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Kilgore

815 N Kilgore St · Kilgore, TX

Why you should go…

Kilgore, Texas is a small city in the Piney Woods of East Texas known for its 1930s oil boom, when 24 wells operated on a half-block downtown. Today the city displays 70 restored oil derricks topped with stars downtown, and hosts the Christmas Under the Stars celebration each winter. Visit Kilgore, the city's tourism office, promotes the East Texas Oil Museum, World's Richest Acre Park, Rangerette Showcase and Museum, and historic downtown shopping and dining.

  • #history
  • #downtown
  • #museum
  • #oil heritage
  • #shopping

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Kilgore, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Longview

    Free

    The City of Longview's official tourism office for East Texas, covering parks, arts, museums and live theatre.

    10 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Northeast Texas

    Free

    Regional tourism guide connecting travelers to small towns, history, and outdoor spots across Northeast Texas.

    11 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Henderson, Texas

    Free

    County seat of Rusk County in East Texas, known for its Heritage Syrup Festival and historic Depot Museum Complex.

    17 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Tyler

    Free

    The official visitor bureau for Tyler, Texas, guiding travelers to its rose gardens, museums, shopping and events.

    23 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Tyler Rose Museum

    Under $25

    Year-round museum on the Tyler Rose Garden grounds chronicling the Texas Rose Festival's history since 1933.

    27 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Caldwell Zoo

    Under $25

    An 85 acre zoo in Tyler, Texas with more than 3,000 animals across global habitat exhibits.

    27 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions