Kilgore is surrounded by the pine forests and clear blue skies of East Texas. In 1930, this quiet farming town was thrust into the world limelight by discovery of a huge oil field. In just ten short days, the town's population exploded as more than 10,000 fortune seekers swarmed Kilgore from all over the world. By 1939 there were over 1,200 oil wells within city limits. More than 24 restored steel derricks are nostalgic reminders of early boom days; the town now decorates them during the holiday season. Today Kilgore is a city that blends its rich oil heritage with a technologically advanced business community that provides residents with a great quality of life. A temperate climate with an annual rainfall of 45 inches allows people to enjoy outdoor recreational activities almost all year round. Numerous lakes within an hour's drive of town provide excellent water recreation and some of the best bass fishing in the Southwest. Kilgore is also the home of several outstanding cultural and fine arts events, including The Texas Shakespeare Festival, the KTPB Fine Arts Festival, and the Kilgore Community Concert Series. For additional information, contact the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce at 903-984-5022.
Things to do in Kilgore
Caddo Lake State Park
Thick bald cypress and a tangle of aquatic plants thrive in the waters at Caddo Lake State Park. Because the vegetation is so lush, much of Caddo Lake is really a maze of sloughs, bayous, and ponds. It is a superb fishing lake for bass, crappie and sunfish. The state has marked 42 miles of "boat roads" to guide the sportsman through the maze of confusing channels. Besides fishing, other activities at the park include camping, hiking, swimming, picnicking, nature study, and boating. Canoe rentals are available inside the park. Also popular are the park's quaint cabins, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's. Travel northeast of Marshall approximate 15 miles on State Highway 43 to FM 2198, then east for 1/2 mile to Park Road 2. Call 903-679-3351 for more information.
East Texas Oil Museum
At the East Texas Oil Museum, every aspect of the oil boom days of the 1930s is re-created through dioramas, films, sound effects and mementos of the oil field, and from the daily lives of the people. Visitors can see an ancient drilling rig displayed outside, as well as walk in the footsteps of the boomers in the street scenes that bring the past to life. An elevator ride simulates a 3,800-foot ride below ground to the see oil formations within the earth. Located at U.S. 259 and Ross Street on the Kilgore College campus. Call 903-983-8295 for more information.
Gregg County Historical Museum
Located in the historic Everett Building in downtown Longview, the Gregg County Historical Museum features collections relating to local East Texas history, timber, farming, oil, railroads, schools, business, and commerce. Also featured in the museum are reproductions early rooms, including a banker's office, parlor, kitchen, and the interior of a log cabin. The Everett Building was built in 1910 as Citizens National Bank and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in downtown Longview at 214 N. Fredonia. Call 903-753-5840 for more information.
Kilgore Community College
As a comprehensive community college located on four campuses, Kilgore College provides many academic programs including university transfer, core curriculum, occupational and technical degrees and certificates, as well as continuing education. At the original Kilgore campus, students enroll in courses for college transfer and technical education. Numerous student activities, cultural programs and recreational facilities are available at this location. The campus also houses regional attractions such as the East Texas Oil Museum and the Rangerette Showcase Museum. Located at 1100 Broadway in Kilgore. Call 903-984-8531 for more information.
Lake Fork Quitman
Located on a tributary of the Sabine River, the 27,690-acre lake has had very little of its timber cleared. It is a very popular spot for fishing - especially for bass, blue and channel catfish, bowfin and white crappie. Texas 154 crosses the lake and Texas 182 passes the dam.
Lake O' The Pines
Lake O' The Pines is a popular recreation, fishing and camping lake. Covering 18,700 acres and 18 miles long, the lake is located on Cypress Creek. The lake offers excellent fishing for Crappie, Bass and Channel Catfish. It is the site each year of the KYKX Big Bass Classic. Located just north of Longview on Hwy 259.
Lone Star Speedway
Lone Star Speedway features Saturday night races with I.M.C.A. modifieds, dirt south late models, and hot stocks. A three-eighth mile, high bank clay oval track serves a challenging course for drivers. Races are held every Saturday night March - October. From I-20 exit 583, take 135 north for 1/2 mile to FM 1252, and take FM1252 east. The track is on the right, 1 mile down FM 1252. Call 903-986-9731 for more information.
Longview Museum of Fine Arts
Chartered in 1970, the Longview Museum of Fine Arts houses a comprehensive collection of paintings, drawings, prints and sculpture focusing primarily on artists of the Southwest, especially Texans. In addition to a permanent collection, monthly special exhibits are on display. A gift gallery has a unique selection of items, jewelry, cards and items chosen to compliment visiting exhibitions or highlight features of the permanent collection. Located in Longview at 215 East Tyler Street. Call 903-753-8103 for more information.
Martin Creek Lake State Park
Popular with local fishermen and boaters, the 5,000-acre Martin Creek Lake offers excellent year-round fishing for bass, crappie, bluegill and other pan fish. Other popular activities in the park include camping, wildlife observation and photography, picnicking, boating, water skiing, unsupervised lake swimming, backpacking, and hiking. Facilities include restrooms with showers, hike-in primitive campsites (no drinking water available), campsites with water and electricity, screened shelters; 2 cottages, a group picnic pavilion, 1.5-mile hiking trail, a 6-mile mountain bike trail, a 4-lane concrete boat ramp, a trailer dump station, a playground, a lighted fishing pier, and a Texas State Park Store. Located 20 miles south of Longview. Travel 3.5 miles southwest of Tatum on State Highway 43, then turn south on County Road 2183.
R. G. LeTourneau Museum
One of the most prolific inventors of oil and earth-moving equipment, the museum contains personal memorabilia of R.G. LeTourneau. Scale models of many of his inventions as well as the first offshore oil drilling platforms are on display. Located in Longview at the Memorial Student Center at LeTourneau University. Tours of the campus are available and welcome with prior arrangement. Call 903-233-3672 for more information.
Rangerette Showcase and Museum
Located on the Kilgore College campus, the Rangerette Showcase and Museum features films and displays of props, costumes, uniforms, awards and mementos of Kilgore College's world-famous precision drill and dance team, known for its trademark "high kick" routine. The first of its kind, the Rangerettes were formed in 1940 as halftime entertainment for local football games. Their performance at bowl games and internationally has brought fame to Kilgore College. Located on campus on Broadway at Ross, one block west of Highway 259. Call 903-983-8265 for more information.
Wood Hollow Golf Club
Wood Hollow Golf Club features a public 18-hole golf course. Lessons are available. Located in Longview at 5121 N. McCann Road. Call 903-663-GOLF for more information.
World's Richest Acre Park
On part of one downtown block, actually about 1.2 acres, once stood the greatest concentration of oil wells in the world producing more than 2.5 million barrels of oil. All but one of original derricks were dismantled in early 1960s. The original derrick and 26 new ones, a restored pumpjack, a granite monument to the pioneer oil families of East Texas, and brick walkways erected in a historical preservation program make the park a monument to the oil boom of 1930s. A historical marker details history of the plot. An interesting sidelight is that one well was drilled through terrazzo floor of the Kilgore National Bank that once stood on site. Located at Main and Commerce Streets across from the railroad depot in downtown Kilgore. Call 903-983-8170 for more information.