illustrators. Abilene also hosts the annual Children’s Art & Literacy Festival (CALF), which promotes literacy and creativity. Event dates and programming vary from year to year.

Parkland, Lakes, and Wildlife

Abilene State Park lies southwest of Abilene in Taylor County and covers 529.4 acres. Oak and juniper woodlands alternate with prairies, and the landscape offers opportunities for wildlife watching. For an activity on the water, canoes or kayaks can be rented near the lake. At Lake Abilene, there is no wake, and boat engines may be operated only at idle speed.

There is also a specific option for horseback riding: more than five miles of trails run along the lakeside of the highway. Riders must register at headquarters before using the trails and provide a negative Coggins test for their horses. Fishing takes place at a different body of water: Kirby Lake is in northeastern Taylor County and is primarily a fishing lake. The water-based experiences described here are distinct: canoes, kayaks, and a restriction on motorboats at one lake, and a focus on fishing at the other.

The Abilene Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals representing over 250 species from around the world. Experiences mentioned include feeding giraffes at Twiga Terrace, up-close tours with kangaroos, sloths, giraffes, and anteaters, and the Safari Express Train. Availability of these offerings may vary, so check before your visit. The options described range from an animal encounter to a tour or a train ride.

Local Food and Lodging

Perini Ranch Steakhouse opened in Buffalo Gap in 1983. It serves Certified Angus Beef steaks grilled over mesquite wood. Also in Buffalo Gap, in Taylor County, Perini Ranch Guest Quarters offers overnight accommodations in two guest houses. Availability varies.

For air travel, Abilene Regional Airport offers direct regional jet flights to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW); it is served by American Airlines and charter services. Since routes and carriers should be checked before traveling, this information can be useful in planning.

Discover more destinations: Abilene, Merkel, Buffalo Gap, Trinity, Bowie, Dawson County, Mclennan, Van Zandt.

For the main travel overview: Texas.