Began as a railroad town in 1882, Killeen is named for Frank P. Killeen, an official of the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railroad. The community is best known as the home of Fort Hood, the largest military base in the free world. Fort Hood was established during World War II as a training ground for tank battalions. The town is a good destination for military buffs because of its military museums, open to the public.
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Attractions
Fort Hood. U.S. 190. Established in 1942, Fort Hood now spans 339 square miles, encompassing more people and machines than any other post in the free world. The post is home to more than 42,000 soldiers. Access to the base is restricted, but the public is welcome at two museums: the First Cavalry Division and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment Museums. Before traveling to the museums, you’ll need to make your first stop at the Marvin Leath Visitors Center located at U.S. 190 at the base’s Main Gate. To obtain a driving permit for the base, you’ll need to show identification and proof of driver’s insurance.
1st Cavalry Division Museum. Fort Hood is home to the First Cavalry Division Horse Detachment. Wearing authentic nineteenth-century uniforms, this group performs at exhibitions throughout Texas. The museum traces the history of this division from its days on the western frontier through its berm-busting attacks during Desert Storm. An outdoor area displays more than three dozen pieces of military equipment, including aircraft and tanks. Open Mon through Fri 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sun noon to 4 p.m. Free admission. Building 2218, 761st Tank Battalion Avenue.
3rd Cavalry Regiment Museum. The history of the U.S. Army’s largest armored cavalry regiment from the Civil War through missions in Iraq is illustrated here with exhibits of uniforms, weapons, battle flags and photos. Outside, a display of military vehicles continues the story of this storied regiment nicknamed “The Brave Rifles.” Building 409, 761st Tank Battalion Avenue, near the intersection with 27th Street.
Mayborn Science Theater. The centerpiece of this facility, located on the campus of Central Texas College, is a cutting-edge planetarium with its 60-foot dome. Explore the galaxy with sky shows, IMAX films, and laser shows. Bell Tower Dr. at Academic Dr.
Stillhouse Hollow Lake. see Belton, Texas Travel Guide
Festivals
MARCH:
Take 190 West: Killeen Salutes the Arts Fest. This annual celebration of the arts offers art shows, author book signings, and a sculpture competition. Killeen Civic & Conference Center, 3601 S. W.S. Young Dr.
MAY:
Rodeo Killeen. Traditional rodeo activities like barrel racing, bronco and bull riding, and roping take center stage here along with a carnival and the crowning of the queen of the rodeo. Killeen Rodeo Grounds, 3601 S. W.S. Young Dr.
DECEMBER:
Holiday Under the Stars and Killeen Christmas Parade. Families gather to ring in the holiday season with a mini-carnival, food vendors, visits and photos with Santa, and the lighting of the community tree. Kids also enjoy a bounce house, climbing wall, and skating on a synthetic ice rink. Killeen Community Center, 2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Map
For More Information
Killeen Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo credit: Adam Bartlett (Flickr: Patton #2) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
