Attractions

Friendly travel counselors and travel information kiosks are ready to assist in the discovery of Abilene, the Texas Forts Trail, and the 63-county "Texas Frontier" region. In addition, see the big picture of the Texas frontier between 1780 and 1880 as it comes to life in this multimedia facility in historic downtown Abilene. This attraction includes:

Welcome Theater—A holographic introduction to "Spirit Guide" historical figures—Native Americans, frontier settlers, buffalo hunters and soldiers—all icons for stories that follow.

Spirit Gallery—Dramatic media and dimensional exhibits let you experience many different lives as soldiers, cowboys, homemakers, buffalo hunters, lawmen, gamblers and outlaws all seek their destinies. Via the magic of technology, hear and see stories in "first-person" from Western legends such as Doc Holliday, Cynthia Ann Parker and George Reynolds, a man who lived for 15 years with an arrow in his stomach.

Century of Adventure—Take a full-surround visual thrill ride through Texas frontier history. Feel the terror of a prairie wolf attack, the chaos of a buffalo stampede, the tension of a deadly shoot out in the Beehive Saloon, and the magic of fireflies flitting around your head.

The facility features an open-air pavilion and forts-inspired parade grounds. Open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Sat. and 1–5 p.m. Sun. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 625 N. First St. in historic downtown. 325/437-2800. www.frontiertexas.com.