Killeen sits where the Blackland Prairie meets the Hill Country, a Central Texas crossroads that has reinvented itself more than once. What began as a modest railroad town exploded into a modern “military boomtown” with the arrival of the U.S. Army in World War II.
Today, Killeen anchors a fast-growing metro of families, service members, students, and entrepreneurs—and it’s a surprisingly fun base for museums, lakeside recreation, and day trips up and down the I-14/US-190 corridor.
Below, you’ll find a reader-friendly history, what’s changed recently (including the Army post’s name), and plenty of ways to explore Killeen now.
Where Killeen Is—and Why It Matters
Killeen lies in western Bell County, about 55 miles north of Austin, 125 miles southwest of Dallas, and the same distance northeast of San Antonio. Those straight-shot distances make it easy to pair Killeen with big-city itineraries, but you don’t have to go far for nature or culture: Stillhouse Hollow Lake and Belton Lake are minutes away, while local theaters, museums, and a planetarium add rainy-day options.
Killeen’s 2020 Census count came in just over 153,000 residents, and growth has continued since then across the broader Killeen–Temple metro.
A Short History: From Farm Trade to Army Town
Railroad beginnings (1880s–1930s)
Killeen was laid out in 1882 as a stop on the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway between Temple and Lampasas. The town took its name from railroad official Frank P. Killeen and, like many Texas prairie communities, made its living shipping cotton, grain, and livestock.
A wartime pivot (1942–1950s)
When the U.S. entered World War II, the Army carved out a sprawling training area west of town. Camp Hood (later Fort Hood) transformed the small farm center almost overnight. Thousands of soldiers trained here before heading to Europe and the Pacific; support jobs and businesses followed, and Killeen’s population surged. After the war the installation remained open, cementing the city’s military-centric economy.
Postwar growth & pop culture footnote
In 1958, one very famous private—Elvis Presley—completed basic training here. He and his family briefly rented a modest home in Killeen while he was assigned to Fort Hood—one of those “only in Killeen” intersections of military life and American pop culture.
Recent renamings, then a reversion
In 2023, the Army renamed Fort Hood to Fort Cavazos to honor Gen. Richard E. Cavazos, the first Hispanic four-star general. In a reversal widely covered in summer 2025, federal legislation restored the historic name Fort Hood effective July 28, 2025. If you see both names referenced in guides and signs, that’s why.
Killeen Today: Quick Facts & What’s New
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Population & feel. Young, diverse, and dynamic. Military assignments, retirees, and students give the city a steady churn and an international dining scene, from bulgogi and kimchi jjigae to Texas BBQ and tacos.
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The post’s economic role. Fort Hood remains the region’s dominant employer and economic engine, supporting tens of thousands of service members, civilians, and contractors—and billions in statewide impact according to the Texas Comptroller.
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Airport update. Killeen’s commercial airport (GRK) rebranded from “Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport” to Killeen Regional Airport in 2023—same runways and airlines; cleaner name.
Things to Do in and Around Killeen
1. Military History You Can See
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National Mounted Warrior Museum. Opened in September 2024, this modern museum showcases the story of America’s mounted soldiers—from cavalry sabers to Abrams tanks—with immersive exhibits and thoughtful curation. It’s a compelling stop even if you’ve never worn a uniform. (Bring a valid ID and check visitor access procedures before you go.)
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On-post divisional museums. The 1st Cavalry Division and 3rd Cavalry Regiment maintain museum collections highlighting unit lineage and combat history. Exhibits rotate, and hours vary—another good reason to confirm access requirements in advance.
2. Science, Arts, and Local Culture
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Mayborn Science Theater (planetarium). On the Central Texas College campus, this 60-foot dome runs family star shows, giant-screen films, laser shows, and special programming for celestial events. It’s a fun, air-conditioned break in any season.
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Central Texas Theatre (formerly Vive Les Arts). The city’s long-running community theater stages musicals, comedies, and children’s productions throughout the year—great for a low-key evening close to dinner spots on W.S. Young.
3) Lakes, Trails, and Outdoor Play
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Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA). The Army’s lakeside playground offers camping (from RV sites to cozy cottages), mountain-bike trails, a challenge course, paintball, pavilions, boat ramps, and seasonal swim and splash areas. Civilians can access many amenities—just check fees and the latest hours.
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Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Stillhouse is known for clear water, fishing, paddling, and day-use parks like Dana Peak and Stillhouse Park. Bring a picnic, hit the swim beach, or book a campsite and make a weekend of it.
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City parks. Long Branch Park’s pool and splash pad are summer family favorites; Lions Club Park anchors leagues, walking loops, and community events. (Seasonal operations vary—peek at city updates before you pack the cooler.)
Neighborhoods & Everyday Life
Killeen’s residential map mirrors its military rhythm: lots of starter homes and rentals near the main gates, newer subdivisions stretching south toward Stan Schlueter Loop, and townhomes and apartments sprinkled close to campus and major employers. You’ll see a mix of mom-and-pop restaurants—Korean, Vietnamese, Mexican, and soul-food joints—along with national chains near retail hubs.
Two quick quality-of-life notes:
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Schools & higher ed. In addition to Killeen ISD (serving several communities around the post), Killeen hosts Texas A&M University–Central Texas, a four-year public university at 1001 Leadership Place. Students and adult learners fuel the local coffee-shop and food-truck scene.
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Commuting. I-14/US-190 connects Killeen to Copperas Cove and Temple; I-35 is a short hop east at Belton for Austin or Waco trips. Temple’s Amtrak stop (Texas Eagle) is the closest rail option.
A Friendly Primer on Base Access
If you plan to visit on-post attractions (like the National Mounted Warrior Museum or unit museums), bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Most civilian visitors need to stop at a visitor center for a pass; rules can change with security conditions and special events, so confirm hours and requirements before you go. (The museum sites and the post’s visitor information pages keep the latest details.)
Getting Here & Getting Around
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By air. Killeen Regional Airport (GRK) offers commercial service right in town; Austin–Bergstrom (AUS) is the closest major airport if you need more routes.
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By road. I-14/US-190 bisects the city; I-35 is 15–20 minutes east near Belton/Temple.
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By bus/rail. Intercity buses serve nearby Temple and Austin. Amtrak’s Texas Eagle stops in Temple for Chicago–San Antonio connections.
Why Killeen Works—for Visitors and Newcomers
Killeen’s superpower is accessibility: lakes and parks you can actually get to, family-priced entertainment, and a calendar that flows with the rhythms of a military town (welcome-home events, patriotic holidays, air shows). It’s also a convenient base for exploring Central Texas—Salado’s boutiques and wineries, Temple’s museums, Georgetown’s historic square, and the Hill Country beyond.
And yes, Killeen wears its Army identity on its sleeve. The base’s economic footprint is hard to overstate, and museums and memorials are part of the civic DNA. But that’s precisely what gives the city its character: resilience, turnover that brings fresh ideas, and a community that turns out for its neighbors.
