Enterprise Community Fund

Goal: $10,000.00

Mission

Profile

    Enterprise, Kansas was named to reflect the industrious, enterprising spirit of its early settlers.  Founded in 1868 and officially laid out in 1872, the community grew around the 1869 flour mill built by Swiss immigrant Christian Hoffman.  From the beginning, Enterprise has embodied hard work, resilience, and forward-thinking vision.

    Today, Dickinson County Bank and Enterprise Estates Nursing Center remain pillars of our local economy.  Located just three miles south of Interstate 70, Enterprise is well positioned for renewed economic growth.  Vacant business properties, the former Enterprise Academy boarding school campus, and available land for residential or commercial development offer significant opportunity for expansion.  

    One of our greatest assets is the Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad.  Founded in 1993, this all-volunteer heritage railroad preserves Kansas rail history while attracting thousands of visitors each year.  The railroad operates excursion and dinner trains between Abilene and Enterprise along track originally laid by the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad in 1886.  

    The railroad is home to Santa Fe 3415, Kansas' official state steam locomotive.  This century-old Baldwin engine, restored by volunteers after sitting in Eisenhower Park for 40 years, has drawn national attention.  It has been featured on Tracks Ahead and was recognized in 2022 by The Saturday Evening Post as part of one of America's best steam train experiences.

    The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad has plans to establish a terminal in Enterprise to better serve visitors with restrooms, a gift shop, and a welcoming gathering space.  However, for tourism to truly benefit our community, we must also create additional attractions and business opportunities that encourage visitors to stay longer and invest locally.  That is where community-driven economic development becomes essential.  

    A renewed "enterprising" spirit has inspired the creation of an endowment, the Enterprise Community Fund, established through the Community Foundation of Dickinson County.

    We invite you to reflect on your connection to Enterprise---past or present---and consider investing in its future.  Your tax-deductible contribution, in any amount, will directly support the long-term vitality of our community.