You probably already know that Fort Hood, Texas, is beyond huge in both size and population and that the base is more than proud to be home to the 1st Cavalry Division. In addition to its long military history and significant contributions to the Army, these facts are on any must-know list about Fort Hood and its adjacent neighbors.
But are there just for fun or lesser-known facts about Fort Hood? Yep. 20 of them!
MilitaryByOwner gathered interesting facts about the lifestyle on and around Fort Hood. Read on, because they just might help your upcoming PCS planning!
20 Things That Make Fort Hood Unique
1. Nicknames Locals Love
Have you ever wanted to live in a hometown that had a nickname? You’re in luck. "The Great Place" and "K-Town" are beloved monikers for Fort Hood and Killeen.
2. Plenty of Housing Options
If the Fort Hood homes for sale and Fort Hood homes for rent off base aren’t meeting your preferences, then maybe one of the 7,000 units of military housing will be available.
3. Neighboring Cities to Explore
Get to know your neighborhood cities: Belton, Copperas Cove, Georgetown, Harker Heights, and Salado.
4. Cattle Still Graze on Base
When Fort Hood was constructed, the government took land from the original owners and their cattle. Now, the Central Texas Cattlemen's Association manages the grazing rights on the base. The association also maintains the herd and the perimeter fencing.
5. Denny's on Post
In the mood for a breakfast Slam? Denny’s restaurant on Fort Hood offers you a chance to try them all, including the All-American Slam.
6. Barbecue Hot Spot
There’s no reason to suffer through bad barbecue. Check out the Top 10 BBQ Spots Near Fort Hood, already researched and verified by local experts.
Photo by Michele via Canva.com
7. Texas Heritage
Horses and Texas are tied together throughout history. Have you ever wanted to learn to ride a horse? Fort Hood has some pretty inexpensive options to try.
8. Easy Weekend Getaways
There’s no lack of options for travel adventures. Day and weekend trips abound. You’ll want to tick off your PCS bucket list with these destinations: Austin, Waco, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston.
9. Military Spouse Connections
Joining the Great Place Spouses’ Club is the perfect way to make new connections and friendships while having fun and benefiting Fort Hood families.
10. Resources for Newcomers
If you’re one of the thousands of families headed to the Great Place, here’s an easy way to Get to Know the Fort Hood Area.
Looking for Fort Hood homes for sale, Fort Hood homes for rent? Click the button below to see MilitaryByOwner's up-to-date inventory of Fort Hood homes.
11. Top Military Community
Not so long ago, military-friendly company USAA named Killeen one of the top communities in the country for military families, citing these reasons: affordable cost of living, quality of schools, and access to amenities like shopping and outdoor activities.
12. Famous Names Connected to Fort Hood
Although Elvis Presley is probably the most well-known celebrity to be affiliated with Fort Hood, there are others from the entertainment industry with roots that begin at Fort Hood. Jackie Robinson, Robert Griffin III, and Tamera and Tia Mowry are a few of the other notable names.
13. WWII Tank Testing Grounds
Years ago, Fort Hood's primary mission was to create World War II German tank destroyers. Wide-open spaces were needed to test mobile anti-tank guns.
14. Holiday Lights Festival
It might not snow much near Fort Hood, but the Christmas Festival of Lights brings snow-filled joy to festival attendees. Snowmen and snow angels get their chance to participate in a Texas-style Christmas, if only for a short while. Businesses from all over Central Texas set up shop to entice gift buyers with homemade and specialty items.
Photo by Spiderstock from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com
15. Flavors of Central Texas
Food festivals are a must-do, and The Flavors of Central Texas provides the perfect opportunity for K-Town locals to dine on the good stuff. Held in March, numerous food providers show off their best for purchase. Cooking lessons and contests round out the activities food adventurists will find.
16. Filming Location for The Long Road Home
The National Geographic Channel created and filmed its eight-part series, The Long Road Home, on Fort Hood. The series was based on the book of the same name, and the creators employed local military consultants to ensure the details were accurate. In addition to depicting combat scenes, the series showcased the the resulting family dynamics back at home on Fort Hood during that time.
17. Great Outdoor Rec
Fort Hood MWR has the gear you’ll need to get the outdoor recreation underway. Camping and sports gear, trailers and campers, and outdoor games are available for rent.
18. Local Lakes to Enjoy
Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake provide all the swimming holes, fishing trips, and boating excursions you could ask for.
19. Even More MWR Fun
If your favorite recreation time is along the lines of enjoying outdoor activities, the MWR also has a long list of equipment to rent, including mountain bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards.
20. Stargazing in Killeen
Killeen gets to boast about operating one of the few planetariums in Texas. The Mayborn Science Theater offers a view of the stars under a 60-foot dome on the campus of nearby Central Texas College.
PCS Resources for Fort Hood Families
As you can see, Fort Hood and its neighbors have a lot going on! With plenty of things to do and see, you’ll have to use your time wisely to make sure you maximize your free time while stationed there. The earlier you begin to connect with locals already living this Texas life, the better you’ll be informed of the special qualities found only in this region.
Planning a move to Fort Hood? Be sure to explore:
- Fort Hood homes for sale and Fort Hood homes for rent
- More information about the Fort Hood area
- MilitaryByOwner's Military Family Guide to Fort Hood (below)
