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Killeen is a city of about 155,000 people in Central Texas, best known as the home of Fort Cavazos, formerly Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the world. The town began in 1882 as a railroad stop named for a Santa Fe Railway official, and it grew into a major city after the Army post opened during World War II.
Visitors can tour the 1st Cavalry Division Museum and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment Museum on post, with tanks, helicopters and artifacts from American conflicts. Downtown Killeen preserves a few historic buildings, including the Avenue D School, and the John Blackburn Log House recalls the area's pioneer days.
Killeen sits between two large lakes. Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Belton Lake offer boating, swimming, fishing and camping, and the rolling Texas Hill Country begins just to the west. Austin is about an hour south, and Waco is about an hour north.
One of the largest active US Army bases in the world, home to the 1st Cavalry Division and III Armored Corps, bordering Killeen. It was renamed Fort Cavazos in 2023 and returned to the name Fort Hood in 2025. Visitors need a pass from the visitor center; bring a valid ID.
A museum on Fort Hood telling the story of the 1st Cavalry Division from its horse cavalry days to modern wars, with uniforms, weapons and an outdoor park of tanks, helicopters and vehicles. Admission is free. A pass is required to enter the base, so allow time at the visitor center.
A museum on Fort Hood dedicated to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment, founded in 1846, with exhibits from the Mexican-American War to recent conflicts and outdoor displays of armored vehicles. It is near the 1st Cavalry Division Museum. A base pass is required to visit.
A community theater in Killeen that stages musicals, plays and children's shows throughout the year in a comfortable theater. It is a long-running local arts group with an active volunteer cast. Tickets are affordable; check the season schedule and book ahead for musicals.
The city's main event venue, hosting conventions, concerts, trade shows and community events, located near Killeen's other city facilities. It is a hub for local gatherings and festivals. Check the events calendar for shows and exhibitions.
Killeen's largest city park, with sports fields, walking trails, playgrounds, a senior center and the Family Aquatics Center with slides and pools. It is popular with families and military households. Visit the aquatics center on hot summer days and bring sunscreen.
A clear reservoir south of Killeen on the Lampasas River, known for boating, swimming, fishing and scuba diving thanks to its clear water. Several parks offer camping and picnic areas. Bring swimwear and plan a day at the lake; parks may charge entry fees.
A large reservoir on the Leon River northeast of Killeen, with many parks along its shore offering fishing, boating, camping and swimming. Part of the shoreline is used by Fort Hood. It is a popular summer getaway; arrive early on weekends.
An enclosed shopping mall in Killeen with department stores, clothing and electronics shops, restaurants and a food court. It is a convenient place for shopping and a cool escape on hot days. It is popular with military families from nearby Fort Hood.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Adam Bartlett from Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: CalicoSilk, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: CalicoSilk, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Larry D. Moore, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
