Fort Hood is the largest military post in the United States. It is also one of the most diverse military posts. Visitors will find Fort Hood situated just outside the city of Killeen in central Texas. Currently, there are more than 52,000 soldiers assigned to Fort Hood along with more than 70,000 family members. Gatesville, Texas is located on the northern edge of Fort Hood.

After September 11, 2001 access to the cantonments at Fort Hood became restricted, although passes are still available which allow visitors to visit the two museums which are located on the post. In addition, the lake also remains open to the public with no restrictions at all due to the fact that it is actually located outside the cantonments. Throughout the year a variety of different events take place at Fort Hood, including the Independence Day celebration, which features one of the largest fireworks displays in the nation. The event is open to the public.

Visitors to the Killeen and Fort Hood area will also find there are numerous hotels and restaurants available throughout the local area, making it easy to plan your next visit to this area. Whether you need to stay closer to Killeen or Gatesville, there are plenty of accommodation options available for a variety of budget and amenity needs.

There are also many restaurants available in the area, offering a wide selection of different cuisine choices. Steak houses, seafood restaurants, Mexican restaurants, fast food restaurants and more are all available not far from the Fort Hood area.

A visit to Fort Hood will not only allow you to learn more about the largest military base in the United States but will also give you a taste of what makes central Texas so unique and so inviting.

When you plan a visit to Gatesville, Texas you will find that there is definitely much to see and enjoy. So much to see and enjoy in fact, that it is a good idea to make sure that you plan to spend plenty of time in the local area.

Gatesville is often referred to as the Spur Capital of Texas and that is for good reason. There is one of the largest collections of spurs in not only Texas but the entire world right here in Gatesville. It’s definitely a must see while you are in town. There are also many other museums and exhibits throughout the area that will give you a glimpse of what life was life back in the early days of this central Texas town.

If you want to soak up some sunshine and enjoy the great outdoors, there are plenty of options available for that as well. Faunt Le Roy Park on the Leon River is the perfect place to enjoy a variety of hiking and biking trails. Not far away you will find Old Leon River Bridge, which is another must see while you are in the Gatesville area. Make sure you bring your camera because you will certainly want to snap some pictures of this grand old bridge and the surrounding sights.

Another great place to spend some time outdoors is Mother Neff State Park, located in nearby McGregor, Texas. Here you can enjoy fishing, camping and picnicking. Cameron Park Zoo is also located not far away in Waco.

Of course, if you are looking for something out of this world, you need look no further than Paul and Jane Meyer Observatory, which is owned and operated by the Central Texas Astronomical Society.

Like most towns in Texas, Gatesville has an interesting and long history. The founding of the town dates back to 1854 when it was first established and named for Fort Gates. The town’s connection with the military remains true today as Gatesville is now the North Entrance to Fort Hood, the largest army post in the country. The town continued to grow throughout the years, thanks in part to the coming of the railroad, and is still thriving today, although rail service is no longer a part of Gatesville.

Gatesville’s strong association with its past is quite evident in the number of historical museums you will find around town, including the Mitchell Collection, which is said by many to be the largest collections of spurs in the entire world. It has even earned Gatesville the title of Spur Capital of Texas. You shouldn’t leave Gatesville without dropping by!

The Buckhorn Museum is the perfect place to drop by if you want to learn more about outlaws and ranchers and cowboys and Indians. You will find it across from the courthouse. Coryell Museum and Historical Center offers a variety of different displays on western memorabilia as well.

A great place to start your tour of Gatesville is none other than the Cotton Belt Depot Visitors Center. The visitor’s center is operated by the Gatesville Chamber of Commerce. The friendly people here will be happy to only direct you to historical sights and museums located throughout Gatesville and the surrounding area but also to provide you with information about the local businesses as well.

Whether you are a history buff or you just want to learn more about the history of Gatesville and the central Texas area, you will find there are numerous options and resources available to satisfy your curiosity.

Gatesville may be a down-home town located in central Texas but there is certainly not a lack of things to do while you are in town or if you have chosen to call this area home. One of the most popular events in the area is the Shivaree Festival. The festival is held during the first weekend of June and if you have never experienced it, this festival is definitely something that should not be missed.

Deliberately designed to be family friendly and appeal to all ages, there is no doubt that everyone in the family will find something to enjoy about this Gatesville festival. Play a round of regular bingo or go for something a bit more different and participate in the rather unique Cow Patty Bingo. Sign up for the mystery meal competition or head on over to the auto show to see some of the most beautiful vehicles in the state.

There are plenty of games and activities for the kids, including traditional carnival games. No festival would be complete with out live music and there is plenty available during Shivaree, including a fiddler’s contest and plenty of live concerts. There are also plenty of arts and crafts booths as well as a variety of different foods and dining choices to choose from throughout this weekend long festival, so you certainly won’t go away empty-handed or hungry. The entire festival is completely free of charge. Be sure to make plans early to attend this popular event.

The following month, one of the largest fireworks displays in the country is held in nearby Fort Hood in their annual Independence Day event. The event is open to the public and offers plenty of activities for all ages, culminating with a stunning fireworks display.