Abilene, TX Tourist Attractions
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Abilene, (pop. 110,000) located in north central Texas, offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities for visitors, with everything from golf to the symphony orchestra.The town was once a major livestock area, and although livestock is still important to the economy, other industries such as petroleum refining and the production of musical instruments have developed.
Big Country Squadron Air Force Museum (closed)
ATTRACTION IS CLOSED.The Big Country Squadron Air Force works to preserve World War II aircraft, keeping them in flying condition. It also serves to honor those who fought in WWII. The unit also flies in various airshows.The museum, located in the Big Country Squadron hangar, houses a collection of artwork, photos, rare flying gear, uniforms and related items, and books.
Grace Museum
The Grace Museum, located in the historic Grace Hotel building, is home to the Art Museum, Children's Museum, and the History Museum.
Surroundings
There are a couple of towns and attractions in the area around Abilene which can be easily visited on a day trip.
Brownwood
Brownwood (pop. 20,000) was settled in 1856 and developed more substantially after the discovery of oil in the 1920's. The town features a number of historical buildings and sandstone structures.Nearby Lake Brownwood State Park offers a variety of opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast.
Brown County Museum of History
Housed in a unique old jail, the Brown County Museum of History offers displays on communications, sponsored by the West Texas Pioneer Telephone Club.
Sweetwater
More than 90 sites in the Sweetwater Commercial Historic District are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of these places date to the early 1900's.
Pioneer City-County Museum
Photographs, agricultural exhibits, and Indian artifacts from around the county are on display at the Pioneer City-County Museum.
Albany
The small town of Albany is home to the Albany News, established in 1883, and a courthouse which has been in use since the same year.
Old Jail Art Center
Old Jail Art Center, built in 1887, houses a diverse collection of art including works by American and European artists, Asian art, and pre-Columbian art.
Buffalo Gap
Buffalo Gap is situated at a natural pass on the Callahan Divide. It was a pass used by buffalo for centuries.
Buffalo Gap Historical Village
This Buffalo Gap Historic Village features a 20 historic buildings from the frontier settlement. The Old Taylor County Courthouse, built in 1879, is the second oldest public building in the county.
Snyder
Snyder (pop. 11,500) is a petroleum processing and farming and ranching area. It is also home of Western Texas College.
Scurry County Museum
The museum displays American Indian artifacts, chuck wagons, and pioneer equipment and household items.
Zoological Gardens and Discovery Center
The Abilene Zoo is home to 500 native and exotic animals. It also offers educational classes for young people.
