Kingsville, Texas Travel Guide

The legacy of King Ranch, once the largest ranch in the world, is apparent through the city of Kingsville, located just a few miles from the cattle ranch. An array of downtown antiques shops and boutiques lie on Kleberg Avenue and King Street, named for the families who founded the famous ranch.

Kingsville Attractions:

King Ranch. Sprawling across 825,000 acres, the King Ranch traces its history to 1853 when it was founded by Captain Richard King, a self-made man who made his fortune on Rio Grande Riverboats and who later became a Texas Ranger. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the working ranch in air-conditioned buses. Still one of the largest in the world, the ranch developed the Santa Gertrudis and King Ranch Santa Cruz breeds of cattle as well as the first registered American quarter horse. Today it's home to 60,000 head of cattle and 300 quarter horses and welcomes visitors from around the world for a look at the ranch as well as the many bird species who call this land home.

King Ranch Museum. The King Ranch Museum provides visitors with a look at the history of the ranch, including a stunning photographic essay of life on King Ranch in the 1940s. A collection of saddles, antique carriages, and antique cards rounds out the exhibits.

King Ranch Saddle Shop. This shop carries on the tradition of saddle-making that began after the Civil War when Captain King started his own saddle shop. Today the King Ranch Saddle Shop produces fine purses, belts, and, of course, saddles in downtown Kingsville's John B. Ragland Mercantile Company Building. Located at 201 E. Kleberg.

John E. Conner Museum. Located on the grounds of Texas A&M University-Kingsville, this museum highlights the natural and social history of South Texas, local ecosystems, and the area's fossils and minerals. The museum boasts a permanent exhibit on prehistoric South Texas as well as many heritage displays. Kids can get the real feel for the region in the Touch and Feel area, complete with everything from pelts to minerals and fossils. Located at 821 W. Santa Gertrudis Ave.

Railroad Depot Museum. Located in the Historic District. This museum, Kingsville's newest, showcases the rail history of the region. It was that rail industry that made Kingsville grow, shipping out the cattle to spread the fame of the King Ranch—and the Coastal Bend—across the country.

Special Events in Kingsville

Fall & winter

In Depth Travel Articles About Kingsville:

King Ranch

Downtown Kingsville

King Ranch: A Texas-Sized Ranch for Groups

For More Information:

• visit Kingsville Convention and Visitors Bureau