Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures

The new National Mounted Warrior Museum tells the stories of combat with horses to helicopters.

Ft. Hood, TX

They call Ft. Hood, Texas “The Great Place”. Whether you agree or disagree, this duty station offers plenty of adventures both near and far—especially if you’re willing to try something new.

Ft. Hood sprawls over two counties, Bell and Coryell, along the northern stretch of the Hill Country region of Texas. It’s the largest active-duty armored installation in the United States. Comprised of 340 acres, it hosts almost 40,000 soldiers plus their family members.

I suppose it’s appropriate that a state that brags about its size landed one of the largest military installations in the US. (I can say that. I’m a Texan, y’all.).

Ft. Hood holds a special place in our family’s hearts. (For those that dislike Hood, stick with me.) I met my husband here while working as a photo editor at the Killeen newspaper and got married in the 25th Street chapel.

About a year later, we PCSed to Ft. Huachuca, AZ. But the Army thought once at Ft. Hood wasn’t enough. Ten years later, we found ourselves back at The Great Place for a couple more of years.

Hugh Beebower/PCS Adventures

The Hill Country of Texas puts on a spectaular display of bluebonnets each spring.

So I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Ft. Hood and the surrounding towns of Killeen, Harker Heights and Copperas Cove.  But before we dive into that, here are some things to know about Texas (in general) if you’ve never been to the state before:

• Nothing in Texas is close.  It takes 10-12 hours of straight driving without breaks to get from the Louisiana border to New Mexico’s border.
• Get familiar with the black and white Farm to Market Road signs.  Never heard of them?  Texas, the only state in the Union that has them, decided to connect rural areas to larger cities with the Farm to Market routes, often abbreviated as FM + a number.
• Definitely check out HEB.  It’s only the greatest grocery store in the world.  Plus they show up to help at Texas disasters faster than the government.  In my experience even people in Northeast grocery stores went bananas when they saw my HEB bags.  It’s that well known and loved.
• Spring brings tornadoes and wildflowers, not necessarily in that order.  Definitely stay tuned to the weather as it gets wild sometimes. Make sure you take some bluebonnet photos too.
• Summers broil with heat and humidity.  I’m talking fry an egg on the sidewalk hot.  Curdle a cowboy’s coffee hot.  You’ll definitely need air conditioning for the summer and access to a very large water park most of the year.
• Brace yourself for crickets.  Yes, those spring-loaded bugs love Central Texas’ hot climate and alternating summer drought/late-summer rainfall.  During that time, you may think God sent a plague because there are so many crickets, well, everywhere. Eventually they’ll go away.
• Buc-ee’s.  Yep, the gas station sensation started in Texas in 1982.  I grew up with it so I didn’t think much of it.  Suddenly something normal morphed into a mega star.  Anyway, while at Ft. Hood head over to Temple to experience the Buc-ee’s phenomenon before your next PCS.

Ft. Hood

Now back to Ft. Hood.  Two commissaries on one post makes The Great Place unique.  It’s the only post I’ve been to that has two.

Beyond shopping you’ll find the usual things like Casey Memorial Library, Phantom Warrior Lanes, Bingo Center, Apache Arts & Crafts Center, Sprocket Auto Crafts, The Courses of Clear Creek and the Sportsmen’s Center.

But three places on post stand out—the Belton Lake Outdoor Recreation Area (BLORA), the National Mounted Warrior Museum and the 1st Cavalry Division’s Horse Cavalry Detachment.

Reagan/Adobe Stock

BLORA occupies a small section of Belton Lake.

BLORA contains everything needed for a fun day on the lake.  From picnic pavilions to guided horseback rides and camp sites to cottages, this Army Corps of Engineers built lake helps everyone relax and unwind.  You can fish, swim at Sierra Beach, take your boat out or play a round of paintball.  During Christmas BLORA transforms with a drive-through Christmas display called Nature in Lights.  If you enjoy the outdoors, make sure you stop at BLORA while stationed at Ft. Hood.

Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures

The National Mounted Warrior Museum chronicles the Army’s use of horses to helicopters.

Heading back across post to the Bernie Beck Gate, you’ll see a new museum dominating the landscape.  The National Mounted Warrior Museum tells the stories of mounted soldiers from the time of horseback to helicopters. The Army provides an outstanding free and unique look into American military history along with the history of Killeen.

Jonathan Sloan/PCS Adventures

Soldiers prepare for a trail ride at the 1st Cavalry Horse Detachment’s barn.

Next door to the museum, you can catch real life soldiers and horses at the 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment.  They keep Army history alive and serve as ambassadors to the public. If they’re not traveling or involved in ceremonies you may be able to catch a demonstration that’s open to the public.  Check in the museum to get the latest information.

Jonathan Sloan/PCS Adventures

Commanders occasionally take soldiers on a trail ride at Fort Hood.

If you happen to be active duty and part of the 1st Cavalry Division, you may end up on a trail ride like my husband did.  It’s the only time in his military career that he ended up in the saddle.

Killeen

Just outside the main gate, Killeen offers more adventures for you and your family.  As you might expect in a place with broiling hot summers, Killeen provides several ways to cool off. 

People of all ages will love the Lions Club Park with a giant pool, water slides, baseball and softball fields, a walking trail and picnic tables near by. 

The Great Escape of Central Texas and the Urban Air Adventure Park offer great air conditioned entertainment options. The Mayborn Science Theater brings the night skies to life at Central Texas College. And if muscials and drama are more your thing, check out the Central Texas Theatre at Vivve Les Arts Societe.

Jacob/Adobe Stock

Downtown Killeen hosts special events throughout the year.

The city of Killeen puts on numerous events downtown.  Their Spring Night Market takes advantage of cooler evening temperatures, a win for vendors and shoppers. The city also hosts the Killeen Multicultural Festival in the spring, Rodeo Killeen in mid-May, the Red, White & Blue Music Festival for the Fourth of July and Killeen Fall Fest in October.

Another shopping opportunity, the Killeen Farmers Market , takes place Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m at 701 E Central Texas Expressway.

(FT HOOD MEMORIAL)

Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures

The Ft. Hood Memorial honors those killed on November 5, 2009.

There’s one more place I would recommend visiting, although it may not be a good fit for young children.  The Ft. Hood Memorial, located in between the Killeen Civic and Concert Center and Shilo Inns Killeen, tells the story of those killed during the Fort Hood shooting on November 5, 2009.  While a somber place, the moving memorial and the people it represents deserve to be remembered.

Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures

The Ft. Hood Memorial honors those killed on November 5, 2009.

There’s one more place I would recommend visiting, although it may not be a good fit for young children.  The Ft. Hood Memorial, located in between the Killeen Civic and Concert Center and Shilo Inns Killeen, tells the story of those killed during the Fort Hood shooting on November 5, 2009.  While a somber place, the moving memorial and the people it represents deserve to be remembered.

Copperas Cove

Just west of Fort Hood, Copperas Cove was a small ranching community that had struggled since the Great Depression.  Then Camp Hood opened in 1942 and city growth exploded.

The town still celebrates its heritage once a year with the Ogletree Gap Heritage Festival in October.  The festivities include BBQ meals, music, kids’ games, craft vendors and staged gun fights.  The event takes place at Ogletree Gap Preserve off Highway 190 West.

The original settlers would be shocked at the next adventure on my list, the Topsey Exotic Ranch.  It’s a bit of a trek in to the country but it was worth it. 

Denise Sloan/PCS Adventures

A hungry zebra greeted us at the beginning of our drive-thu safari adventure.

On our trip, this drive-through safari got us up close with a very hungry zebra who wasn’t messing around. He stuck his head in the window and took the entire bag of treats right out of my hand. Zero sharing happened with any of his zebra buddies. The safari show cases a variety of animals, although none as determined as the zebra.

When you’re back in town, make time on the first Saturday of the month to visit the Copperas Cove Farmers Market from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at 302 2nd Street.

Harker Heights

To the east of Fort Hood, one of the newer cities, Harker Heights, offers plenty of outdoor activities. Head to Carl Levin Park to enjoy a stocked fishing pond, a shaded playground, walking trail, picinic tables and grills, swimming pool and athletic courts.

Not too far from the park, the Harker Heights Farmers Market sets up on Saturdays at the Harker Heights City Hall parking lot. Check their website for dates and times.

Once you’ve gotten enough food, the whole family can enjoy an indoor climbing challenge at Boulders Climbing Center just across the highway from the Farmers Market.

Brigitte Thompson/Adobe Stock

Hiking up Dana Peak gives visitors a sweeping view of Stillhouse Hollow Lake.

If a day on the lake is more your style, drive out to Dana Peak Park. Perched near the shores of Stillhouse Hollow Lake, the park offers mountain biking, hiking and equestrian trails as well as a picnic area, boat ramp, fishing and hunting. The two campgrounds fill up quickly, so definitely make reservations well in advance, although currently both campgrounds are closed for renovations. To get the latest information, check the Dana Peak Park website.

Well that wraps up my recommendations for the immediate Ft. Hood area. If you’re ready for more adventure, join me next week for road trips from Ft. Hood.