Harker Heights is one of the youngest cities in Central Texas. Founded in 1960, Harker Heights got its name by taking the first three letters of Harley Kern’s first and last names. Harley Kern was a hog farmer and one of the original land owners who sold his land in order for the town to be possible. Harker Heights is now the 3rd largest city in Bell County, following Temple and Killeen, with a population of 32,421 as of 2020. 

Dining

Harker Heights has quite the variety of cuisine to enjoy, from German (Opa’s Schnitzel Hut and Zum Edelweiss) to Venezuelan (Arepitas) to American (IHOP, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Tillie Marie’s, Cracker Barrel, Pull Up-N-Eat, and Bobby Lupo’s Pizzeria) to Cajun (Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe and Cajun Crab & Shrimp Bar & Grill) to Thai (Grandma’s Thai Cuisine, Little Thai, and Ban Mai Thai Restaurant) to Greek (Acropolis), and more! 

Shopping

Harker Heights has everything you need from essentials to luxuries in its wide selection of stores like Walmart, Ross, Target, Old Navy, The Children’s Place, Barnes & Noble, Ulta Beauty, and more, along with several local shops like Blue Eyed Chic Boutique and Market Heights.

Outdoors

Carl Levin Park Community Garden, Community Park, Goode-Connell Park, Kern Park Community Garden, Purser Park, Skipcha Park, and Summer Soccer Complex are all great park locations throughout Harker Heights where you can enjoy the great outdoors with the whole family of all ages. Check each park’s profile for a list of trails, swimming pools, play areas, disc golf courses, rentable facilities, and other outdoor amenities. Dana Peak Park has overnight camping, showers, a swimming beach, a boat ramp, fishing, canoe and kayak rentals, hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, plenty of wildlife to sight, and more outdoor recreational activities and amenities to make your stay exciting. 

Arts & Entertainment

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Harker Heights throughout the year, check out the many Events happening in and around the city!