Area attractions

11 min
​The Center is home to more than 70 artist members and 10 working studios. The CCA’s five galleries feature local, regional and nationally-renowned photographers and contemporary artists working in a variety of media. The Center also hosts ArtWalk the 2nd Thursday of each month - 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy a free, family evening of art and entertainment in downtown.

10 min
Many of their customers say they don't feel like they're playing in West Texas. They say it's more like the famous "Hill Country." Maybe that's why they've become so popular since we opened our doors in 1999. Diamondback Golf Club opened on November 1, 1999, and was designed, built and is operated by 1971 Masters Champion, Charles Coody who resides in Abilene, Texas.
 

8 min
Dyess Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located approximately 7 miles southwest of Abilene, Texas. The host unit at Dyess is the 7th Bomb Wing assigned to the Global Strike Command Eighth Air Force. The 7 BW is one of only two B-1B Lancer strategic bomber wings in the United States Air Force, the other being the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota.
 

10 min
​Experience World War II through the eyes of the 12th Armored Division 'Hellcats' as you explore the three floors of this remarkable museum. Artifacts, photographs, oral histories, weapons, uniforms, vehicles, dioramas and a Holocaust memorial bring the story to life and honors the sacrifice of the great men and women who comprised the 12th. The Hellcat PX gift shop offers an array of books about the division, t-shirts, collectibles and children’s toys.
 

10 min
​Frontier Texas! is one of only a few museums in the world to feature life-sized holographic figures. Experience the dramatic Texas frontier as the story comes to life in this multimedia history facility. Visitors can meet — at least figuratively — some of the real people who lived and died on the Texas frontier. Feel the terror of a wolf attack, the chaos of a buffalo stampede and the tension of a deadly card game shootout. Buffalo hunters, Comanche warriors, explorers and pioneers await you on this great adventure “Blood & Treasure on the Frontier.”  Also see the “Guns of the West” exhibit featuring a large collection of historic firearms from the Fort Phantom Hill Foundation collection. The Abilene and Forts Trail Visitor Center, located inside Frontier Texas!, offers free visitor information and the General Store features Texas-themed gifts
 

10 min
The Grace, located in the heart of downtown in a historic building, is an AAM accredited museum. Changing exhibits feature the best of Texas art, past and present, within the context of American art. The Children’s Museum offers hands-on learning activities. The Grace offers a variety of educational programs for all ages and builds connections through new experiences in art, science and history. In addition, this versatile facility can be rented for special events.
 

The Taylor County Expo Center is one of the most outstanding equestrian centers in the Southwest. It also hosts concerts, livestock and farm shows and conventions. For Texas brand of excitement, don't miss the Western Heritage Classic Ranch Rodeo each May or the West Texas Fair & Rodeo each September.

Located across the street from the hotel, the Mall of Abilene conveniently offers everything that you may be looking for.  Inside you'll find restaurants, major department stores, a health store, movie theater, hair salon, jewelry store and much more.

10 min
​Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit university in Abilene, Texas, affiliated with Churches of Christ. ACU was founded in 1906, as Childers Classical Institute. Abilene Christian University's fall 2014 enrollment was 4,427 students of which 777 were graduate students.
 

8 min
​HSU is a fully accredited university and offers six undergraduate degrees with 70 majors, and seven graduate degrees with 18 programs. Pre-professional programs include dentistry, engineering, medicine, law, pharmacology, physical therapy, and seminary. HSU offers courses in geography, Greek, Hebrew, humanities, and physical sciences, as well. The university offers a doctorate in physical therapy, the first in Texas which is open to private citizens, as well as Doctor of Education, Doctor of Ministry and a Doctor of Science degrees.
 

8 min
​McMurry University, founded in 1923, is a private co-educational university in Abilene, Texas, United States. It is a liberal arts school offering forty-five majors in the fields of fine arts, humanities, social and natural sciences, education, business, and religion, and nine pre-professional programs, including nursing, dentistry, medicine, pharmacy, veterinary, and law. McMurry is affiliated with the United Methodist church.
 

10 min
​The Abilene Zoological Gardens is a small 16-acre zoo located in Abilene, Texas. The zoo has over 1,000 animals representing over 250 species. Attendance for 2013 was 224,000. Abilene zoo has been an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since 1985. The zoo participates in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program, allowing members to obtain free or reduced admissions at many other American zoos.