Dickinson County, Kansas
Dickinson County is located in central Kansas, surrounded by rolling plains and open countryside. Abilene, the county seat, has a rich history as a former endpoint of the Chisholm Trail and the boyhood home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
The Eisenhower Presidential Library is one of the county’s major attractions, while the Greyhound Hall of Fame offers a unique museum experience for visitors interested in the history and legacy of racing greyhounds.
Each Labor Day, the Central Kansas Free Fair brings carnival rides, food, entertainment, and community activities to Abilene. Railroad enthusiasts can also enjoy excursions on the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, including rides aboard historic steam-powered trains.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Dickinson County |
| County Seat | Abilene |
| Etymology | Named in honor of Daniel Dickinson, a U.S. Senator from New York |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Abilene, Chapman, Enterprise, Herington, Hope, and several smaller communities |
| Interstates and Highways | Interstate 70, U.S. Highway 56, U.S. Highway 77, Kansas Highway 4 |
| FIPS Code | 20-041 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 1,290 square miles (land: 1,284 sq mi, water: 6 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Clay County (North), Geary County (East), Morris County (Southeast), Marion County (South), McPherson County (Southwest), Saline County (West), Ottawa County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Kansas |
| Coordinates | 38.93°N, 97.21°W |
| Major Landmarks | Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home; Old Abilene Town |
| Population | 20,600 |
