Abilene is about a two-hour drive on I-70 west outside of Kansas City. Eisenhower's boyhood home and Presidential memorial are about two miles south of I-70 on highway 15 (exit 275). It opens at 9:00 am (gift shop opens 8:45 am, the chapel is always open).

A gift shop is at the entrance (of course!). It has a 15-minute video presentation of the life of Dwight David Eisenhower. It is worth watching.

The 22 acre grounds are very well kept and present a peaceful environment. Some people arrive before the 9:00 am opening just to walk around the perimeter of the grounds.

The home is where Dwight, his parents, his five brothers and his grandparents all lived while in Abilene. Tour guides explain the guarded rooms.

The library is not that interesting to the average tourist. Upstairs is a small gallery with an exhibit that probably changes frequently.

The museum is quite impressive. It is the only time you pay ($5.00) for touring anything. Plan to spend some time here. It is easy to get lost with the various ways to walk. Of course, there are plenty of World War II galleries/exhibits. A most fascinating aspect of Eisenhower is that he was an avid painter. That was his hobby. He was very good at painting. An entire gallery is devoted to his works. You will be impressed!!!

At the far eastern end of the grounds is a war memorial. It has five spires, each with a plaque.

The small chapel where Dwight and Mamie are buried is very serene. A fountain is just outside the door. It is always open and can be viewed before everything else opens at 9:00 am.