#AsuquoTravelsTheUSA: Small Town, Military Heart! 5 things you don’t know about Killeen, Texas

Mention “Killeen” to anyone and they will think you are talking about the word – “Killing“, well NO, Killeen is a small town in Bell County in the U.S. state of Texas with a population of around 140,806, making it the 21st most populous city in the state.

Killeen economy heavily depends on the U.S. military cantonment of Fort Hood, and as such its soldiers (and their families) stationed there. Also musician, Elvis Presley was stationed there too.

Here are my five things you may not know about Killeen:

Fort Hood
A U.S. military post named after Confederate General John Bell Hood. It is located halfway between Austin and Waco, about 60 miles from each, within the U.S. state of Texas.

A 340 square mile installation (217337 acres), the Army’s Premier Installation to train and deploy heavy forces and the only post in the United States capable of stationing and training two Armored Divisions.

Killeen Rodeo
Killeen Rodeo is a livestock show and rodeo dedicated to benefiting youth, supporting farmers and the military.

The 70th Annual Rodeo Killeen is May 18-20, 2017 at the Rodeo Arena. Be there to cheer on the bull riders, barrel racers, steer ropers and more!

Included is the annual Military Appreciation Night recognizing service men and women from Ft. Hood. This has been a must-see event for over 70 years.

Central Texas State Fair
During the fall season, the Central Texas State Fair is held in nearby Belton. The fair features rides, games, and a large variety of food. There are also livestock shows and competitions, creative arts shows, military marching units from Fort Hood, concerts, shows, and professional bullriding. It is a special attraction for the whole family.

Lake and Activities
There is a large reservoir near Killeen called Stillhouse Lake that is a nice place to swim. Fishing and boating are also popular. The location is very scenic with miles of parks and trails available for recreational activity.
Another body of water is Belton Lake.

Ft. Hood offers the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA) for swimming, boating, skiing, fishing, jet-ski, or any other water activity. During the winter months, BLORA becomes “Nature in Lights.” This annual Christmas tradition includes light displays, Santa’s Village, and holiday music.

Food Truck Fridays
Imagine countless food trucks lined up on Green Avenue offering their latest food innovations for everyone to try. Food truck Friday is a special day when food trucks all over Killeen come together and offer their food options to hungry customers.

Food truck Fridays aren’t only about the food, it’s about meeting new people and strengthening bonds with family and friends. Food is a great way to develop relationships and food truck Fridays offer just that. With nearly the entire Killeen community all congregated downtown, it’s impossible to go without seeing a familiar face or without meeting a new friend.

Killeen might be a small town in Texas known for its military base, but there are plenty of exciting and entertaining things happening here that you don’t know. So I suggest you go out there and explore!

Next on my #AsuquoTravelsTheUSA is the Texan city of Houston.