I Like Ike: Legacy of Dwight Eisenhower Abilene, KS

Dwight Eisenhower left behind a big legacy as a president and the liberator of Europe during World War 2. Did you know this iconic person was from a small town in the Midwest called Abilene, Kansas? After visiting the town myself, here’s how you can enjoy Eisenhower’s Legacy in Abilene with things to see and do revolving around the president while in the area. 

Pose with the World’s Biggest “I Like Ike” Button 

Buttons are a huge thing in America, used in political campaigns, as part of “my first time” in a certain destination, and in other quirky ways to announce something. Part of the campaign that the Eisenhower team did during his presidential bid was to make “I like Ike” buttons. For those who don’t know, Ike is Eisenhower’s nickname, and during his presidential campaign, thousands of these buttons were made. The largest Ike button is designed like the original buttons used on Eisenhower’s campaign trail. “I Like Ike” is an iconic campaign that started as a commercial advertisement and went viral (well, in those days, was virality even a thing?). 

The world’s biggest “I Like Ike Button” is located in Eisenhower Park, right in front of the downtown area. The button is available to view 24 hours a day and is completely free to the public for enjoyment. 

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Eisenhower Park and Rose Garden 

This park is known as the place where Eisenhower announced his candidacy for President of the United States. In the modern era, the park is home to a skate park, a pool, a fountain, a rose garden, a few walking trails, and the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. 

The World’s Largest Belt Buckle is a quirky and fun stop, where one can just park off the street and take a photo of the buckle. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can get on the stairs to get a higher view of the buckle and see the details on the front and the back. 

The front’s details are awesome, and you can see that the city has put a lot of effort in this buckle to make it as realistic as a small buckle. 

Little Ike Park 

Eisenhower Park shows a statue of a young Dwight Eisenhower sitting. The square is small but is located in downtown Abilene, easily accessible to the restaurants and shops in the area. There are some benches to sit, reflect, and just rest in the area. I love the bushes and the trees that surround this small park. 

Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library

The biggest draw to the town is Eisenhower’s Presidential Library. This museum is managed by the National Park System, and hours can change, depending on whether there is a government shutdown. 

When we visited, there was a government shutdown in place, so we didn’t see inside the museum, library, or the childhood home. There were no barriers to the parking area and grounds at the time, so we walked around taking pictures. 

Within the multiple buildings, I would recommend spending at least half a day (or even a whole day) if you have time to completely soak in what the complex has to offer. There’s also a gift shop located in the main visitor center building of the Presidential Library, so do check it out. You can also pick up unigrid information pamphlets about the site. 

This honestly is an activity I would do the next time, but if you need more information on what to expect at the Eisenhower presidential library, click here. 

Dwight Eisenhower’s Childhood Home can be toured

Like the Presidential Library, Eisenhower’s childhood home has been moved to the NPS complex. This modest home is open during the presidential library’s opening hours. 

The Remains of Eisenhower and his wife are in Abilene, KS

Eisenhower and his wife are buried onsite in the chapel. Also managed by the National Park System and part of the Presidential Library complex, the burial chapel is open whenever the Eisenhower Presidential Library is open. 

Eisenhower’s Legacy in Abilene, Kansas

I’ve listed the sites that you can visit as part of Eisenhower’s Legacy in Abilene, Kansas. This town is a great place to base yourself in for at least 3 days to explore history (both Eisenhower and other historical places). A huge thank you to Abilene and Travel Kansas for inviting me on this trip.