Explore Abilene, TX
Beyond the Campground
Circle Back RV Park puts you just minutes from everything Abilene has to offer — Old West history, a zoo built around storybook characters, a walkable downtown full of local food and live music, and wide-open lakes for an afternoon outdoors. Here’s a look at some of our favorite ways to spend a day (or a few) in the Big Country.
Things to Do
Pick Your Adventure
Frontier Texas!
Step into 19th-century Texas through life-size animatronic exhibits and firsthand accounts of the settlers, ranchers, and Comanche who shaped this stretch of the frontier. It’s an easy, air-conditioned way to spend a couple of hours downtown.
Buffalo Gap Historic Village
A short drive south of Abilene, this restored 19th-century village lets you wander through original homes, a schoolhouse, a jail, and a working blacksmith shop — a great stop if you want a slower-paced, walk-around kind of history lesson.
Fort Phantom Hill
The stone ruins of an 1851 frontier military outpost sit quietly outside of town, free to explore year-round. Bring the camera — the wildflowers and songbirds around the old chimneys make it as much a nature stop as a history one.
12th Armored Division Memorial Museum
A tribute to the WWII “Hellcats” division, with uniforms, weapons, vehicles, and a Holocaust memorial exhibit. A meaningful stop for history buffs and veterans alike.
Abilene Zoo
Home to more than 1,000 animals across 140 species, this walkable zoo is one of Abilene’s most popular family stops — you can even hand-feed the giraffes.
National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
The only museum of its kind in the country, celebrating the art of children’s book illustration. It’s the reason Abilene calls itself the “Storybook Capital of Texas.”
Storybook Gardens & Downtown Sculpture Walk
Downtown Abilene is scattered with storybook character sculptures and features the longest-running outdoor sculpture exhibition of its kind in the state — nearly 20 permanent works line the old railroad tracks through downtown. It’s a free, easy way to spend an hour on foot.
The Grace Museum
Housed in a beautifully restored 1909 hotel building downtown, the Grace covers fine art, history, and hands-on children’s exhibits all under one roof.
Center for Contemporary Arts
Rotating exhibits from regional and national artists in the heart of downtown — worth a stop if you’re already out exploring the sculpture walk.
Historic Paramount Theatre
A beautifully restored 1930s movie palace that still hosts films, concerts, and live events under its iconic neon marquee.
PrimeTime Family Entertainment Center & Play Faire Park
Mini golf, arcade games, and go-karts make these a solid rainy-day or evening option for families and kids of all ages.
Abilene Aquatic Adventures & Splash Pads
Cool off at Adventure Cove’s water slides, lazy river, and zero-depth beach, or hit one of the city’s free splash pads scattered around town (seasonal, April–October).
Abilene Skate Park & Bowling Lanes
Free admission at the Rose Park skate park, or head to Abilene Bowling Lanes for a classic 20-lane game night.
Lake Fort Phantom Hill
A local favorite for fishing, boating, and watching the sunset over the water — close enough for a quick evening trip.
Lake Kirby
Another great fishing spot, with picnic areas, playgrounds, boat ramps, and some of the best birdwatching in the area, especially early in the morning.
Abilene’s Downtown and SoDA (South of Downtown) districts have become the go-to spot for food and nightlife — think wood-fired pizza, a legendary steakhouse, a working brewery and coffee bar, wine bars, and even axe throwing, all within walking distance of each other. It’s an easy way to spend an evening after a day of sightseeing (or after a day of doing absolutely nothing at your site — no judgment).
