It’s important to find a spot with a variety of things to do if you’re stopping by a certain area or you’re a local who’s looking for something new to get involved in. Kilgore, Texas is one of those spots, as it provides a variety of museums for people to explore different aspects of history, as well as activities for people to get into on a sunny day. You can take a walk through parks that include great photo opportunities of nature, or you can take an ATV for a ride through the mud. Whatever the case, check out our best eight options for things to do in Kilgore.
1. East Texas Oil Museum
Kilgore’s East Texas Oil Museum provides another alternative to anyone wanting to understand the history of oil in the Long Star State. Visitors will get to view the US’s largest oil field and learn about the town’s past times, personal habits and tools through movies and sound presentations.
The museum provides a scaletown that gives visitors a more authentic feel of what the town, people and animals were like back in the day. The general store comes with plenty of options of goods for tourists to take home with them, and families can take pictures with wildcatters and other locations.
East Texas Oil Museum
Address: 1201 S Henderson Blvd, Kilgore, TX 75662
Website: East Texas Oil Museum
2. World's Richest Acre Park
Those who enjoy learning about the history of different towns’ use of resources should stop by the World’s Richest Acre Park in Kilgore. Visitors will be provided great photo opportunities of the park’s oil wells, as well as some history lessons on how long they’ve been around and their use.
Other sources of entertainment include art festivals, the Kilgore city pool, the town’s community concert association, and the annual Great Texas Balloon Race. Access to different sports associations is also available through the park to locals who are looking for something to get more involved in.
World's Richest Acre Park
Address: 100 N Commerce St Kilgore, TX 75662
Website: World’s Richest Acre Park
3. Van Cliburn Auditorium
Theater fans should make a visit to the Van Cliburn Auditorium a must on their to-do list when stopping by Kilgore. A variety of acts are performed, including plays and musicals, in case you or someone in your group is looking for something specific, especially fans of the Texas Shakespeare Festival.
Among the praises provided by people who have visited the venue is the intimate setting that it provides, as well as the professional performances by those who take part in the acts. Season tickets are also highly recommended to visitors, especially if you plan on stopping by in the summer.
Van Cliburn Auditorium
Address: 1000-1198 Brook Dr, Kilgore, TX 75662
Website: Van Cliburn Auditorium
4. Country Tavern Barbeque
If you’re looking for a place that offers nice meals after a long day of fun, then stop by Country Tavern Barbeque to try out their options. Rib lovers and fans of turkey, sausage and other popular barbecue food are sure to love this spot, with other options including potato casserole and potato salad.
The restaurant’s briskets are among the many positives provided by those who have eaten there, and guests who normally take a while to figure out what they want won’t have to worry, as menus are not provided and the waitresses will tell you what they have to offer.
Country Tavern Barbeque
Address: TX-31, Kilgore, TX 75662
5. Synergy Trail
For those looking to avoid adrenaline-pumping activities on sunny days and are just looking for a nice walk through nature, visiting Synergy Trail should be a priority. The paths provide long walks through nature and great views of the surrounding trees, as well as Elder Lake for those who have never seen it before.
Visiting the trail in the spring or summer is probably the best option for locals and tourists, according to those who have been there, especially if you’re planning to hold a wedding or special event there. The trail is also perfect if you want to take your dog for a walk to get it in shape or make up for those walks you promised it before.
Synergy Trail
Address: 1001 Synergy Blvd, Suite 100, Kilgore, TX 75662
Website: Synergy Trail
6. Texas Museum of Broadcasting & Communications
Radio buffs and anyone looking to get into the broadcasting business should make stopping by the Texas Museum of Broadcasting & Communications a priority. Those who do will get the chance to learn more about the history of the business, getting to view different kinds of memorabilia and equipment along the way.
Visitors will also get the chance to look at the museum’s library of documents and media collected over the past few decades, and different aspects of broadcasting that they will be able to explore include audio, test patterns, microphones, cameras and radio. The museum is open with appointments needed on Fridays and Saturdays, making a visit perfect for an open weekend.
Texas Museum of Broadcasting & Communications
Address: 416 E Main St, Kilgore, TX 75662
7. Rabbit Creek Offroad
If you love taking your ATV out for a ride no matter the weather conditions, you should stop by Rabbit Creek Offroad the next time you have a free weekend with friends. Those who have friends or family members who have never taken a four-wheeler out for a wild ride through the mud should make it a priority to take them here, as this spot provides plenty of ATV equipment and trails for a fun experience for first-timers.
Parties are provided for those looking to relax and having a good time eating and drinking after a long day of ATV races, making it a great option if you or someone you know has a birthday coming up.
Rabbit Creek Offroad
Address: 1217 Post Oak Rd, Kilgore, TX 75662
Facebook: Rabbit Creek Offroad
8. Rangerette Showcase & Museum
Rangerette enthusiasts who want to show a family member or friend their history should put visiting the Rangerette Showcase & Museum on their to-do list. The museum is located on the Kilgore College Campus, making it a great option for college students looking for something new to do. You’ll get to look at old photos, costume displays and newspaper clippings of old performances.
Visitors will also be treated with a 60-seat theatre that shows the history of past Rangerette performances, which are also provided through wall-mounted televisions. Students can also check out a wall collage that recognizes different college organizations that contributed to the Rangerettes in the past.
Rangerette Showcase & Museum
Address: 1100 Broadway Blvd, Kilgore, TX 75662
Website: Rangerette Showcase & Museum
Kill time in Kilgore
Locals and tourists who love to learn about different aspects of a town’s past are sure to love what Kilgore has to offer if they have a free weekend coming up. They can learn about the history of the town’s oil wells, the evolution of broadcasting over the past 30 years, or the performances of the Rangerettes and how the town contributed to their legacy. Activities ranging from relaxing to exciting are also available, from taking a nice walk near Elder Lake to riding through the mud on ATVs. Whatever the plan is for your next day off, consider these activities the next time you stop by Kilgore.