ROUND UP SUMMER FUN AT LOCAL ATTRACTIONS – Use your summer days wisely before they are all gone!  Visit Abilene’s attractions, have fun and save money with the Roundup Pass. The Roundup Pass gives visitors access to Abilene’s prominent attractions at a reduced cost. The pass provides entrance to: Frontier Texas!, The Grace Museum, The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum, Abilene Zoo and Buffalo Gap Historic Village. Instead of purchasing admission for each individual attraction, which would cost $25 for one adult, the Roundup Pass essentially “rounds up” all of these great attractions and admits you into all of them for one low price.

Your first stop should be Frontier Texas! where you can relive the Old West. Cool off in the multimedia exhibit, “Century of Adventure.” Step back in time to hear the stories from the men and women who lived and died on the frontier. Find adventure as you walk through tepees, live through a Buffalo Stampede and explore our history from 1780-1880. Don’t forget to check out Frontier Texas! newest exhibit, “The Guns that Won the West.” Frontier Texas! is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call (325) 437-2800.

Walk or drive to The Grace Museum and be amazed by the special exhibit, James Surls: “From the Heartland.” This exhibit features 21 sculptures from steel, bronze and wood, as well as 12 large-scale drawings by Surls which inspired his sculptures. Through Aug. 22.

On Saturday, The Grace is hosting the grand opening of a new interactive theatre exhibit in the children’s museum, 10 a.m. to noon. The exhibit is modeled after Abilene’s own historic Paramount Theatre The new theater will feature a hard wood stage, light mixer, backdrops, costumes, props and scripts, as well as a dressing room where children can prepare for their theatrical debuts! The Grace Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Call (325) 673-4587.

"Pop” into the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature and experience “The Wizards of Pop: Sabuda and Reinhart” exhibit. This unique exhibit of hand-crafted, oversized books and displays brings the beloved pop-up books to life. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free, but when you purchase the Roundup Pass you receive a 20 percent discount on merchandise. Call (325) 673-4586.

Next, walk a block from the NCCIL to step inside from the heat and review World War II at the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call (325) 677-6515.

Take a “Sunset Safari” at the Abilene Zoo. Sunset Safari allows you to enjoy your visit longer during the summertime with extended hours until 9 p.m. every Thursday through Labor Day. For more information, call (325) 676-6085.

Take a short drive to Buffalo Gap. Step back in time at Buffalo Gap Historic Village and take a walk through West Texas frontier history. The Village tells the incredible story of the last 50 years of the frontier through 21 buildings. Sound wands are included in the admission price. Browse the Village book store or play on the old-fashioned playground. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call (325) 572-3365.

Fitness buffs, get those bikes ready for the 2009 Tour De Gap Bicycle Race, Saturday also in Buffalo Gap. Registration cost is $30. All proceeds benefit the Food Bank of West Central Texas. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. on the day of the ride. The race begins at 8 a.m. at the Old Settlers’ Reunion Grounds. Choose from four different routes: 11 miles, 27 miles, 52 miles and 77 miles. Call (325) 677-2453 to register.

When you discover everything Abilene has to offer, why spend a lot of money to travel long distances? Introduce friends, family and guests to everything that is right here in our own backyard! You will find great summer savings when you purchase the Abilene Roundup Pass. Roundup Passes are $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 16 and younger. Purchase them at each of the attractions listed above or at the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, 1101 N. 1st Street.

For additional information on Abilene’s attractions, visit www.abilenevisitors.com.