Killeen was historically a successful railroad town, despite its reputation as a military community. According to legend, the birth of the Texas railroad town of Killeen was marked in 1882 when a cowboy by the name of “Wild Bill” Scoggins dazzled a gathering of onlookers by using his cowboy lasso to corral the steam engine of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railroad as it rumbled into town. The railroad employee Frank Killeen, after whom the city was called, may have arrived with the same train that was stopped in 1882, but according to some, he never set foot in the place that bears his name. In this article we have covered what to do in killeen tx?
The Fort Hood military installation is the center of the city today. Check out our list of the top things to do in killeen tx with family while you make travel arrangements.
National Mounted Warrior Museum
The National Mounted Warrior Museum, located just outside the Fort Hood gates, is one of Killeen’s newest tourist destinations. The 28,700 square foot museum pays tribute to horse troops. The displays detail the experiences of the soldiers who served but were frequently forgotten despite making significant contributions to national security.
Many of the mounted warriors valiantly rode into combat on horses, fighting alongside military police, artillery, and infantrymen in earlier conflicts, as detailed in the gripping tales told in the museum. The museum vividly illustrates the level of influence and support that mounted warriors have over American military operations.
The museum is located on 17 acres of land just outside the Fort Hood military base, making entry easier than to other attractions inside the post boundary.
Central Texas Theatre
Killeen’s Central Texas Theatre, formerly known as Vive Les Arts, is a performing arts destination with performances all year long. Since 1976, Central Texas Theatre has provided regular community performances in the Killeen area as well as seminars in acting, dancing, singing, and costume design.
Tickets for the current main stage productions are available to the public. Before coming, check out the performance schedule and make plans for a night out. Additional Children’s Theatre productions include family-friendly shows like Aladdin and The Lion King that use young actors. Here you will get one of the best things to do in killeen tx for adults.
Golfing: Playing Golf
Golfing is ideal in the area around Killeen’s rolling terrain. The Stonetree Golf Club is one of Killeen’s easier to get to golf courses. It is an 18-hole public course that was constructed in the 1970s and updated to serve city tourists who are not part of the armed forces.
All skill levels can play at the Stonetree Golf Club, which offers a variety of topography along with picturesque lakes and fountains. After a round on the course, you can unwind in the clubhouse or use the accessible golf carts.
Although they are not as accessible, there are a number of public golf courses near Killeen including some on the Fort Hood post.
Fort Hood military base
The Fort Hood military base has a number of historical museums and modest military attractions that can be visited. The 1921-founded horse regiment troopers are the subject of several galleries and displays in the 1st Calvary Division Museum. Through several key U.S. war campaigns, these servicemen supported military operations.
The 3rd Armored Calvary Museum is a public exhibition of military hardware and vehicles. One of the most elite regiments of Strykers in the Army is profiled at the museum. On-site amenities include a children’s display and a 3rd Calvary Regiment souvenir shop. Future plans call for the integration of the 3rd Armored Calvary Museum and the 1st Calvary Division Museum into the new National Mounted Warrior Museum.
