With a population of about 6,000, Gladewater is located about 10 miles east of Longview, about 25 miles north of Tyler, and about 70 miles north of Shreveport, LA. Several main transportation highways run through Gladewater: Highway 80, Highway 271, and is about12 miles north east of I-20. It is a tri-county town, with the majority being in Gregg & Upshur Counties, and a small tip being in Smith County.

Gladewater was just a sleepy little community of 500 until the oil boom of 1931. Then the population doubled to 1,000 overnight, and reached 10,000 at the height of the boom. After the oil boom, the residents have settled in and it stays in the 5,500-6,000 range.

Now known as the Antique Capitol of East Texas, there are upward of 30 antique stores & malls in a two block area. If you are looking for that Desert Rose replacement dish or antique furniture, you just may find it here. Not only does the downtown area tempt you with the antiques, there is also the Saturday Night Opry house to entertain you on a weekly basis. Friday night is Gospel singing, while Saturday night is mostly Country Western. There is never a shortage of talent, so stop by and enjoy the music.

Higher education is easily available with numerous college & universities all within 30 miles. University of Texas at Tyler & Longview, LeTourneau University, Tyler Junion College, Jarvis Christian College, and Kilgore College. Special training is available for watch making & repair, Police training and Nurses.

Five major hospitals are within 30 miles, Good Shepherd Medical Center, Longview Regional Hospital, Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, University of Texas Health Center, and East Texas Medical Center, along with a multitude of doctors, clinics, & specialists.

There are several restaurants and fast food places available. A variety of foods are available with your choice of plate lunches, steaks, chicken, or sandwiches. With Longview & Tyler both being so close, you can eat like a king or grab some take out quickly.

There are a multitude of annual events that might interest you. To name a few: The Daffodill Gardens which are open about 3 weeks out of the year will dazzle you with 28 acres of show stopping color, Gusher Days will entertain you with a multitude of events, the annual Gladewater Round-Up Rodeo which has gone on for 73 years, the Arts & Crafts Festival which is on its 37th year, the Gladewater Black Rodeo is on its 7th year, and Christmas Time in Gusherville with the special shopping events.

If you like the water, Gladewater Lake & Park is just a couple of minutes drive from downtown. Boating, skiing, swimming & fishing are just a few of the activities available. There is a nice playground area, tennis courts, basketball court, softball area, gazebo for parties, and picnic tables with bbq grills.

Looking for a place to park your RV while shopping for antiques and golfing? Check out the Antique Capital RV Park with numerous amenities, including a catch & release pond.

Need a bit more excitement? How about skydiving? Skydive East Texas is located at the Gladewater Municipal Airport.