Area

Bell County

Bell County is located along the I-35 corridor near the heart of Texas.  Bell County offers various dining, shopping, entertainment and outdoor places to visit.  Bell County is home to one of the largest military bases in the world, Fort Hood.  With a population of over 300,000, Bell County is a great place to visit or call home.

Belton

Founded in 1850, Belton is the Bell County seat and has historically served as both the local government center of the county and as a marketplace and shipping point for area farmers and ranchers. Between 1860 and 1880, Belton was a regional center for the cattle boom and even became an important stopping point for cattle herds along the famed Chisholm Trail. Between 1880 and 1930, Belton was a processing center for the regional cotton crop which became the county’s principal cash crop during this period, particularly in the blackland prairie region in east Bell County. Belton’s long and distinctive past is evidenced by the city’s many historic homes and commercial buildings. Charming storefronts characterize the historic commercial district, the center of which is the impressive Bell County Courthouse, built in 1885.

Today, Belton is home to an estimated 19,000 people. New residents continue to be drawn to Belton by outstanding schools, great parks and by the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, also located in Belton. Chartered by the Republic of Texas in 1845, the historic college campus provides both students and area residents with educational, cultural and recreational opportunities. Providing a natural backdrop to historic Belton are over 160 acres of parkland located throughout the city.

Situated along Belton Lake, Belton is a city abounding with parks and recreational opportunities. The beautiful Nolan Creek meanders through central Belton where residents and visitors can enjoy a walk along the Nolan Creek Hike and Bike Trail. This unique 1.5 mile trail provides a scenic tour through three city parks. The trail offers residents and visitors beautiful views of the Nolan Creek, as well as numerous opportunities to take a break while reading about the historic Chisholm Trail in one of ten pocket parks located along the trail.

Active sporting enthusiasts will be impressed with Belton’s outstanding sports fields, park complexes and water-based recreational activities. In 2006, the City of Belton received over $370,000 in grants from various state and private organizations allowing continued improvement to local parks and fields. By leveraging city funds with grants and building community partnerships with citizens and community organizations, the City of Belton continues to enhance the quality of life for all its citizens.

Also available to visitors and residents is the T. B. Harris Community Center, a project recognized with numerous awards. The completely renovated facility features multiple rooms offering state of the art accommodations for business meetings, while at the same time providing ample space and beautiful vistas into the ten-acre park surrounding the school. The building is well suited for conferences and training events while providing an idyllic setting for wedding receptions, parties and reunions.

Come to Belton and enjoy its small town charm and natural beauty! What are you waiting for?

Temple

Temple, Texas: A strange name for a wonderful place. With outstretched arms, we personally want to welcome you to our unique city. Nestled in the heart of Texas between Austin and Waco, we can provide for you an affordable, friendly, entertaining place to not only work and play, but to truly call home.

Temple is located in the heart of the triangle created between Dallas, Austin, and Houston. At the Temple Chamber of Commerce, we believe in “leading business to lead our community by preserving, protecting and promoting a business friendly environment, free of obstacles to growth and development.” Truly, there is not a friendlier, more welcoming city to live in that gives one a warm, hometown feeling, but still provides all the amenities you could want.

Harker Heights

Harker Heights History
The area now known as Harker Heights was once owned by Pinckney R. Cox and Harley Kern. In fact, the city was named after Harley Kern. In 1957, Cox and Kern subdivided their land and began selling the lots. The area was incorporated on September 24, 1960, and Cox became the first mayor. Harker Heights annexed the Comanche Hills Utility District in December 1988. The city is part of the Killeen Temple Fort Hood Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Did You Know?
 Native Americans once utilized the land area now known as Harker Heights. In
fact, some features, such as roads, are named after the use of Native Americans.
Comanche Gap Road is one such example you can find on your City map. The “gap”
where the road is now located was once utilized by Comanche Indians as a natural
pass between the Lampasas and Leon watersheds.

Killeen

Killeen is known for its military heritage and vast array of local attractions.  Killeen is the largest town within Bell County and supports many dining, shopping, entertainment and featured attractions.  Whether local to the area, or just passing through, stop on in and see what Killeen is all about.

Salado

The Village of Salado is the best small town in Texas!  Salado is host to several unique lodging facilities, including a premier RV park.  Only a short drive up I35, between Waco and Austin, Texas, Salado has something for everyone.

Main Street and vicinity is a lively marketplace with over 60 shops and artists galleries. Whether you’re in the mood for fine art, antiques, pottery, crafts, collectibles, Americana, southwest or south-of-the-border decor, handcrafted furniture, trendy or exclusive fashions, gourmet foods and wines or a weekend get-a-way, you’ll find that special something.