Kilgore Pocket Guide Spring 2024

WELCOME TO THE “CITY OF STARS”

There’s nothing typical of about Kilgore, Texas. We are rugged and rustic, yet cool and progressive!

Kilgore, Texas, has the perfect blend of historic natural beauty, outdoor recreation, music, and shopping to unplug, unwind and explore for those who want to experience East Texas on their terms and at their own pace.

Energy and serenity collide in Kilgore! Stroll under the pines in one of Kilgore’s scenic parks, or walk beneath a steel forest of steeplehigh oil derricks marking the greatest concentration of oil wells in the history of the world at the World’s Richest Acre Park. Search for geocache treasures at Synergy Park or catch rainbow trout at Elder Lake. Walk through time and full-scale replicas of Kilgore’s oil boom at the East Texas Oil Museum, then head downtown for unique boutiques, delicious dining options, historic murals, and architecture. You’ll gush

over Kilgore!

A hidden pocket of arts and culture blossoms here with the only professional theatre company in East Texas along with the world’s bestknown collegiate drill team, “Kilgore College Rangerettes” traveling from coast-to-coast and border-toborder in the United States and on several world tours. Plus, nationally renowned annual events such as the Texas Shakespeare Festival and the Reel East Texas Film Festival.

A city with a vibe all its own. Catch a view of the sunset through the tall pines while running the scenic track at Creekside Trail. Discover our thriving performing arts and dance scene, make new friends on an excursion to a nearby vineyard. From big local flavors to vibrant music and rich history, you’ll discover energy that makes Kilgore, Texas legendary.

1108 N. Kilgore Street, Kilgore, Texas 75662 (903) 984-5022

KILGORE

815 N. Kilgore Street , Kilgore, TX 75662 (903) 988-4113 | (903) 218-6896

www.kilgoremainstreet.com

3 Spring 2024 • www.kilgorechamber.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

RANGERETTE REVELS

APRIL

2 Business After Hours REEL East Texas Film

5 KC FAFSA Fling

DeVall Ballroom

3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

6 Rangerette Revels Dodson Auditorium

7:30 p.m.

6 - 5 Avalon Faire

7 Rangerette Revels Matinee Dodson Auditorium 1:00 p.m.

8 Day of the Disappearance (Eclipse Day) at Avalon Faire Vendor Booths 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Free Admissions

9 Spring World Jazz Showcase 2: Rhythm Stories Kilgore College Featuring the Big Band Jazz Ensemble & KC Steel Van Cliburn Auditorium 7:30 p.m.

11 Rangerette Revels Dodson Auditorium 7:30 p.m.

13 Mini Masters Tournament Meadowbrook Golf & Event Center

15 Candidate Forum

27 Kilgore College Fueling Fitness 5K & Fun Run and 1 mile Fun Walk East Texas Oil Museum

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

27 Sip and Shop Downtown Kilgore 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

27 Kilgore College Invitational Jazz Festival Featuring High School Jazz Banks & Percussion Groups with the KC Jazz Ensemble and Steel Band Dodson Auditorium 7:30 p.m.

30 Spring Choral Masterworks Concert Van Cliburn Auditorium 7:30 p.m.

MAY

2 Spring Symphonic Instrumental Concert

Van Cliburn Auditorium 7:30 p.m.

3 Spring Swing Tempest Golf Course

4 3-Man Choker Tournament Meadowbrook Golf & Event Center

4 Spring Dance Concert: Kilgore College Dance Ensembles

Dodson Auditorium 7:00 p.m.

4 - 5 Geektopia Geekend

Downtown Kilgore

11 Tractors, Trucks and Fun

Downtown Kilgore

12 NICA Mt. Bike Race

18 3 Club Tournament

Meadowbrook Golf & Event Center

25 Kilgore Cruise Night

Downtown Kilgore 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

25 - 27 Tri-Club 2-Man Scramble

Meadowbrook Golf & Event Center

UPCOMING EVENTS

15 Mini U.S. Open Meadowbrook Golf & Event Center

20

22

JULY

4

27

27

23 Rangerette Summer Dance Session #2

29 Kilgore Cruise Night

TO DATE

INDOORS OR OUT…

Kilgore has a rich history, and plenty of history-related activities – but we also have some fantastic outdoor attractions, phenomenal arts & culture, and must-see sights.

4 STAR CINEMA

Luxury Seating is available at 4 Star Cinema. Join us Thursday night to have a glass of wine or beer and watch a movie in ultimate comfort. Do not Forget about the Film Festival . We’re saving a seat just for you!

1607 Highway 259 South, Kilgore www.foothillsentertainment.com

903-983-3848

CREEKSIDE TRAIL

The Creekside Trail opened in October 2018 and is the first phase of the Kilgore Trails System. The 2.58 miles of winding path takes walker, runners and bikers through beautiful woods alongside Bighead Creek. Trail heads are located at Stone Rd, Houston St and Dudley Rd, with an access point also available at Moccasin Trail.

Houston St, Kilgore

CRIM THEATER

The Crim Theater that stands on South Kilgore Street has been part of Kilgore since 1939. The facade of the Crim Theater still towers in many memories and has been refurbished in all its neon glory.

112 South Kilgore St, Kilgore 903-984-2593

www.facebook.com/CrimTheater

DEAN-KEENER-CRIM HOME

The Oldest Home in Kilgore, ca.1876, a Project of the Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation.

101 E Lantrip St Kilgore kilgorehistory.org

www.facebook.com/KHPFdkchouse/

DODSON AUDITORIUM

W.L. Dodson Auditorium is a premiere entertainment destination for East Texas located on the Kilgore College campus. The auditorium seats 1,635 and annually hosts graduation ceremonies and Rangerette Revels. Many other concerts and theatre productions are held in Dodson each year. The auditorium opened in 1952. 913 Nolen Ave., Kilgore 903-983-8635 facebook.com/profile. php?id=100065344035807

Crim Theater

Texas Museum of Broadcasting and Communications

EAST TEXAS OIL MUSEUM

Journey back to the early 1930s to see how people lived. Refresh your memory to the lyrics of a deep-rooted gospel hymn in the church exhibit. Get a lesson in the history of local schools. This fascinating museum houses the authentic recreation of oil discovery and production from the largest oilfield inside US boundaries.

1301 S Henderson Blvd, Kilgore 903-983-8295

easttexasoilmuseum.kilgore.edu

HARRIS STREET PARK

Harris Street Park and Friendship Playground feature a pavilion, picnic tables, playground, restrooms, tennis court and walking trail.

E North St, Kilgore 903-984-5081

Creekside Trail

KILGORE BOWLING CENTER

Kilgore Bowling Center has 16 synthetic bowling lanes, automatic scoring, a snack bar, game room and pro shop! Modernized arcade and pool room.

2004 S Henderson Blvd, Kilgore 903-983-2233

www.kilgorebowling.com

KILGORE CITY PARK

A very popular spot at Kilgore City Park is the Skate Park, which offers a partial bowl, half pipe, raised platforms and more. The park also offers a Splash Pad. The Lazy Splash Ranch is a free splash pad that is open during the hotter months of the year.

E North St, Kilgore | 903-984-5081

KILGORE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The library was built in 1939 and continues to serve the citizens of East Texas.

301 N Henderson Blvd Kilgore 903-984-1529

KILGORE SKATE PARK

A very popular spot at Kilgore City Park is the Skate Park, which offers a partial bowl, half pipe, raised platforms and more.

Corner of E North St & Wood St, Kilgore | 903-984-5081

KILGORE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Kilgore College Rangerettes

Photo courtesy of Kilgore College Marketing

East Texas Oil Museum

KILGORE SKATELAND

Kilgore Skateland is a

run skating rink in Kilgore. Great Entertainment for kids and families. Parties, roller hockey, and skate sessions. Fun and safe environment for kids of all ages!

2803

Longview St, Kilgore, Texas 903-984-3729

LAZY RANCH SPLASH PARK

The Kilgore Splash Park was funded by the challenge grant of Mayor Ronnie Spradlin and matched by the generous donations of local residents and businesses. It officially opened as the Lazy Splash Ranch on April 28, 2018.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. PARK

Situated on 12.898 acres, Martin Luther King Junior Park has a walking trail, playground, basketball court, and a community building.

MEADOWBROOK GOLF & EVENT CENTER

Kilgore, Texas is the perfect setting for this top rated, highly regarded 9 hole golf course. Situated in the heart of East Texas amongst the Piney Woods it offers a picturesque yet challenging course for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

1306 Houston St, Kilgore 903-218-6971

www.meadowbrookkilgore.com

OLD U.S. POST OFFICE

Kilgore’s former United States Post Office, ca. 1938, a project of Kilgore Historical Preservation Foundation, spotlighting its history and renovation.

200 S Kilgore St, Kilgore 903-984-1333

PENTECOST PARK

Pentecost Park features a basketball court, playground, pavilion and a small rock climbing structure.

1700 Pentecost Kilgore 903-984-5081

RABBIT CREEK OFFROAD ATV PARK

If you love taking your ATV out for a ride no matter the weather conditions, stop by Rabbit Creek Offroad your next free weekend!

1217 Post Oak Rd, Kilgore 325-665-1871

Shakespeare Garden

Synergy Park

RANGERETTE SHOWCASE & MUSEUM

Located on the Kilgore College campus, The Rangerette Showcase and Museum features a mechanized display of Rangerette props, a display of costumes from the spring stage show, Rangerette Revels, and thousands of photographs and newspaper clippings depicting the Rangerettes’ storied history.

1100 Broadway Blvd, Kilgore 903-983-8265

www.facebook.com/KCRangerettes

SHAKESPEARE GARDEN

This beautiful garden is modeled after the original Shakespeare Garden in England. Built to complement the Texas Shakespeare Festival, each of the plants and shrubs grown is referenced in one of Shakespeare’s

plays. Open daily, the garden is located at Brook Drive and US Highway 259 on the Kilgore College Campus. Admission is free.

1100 Broadway Blvd, Kilgore 903-983-8117

STATE TOURNAMENT HORSESHOE PIT

E North St, Kilgore | 903-984-5081

SYNERGY PARK

Over 672 acres with a beautiful 10acre lake. This nature spot is an industrial park, but that doesn’t stop it from being totally picturesque.

1001 Synergy Blvd, Kilgore 903-983-3522

World’s Richest Acre

TEMPEST GOLF CLUB

568 E Wilkins Rd, Gladewater, TX 903-984-5335

www.tempestgolfclub.com

TEXAN THEATER

Built in 1931, the Texan Theater was the place to go for Westerns. Owned by the City of Kilgore, ongoing renovations aim to revitalize the historic venue.

201 S Kilgore St Kilgore 903-984-5081

www.facebook.com/ TexanTheaterKilgore/

TEXAS MUSEUM OF BROADCASTING & COMMUNICATIONS

The Broadcast Museum spotlights the people and equipment of broadcasting’s Golden Age, featuring working television and radio studios, a vintage equipment restoration facility, and archives available for research.

416 E Main St, Kilgore | 903-985-8115 texasbroadcastmuseum.com/

TEXAS SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL CENTER

The Texas Shakespeare Festival is East Texas’ only professional theater company. TSF is a summer repertory company producing two Shakespeare plays, a nonShakespearean classic, a musical, and a production for children during the summer.

Broadway Blvd, Kilgore 903-983-8119

www.texasshakespeare.com

US VETERANS MONUMENT OF KILGORE

100 Harris St Kilgore | 903-984-5081

VAN CLIBURN AUDITORIUM

The Van Cliburn Auditorium, a comfortable and intimate indoor theatre located in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Center, is the primary performance space for the Kilgore College Theatre Department and the Texas Shakespeare Festival. Built in 1966, the VCA contains a flexible proscenium stage and 220 seats,. 1000-1198 Brook Dr, Kilgore

WORLD’S RICHEST ACRE PARK

This half-block in downtown Kilgore is a unique, one of a kind place that pays tribute to the town’s oil boom days. The block had 24 wells that pumped more than 2.5 million barrels of oil over a 30 year period.

100 N Commerce St, Kilgore