Kingsville is located in the Wild Horse Desert, just west of the Gulf of Mexico, and is the birthplace of the American ranching industry. The land on which Kingsville was built was part of a Mexican land grant purchased by Captain Richard King in 1853. The land was donated by Mrs. Henrietta King, and the town was established in 1904, situated along the St. Louis, Brownsville, and Mexico Railway route. Today the city is a birding and wildlife hotspot, with more than one million acres of habitat. Kingsville is home to King Ranch, Naval Air Station Kingsville, Texas A&M-Kingsville, and agricultural and ranching industries. Visitors find an array of boutiques and antique shops downtown in historic buildings featuring handmade crafts, home-baked goods, western wear, leather goods, crafts, jewelry, gift shops, and more. For additional information contact the Kingsville Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-333-5032.
Things to do in Kingsville
Ben P. Bailey Art Building Gallery
The Ben P. Bailey Art Building Gallery features displays of student and faculty artworks along with traveling exhibits. Located on the campus of Texas A&M University Kingsville. Call 361-595-3901 for more information.
Conner Museum
Located in Loftin Hall on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the John E. Conner Museum highlights the unique characteristics of the border region, its hardy and useful plant life and its often dangerous wildlife. The museum contains a mammoth exhibit with fossils found in the local area. Other rotating displays are on display throughout the year. Located at 905 W. Gertrudis Avenue. Call 361-593-2810 for more information.
Dick Kleberg Park
Dick Kleberg Park is a beautiful 211-acre park located in a grove of trees beside a lazy creek. The park features picnic tables, grills, and a swimming pool. Located at Loop 428 near the south edge of the city. Call 361-595-8591 for more information.
Historic Downtown Kingsville
Historical downtown Kingsville is reminiscent of America's old main streets, lined with specialty gift shops, a craft market, restaurants and eateries, and the district's anchor, the King Ranch Saddle Shop.
J.K. Northway Exposition Center/Park
J.K. Northway Exposition Center/Park features tennis courts, ball fields and a playground. Located off U.S. 77 at the south edge of the city.
Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park
Renowned for its saltwater trout and red drum fishing, Kaufer-Hubert Memorial Park is a saltwater recreation area on the upper reaches of Baffin Bay southeast of Kingsville. Facilities include a boat ramp, campground, recreation room, swimming beach, picnic shelters, tables, grills, playground, fishing pier and other amenities. Call 361-297-5738 for more information.
King Ranch
King Ranch, a National Historic Landmark, was established in 1853 by Richard King's purchase of 75,000 acres that had been part of a Spanish Land grant. Upon his death, his wife inherited the estate along with a $500,000 debt. Through her leadership, the debt was cleared and the ranch increased in size. Holdings today comprise some 825,000 acres. The ranch remains a working ranch, with over 60,000 cattle and 300 quarter horses. It offers wonderful opportunities for nature lovers and birders - it is possible to see a variety of tropical and migratory birds, white tailed deer, and javelina. A variety of tours are available. The entrance to the ranch is immediately west of Kingsville off Texas 141. Call 361-592-8055 for more information.
King Ranch Museum
Located in Henrietta Memorial Center, the King Ranch Museum offers visitors a look into the lives of the people who pioneered ranching in America. The museum features excellent photos of ranch life by award-winning photographer Toni Frissell. Also on display are a series of full scale replicas of historic Texas flags, antique carriages and vintage cards, saddles from around the world, and other historic items. Located at 405 N. 6th Street. Call 361-595-1881 for more information.
King Ranch Saddle Shop
The cornerstone of Kingsville's downtown historic district is the King Ranch Saddle Shop, located in the restored 1904 J.B. Ragland Mercantile Co. building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The shop has been providing quality leather goods for over 150 years. Through the years, the shop has outfitted governors, presidents, and foreign heads of state. Today, shoppers can still purchase the same quality gifts, furnishings, luggage, and fine leather goods. Call 361-595-5761 for more information.
Kleburg Hall of Natural History
Kleburg Hall of Natural History features some of the plants and animals of South Texas in their natural habitats. The Discovery Area has specimens for "hands-on" examination. Located at Santa Gertrudis Street on the campus of Texas A&M Kingsville. Call 361-595-2810 for more information.
L.E. Ramey Golf Course
L.E. Ramey Golf Course is a favorite spot for area residents and Winter Texans alike. Open year round, the 18-hole public course offers a challenging round of golf with water hazards, bunkers, and mesquite trees. Call 361-592-1101 for more information.
Naval Air Station Kingsville
The United States Naval Air Station in Kingsville serves as one of the largest advanced jet training centers in the United States. Located at 554 McCain Street. Call 361-516-6333 for more information.
Peeler Hall of Horns
The Peeler Hall of Horns is a historical collection located on the Texas A&M Kingsville campus. Graves Peeler, an avid cattleman and rancher, is credited with bringing the Texas Longhorns back from the brink of extinction. The collection is Peeler's 264 mounts of North American game, as well as biographical information about Peeler. Located ont Santa Gertrudis Street. Call 361-595-2810 for more information.
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Texas A&M University-Kingsville grew out of the teacher college or "normal school" movement that swept Texas and the nation in the early 1900s. Chartered in 1917 but not opened until 1925 because of America's entry into World War I, the University is the oldest continuously operating public institution of higher learning in South Texas. Today, Texas A&M-Kingsville offers a variety of quality undergraduate and graduate programs for students of all ages. Visitors may be interested in the university's historical collections and art gallery. The Little Theater and Recital Hall and the Edward Newton Jones Auditorium present year-round musical and dramatic productions. Located at 700 University Blvd. Call 361-593-2111 for more information.