As the county seat and home of Baylor University, Waco boasts high-quality museums, historic landmarks, and dining and nightlife features to attract citizens and visitors alike. Two of the college’s most prominent alumni — Chip and Joanna Gaines, hosts of HGTV’s hit reality show, “Fixer Upper” — have transformed the city into an interior design hotspot with a slew of retail stores focused on their brand of sleek and modern farmhouse lifestyle.
Located right between Dallas and Austin, many of the city’s top attractions, monuments, and recreational spaces are shaded by the oaks that line the wide Brazos River, the eleventh longest river in the United States, which winds its way through downtown. from New Mexico to the Gulf of Mexico.
With so many enticing things to see and do in Waco, this advisor will keep you busy on a memorable family getaway to one of the Lone Star State’s most underrated destinations.
Mark Randolph|Courtesy of Waco CVB
Fans of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” flock to this one-destination grocery shopping district, where they can delve into a collection of boutiques offering homewares, gifts, garden items and apparel curated by the show’s design favorites, Chip and Joanna Gaines. The empire also includes Silos Baking Co. , a coffee shop that specializes in cupcakes and lemonade that is helping consumers fuel their grocery shopping.
The more than 2-acre site, which includes an outdoor level and a half-dozen food trucks, also serves as a backdrop for network occasions such as live music performances and a farmer’s market. Visitors applaud the domain for its charm and family. Friendly character, thanks to a wide lawn where children of all ages can play tag or cornhole while parents lounge at a picnic table in the shade. Historic silos, once part of a cotton oil factory, anchor the complex and bring photogenic interest.
Complete your stay with a stay at Magnolia’s Hillcrest Cottage, a one-bedroom guest house renovated by Chip and Jo themselves, furnished in classic Magnolia style. But keep in mind that the entire market and all its opposites are closed on Sundays.
Address: 601 Webster Ave. , Waco, TX 76706
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Stroll or motorcycle the Waco Riverwalk, an 11-mile paved trail that runs along the banks of the Brazos River and connects several city parks in downtown Waco. You’ll pass several bridges along the river, adding the historic Waco Suspension Bridge, built in 1870 through the same company that built the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
Today, this pedestrian monument hosts many network events and festivals. Around the bridge you can find bronze sculptures commemorating the Chisolm Trail, a popular route for farm animal collections after the Civil War, as part of the much-photographed “Branding the Brazos. “Travelers say this iconic design is a great place to stop at night when the lights are on.
The Hilton Waco hotel faces Indian Spring Park, which anchors the west side of the bridge.
Courtesy of Baylor University
More than 20,000 scholars study at this picturesque 1,000-acre campus located along the Brazos River in downtown Waco. Although the personal Christian institution is well known for its studies and master’s degree programs, one of Baylor University’s most popular attractions is the Bill and Eva Williams Bear Habitat, which is home to the school’s live black bear mascots. Visitors are invited to practice with the bears in their habitat free of charge. Other notable on-campus destinations include the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center, the McLane Student Life Center, and the Burleson Quadrangle.
You can explore at your own pace a self-guided audio walking tour, which you can take by downloading the Baylor University app on your phone. The tour starts at the Wiethorn Undergraduate Admissions Center and covers over 3 km in about forty-five minutes.
As for accommodations, the campus boutique hotel called 1700 South 2d offers two-bedroom condos with fully equipped kitchens and living rooms.
Address: 1311 S. Fifth St. , Waco, TX 76706
Courtesy of Baylor University
Overlooking the banks of the Brazos River in East Waco, McLane Stadium is home to the Baylor University Bears football team. During the off-season, the venue’s audio-visual generation is cleverly used in a multitude of concerts and other entertainment events. Fans applaud the $26 million facility, built in 2014, for its modern design, spacious bathrooms, and clever array of concession options, as well as its several large gift stores for party attire in the school’s iconic green and gold colors. Its horseshoe shape also offers spectators an enchanting view of the Brazos River from the stands. This setup created an opportunity for the exclusive “sailing” culture, where boaters gather near the pier outside the stadium on fitness days.
Guided tours of the facilities are paid and last approximately 90 minutes, giving visitors access to the pitch, press box, changing rooms and more.
The Red Roof Inn Waco is conveniently around the corner from the stadium and offers free pet-friendly accommodations and free breakfast.
Address: 1001 South Martin Luther King Blvd. , Waco, TX 76704
Courtesy of Waco CVB
This 400-acre urban park is an urban oasis of outdoor activities with a 20-mile network of national recreational trails, a 23-hole disc golf course, parks and playgrounds, and a wealth of geological and man-made landmarks to explore. Cameron’s location of the park, at the confluence of the Bosque and Brazos rivers, creates a lush landscape with breathtaking scenery. A wildflower lawn called Miss Nellie’s Pretty Place is a favorite picnic spot, especially in the spring, and visitors love the park’s variety of well-maintained gardens. Roads.
The more adventurous can climb up to Emmons Cliff to gaze out over the river from a towering limestone cliff, or try climbing Jacob’s Ladder, a historic staircase with about a hundred rickety steps. The park, with its network of challenging and multi-purpose hiking and mountain biking trails hosts competitive occasions such as triathlons each year. The trails also provide access to other attractions, adding the Waco Riverwalk, which runs along the boardwalk to downtown.
Address: 2601 N. University Parks Drive, Waco, TX 76708
Courtesy of Waco CVB
Located on the south side of Cameron Park, this award-winning facility prides itself on creating herbaceous habitats for more than 1,700 animals on 52 acres. Visitors to the Cameron Park Zoo will appreciate the variety of animals and the abundance of shady trees along the trails; They also note that the animals’ enclosures appear spacious and well-maintained.
The highlights of the zoo come with its exhibits, such as Brazos River Country Adventure, which features a 50,000-gallon aquarium, where visitors will be briefed on the geography, flora, and fauna of the Waco Basin. Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with otters, jaguars, alligators, and other species that thrive in the Texas wild. The Asian Forest exhibition offers a radical substitution of the landscape in a jungle environment populated by orangutans, Komodo dragons and Sumatran tigers. Parking at the zoo is free.
One option after your layover is to stay at the Courtyard Waco Hotel, located just over 1. 6 km from the zoo. Its family-friendly facilities include an outdoor swimming pool.
Address: 1701 N. Fourth St. , Waco, TX 76707
Courtesy of Waco CVB
Pedestrians and bicyclists exploring the Brazos River Hall will notice a collection of public art in the form of 28 animal sculptures. Spread over a mile-long length between the Cameron Park Zoo and the Baylor University campus, the sculptures depict wild animals that can be observed in their actual form at the nearby zoo (e. g. , elephant, giraffe, lion, meerkat) or that are local to the surrounding downtown. Texas region (e. g. , fox, white-tailed deer, box turtle).
Visitors say that this diversity of art is a wonderful addition to the already captivating coastal domain and that children are especially entertained through the wonderful “zoo”. The works were created through an organization of artists from across the country, adding two local sculptors, and commissioned. through the non-profit organization Creative Waco. The artists used a variety of fabrics and strategies to interpret their mission; Animals are often presented in attractive ways, such as the bronze “wise elephant” sitting pensively on a bench or the aluminum “bats taking flight” spinning upward in the sky. had on the Creative Waco website.
Mark Randolph|Courtesy of Waco CVB
Did you know that Dr Pepper is the oldest main soda logo in the United States and was first created in Waco?You’ll be told all about this history and more about this exclusive and convenient drink at the Dr Pepper Museum, located in a bottling plant in the historic center. plant. Spend some time walking the building’s 3 floors with exhibits that give clues to the history and science of soda-making and include engaging memorabilia, such as a delivery truck from the 1940s.
To make it more interactive, you can head to the on-site Liquid Lab for the Make-A-Soda experience, where you can whip up your own flavor of soda (for a fee, which comes with a to-go soda bottle and a souvenir), or the Taste-A-Soda experiment, in which a Soda sommelier will provide you with a serving of six soda samples. Other activities include a guided paranormal excursion to the place or a mystery game that you can play through the ClueKeeper app on your phone.
Admission includes a complimentary Dr Pepper soft drink. Travelers say this charm is a fun way to spend a few hours, but warn that there’s no on-site parking.
Address: Three Hundred S. Fifth St. , Waco, TX 76701
Courtesy of Waco Historical Foundation
This organization manages 3 historic sites on the downtown domain to give visitors an insight into Civil War-era architecture and artifacts, as well as a deeper look at Waco’s heritage.
The Earle-Napier-Kinnard House, which began to be designed in 1858, was one of the first brick homes in Waco. The design has undergone several additions over the years as families came and went; The existing Greek Revival façade was completed in 1868. The McCulloch House exhibits similar architectural taste and has been occupied by members of the same circle of relatives for more than a century. The grand East Terrace House, complete with a ballroom and Italian villa-style design. Details, completed in 1874.
These museum sites feature original furnishings, family heirlooms, and artifacts, such as lamps and paintings. Entrance fees to each site include a guided tour with volunteer guides, whom visitors congratulate on their high competence; Children under the age of 6 and military personnel have free access. For an overnight stay nearby, SpringHill Suites Waco is just two blocks from the Earle-Napier-Kinnard House and features a swimming pool.
Note: The Earle-Napier-Kinnard House has been closed for renovations as of July 2023.
Courtesy of Waco CVB
The Texas Rangers Department is the oldest and perhaps most respected law enforcement agency in the country, and has served and protected the other peoples of the region since 1823. The 30-acre Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum complex honors the agency’s esteemed contributions to the West. heritage and history with a collection of 20,000 artifacts judiciously presented in exhibitions spread across several galleries. Visitors can explore rooms filled with firearms, badges, saddles, and uniforms worn by rangers over the centuries, plus an impressive collection of paintings and artistic sculptures depicting early Western life. The venue’s Hall of Fame gallery features the portraits of the 31 notable rangers revered as members.
Families with children can download activity sheets to help them navigate the exhibits, such as a scavenger hunt or a bandit hunt. Visitors propose spending at least two hours exploring this information-rich facility, adding to watching the 45-minute documentary that airs every hour.
If you want to stay close to the museum after your visit, the Residence Inn Waco, with its indoor pool and hot tub, is 800 metres away.
Address: One Hundred Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, TX 76706
Courtesy of Waco CVB
Located about 6 miles northwest of downtown Waco, this protected archaeological site was established in 2015 and includes 108 acres of tranquil woodland along the Bosque River, where fossil remains of many prehistoric creatures were discovered in 1978, plus a herd of Colombian mammoths. Researchers have proposed several theories, adding others similar to floods or droughts, about how those animals, which also included a camel, a giant tortoise, an alligator, a pygmy antelope and a saber-toothed cat, died about 70,000 years ago. .
Although remains discovered up to 1990 have been transferred to the Mayborn Museum complex downtown, visitors to the park can explore the air-conditioned Dig Shelter, an active excavation site that displays the maximum of recent fossil finds. One-hour guided walking tours take visitors through the expanded Walkway overlooking this attractive facility to view bones, artwork, and other educational artifacts. Tours depart every 30 minutes from the Visitor Center and reservations are not required.
Visitors also mention the nature trails on-site and recommend that youth request an activity e-book at the Visitor Center to earn a Junior Ranger badge. Don’t take a short walk along the Eagle Scout Trail, where you can spot wildlife such as roadrunners. and deer. The nearby bed and breakfast, on White Rock Creek, offers captivating suites in a rural setting.
Address: 6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive, Waco, TX 76708
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Courtesy of Waco CVB
Located on the campus of Baylor University, this educational establishment features five permanent exhibits committed to the cultural and herbal history of Central Texas, adding models from the original fossil collections of Waco Mammoth National Monument. Admission includes the Governor Bill and Daniel Vara Historic Village. , where visitors can step back in time as they walk through nine historic structures that replicate rural 19th-century farm life. Families with children will find fun activities focused on hands-on learning at the Jeanes Discovery Center, which is packed with interactive activities. exhibits, adding live animal exhibits.
Visitors propose to make plans to spend two to three hours exploring the facilities in their entirety. Please note that the museum is closed on holidays, as is the venue for Baylor University football games. Less than 1. 6 km from the Mayborn Museum Complex, Hotel Indigo Waco-Baylor offers antique amenities with a local twist.
Address: 1300 S. University Parks Drive, Waco, TX 76706
Courtesy of Baylor University
Dedicated to the lives of Victorian poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, the Armstrong Browning Library and Museum houses the world’s largest collection of books, letters, and other Browning-like fabrics. This charm is highly sought after for its majestic Italian Renaissance architecture. which visitors describe as “exquisite” and “majestic”.
Upon entering the grandiose three-story structure, located on the campus of Baylor University, visitors can marvel at the 62 stained glass windows that decorate the building. Be sure to take your time browsing the library’s multitude of rooms, lobbies, and exhibits to appreciate the attention to detail of the mid-20th-century structure, from the gleaming wooden tables in the John Leddy-Jones Research Room to the elaborate ceiling in the McLean Meditation Hall.
The library is free and open to the public. Guided tours will be on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation.
Address: 710 Speight Ave. , Waco, TX 76706
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Built in 1965 by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. Used in the U. S. to prevent flooding and conserve water, this man-made reservoir west of downtown also offers enough area for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, and hunting. Visitors enjoy the many picturesque parks that surround it. the coast for sunbathing, picnicking and paddling; Admission to most of them is free, though some require a small fee.
The 180-acre wetland, open to the public and located in the northwest corner of the lake, includes approximately 3 miles of trails and serves as habitat for an abundance of local plants, amphibians, butterflies, and 140 species of birds. in Lake Waco you will find an abundance of bass, catfish and crappie.
Waco Lake Rentals can rent pontoon boats by the day, while paddleboards and kayaks can be rented at Lake Waco Marina. Campgrounds are located in Airport Parks, Midway, Reynolds Creek, and Speegleville.
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Get to know the city with a relaxing two-hour pontoon ride down the beautiful Brazos River that meanders through downtown Waco. You’ll cruise to some of the city’s highlights, like the Waco Suspension Bridge and Cameron Park, while enjoying the breeze off the water. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including alligators. You’ll also likely find kayaks and canoes floating along the Brazos Bridges Paddling Trail.
Travelers praise the friendly, fun, and entertaining guides along the way with interesting information about the city’s history and geography. Fun fact: The two couples who founded the company renovated their homes and were featured on the popular Waco reality show, “Top Repairer. “
Tickets start at $79 per month. Tours depart from McLane Stadium and run in the winter.
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Housed in one of the city’s iconic buildings, this 30,000-square-foot downtown grocery shopping district is known for its charming rustic vibe and extensive collection of upscale boutiques. Built in 1908, the historic complex was once occupied by McClendon Hardware Co. , but is now part of the River Square Center development, home to the Spice Village and its more than 60 independent outlets. These outlets specialize in everything from pillowcases and traditional garment covers to olive oil and reclaimed barn wood décor.
Visitors say the Spice Village is a wonderful place to find the best gift, but they warn that you can spend several hours exploring the multitude of offerings here, so plan accordingly.
Complete your boutique experience with an overnight stay at Hotel Pivovar, 800 metres away, which features a beer area and a Czech-style spa.
Address: 213 Mary Ave. , Waco, TX 76701
Courtesy of Brazos Tours
Die-hard enthusiasts of the truth about home design exhibit will love this guided tour of the homes, designer shops, and landmarks regularly featured in “Fixer Upper. “Typical stops include visits to Harp Design Co. and JHR Iron Designs, and infrequently even a scale on one of the newer home projects. Guests are inspired by the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides, who tell stories about the inner workings of the exhibit and its hosts.
Adult tickets are $39 for a 2. 5-hour tour in a fancy van. Complete the experience by staying at one of the show’s houses, known as the House of the Three Little Pigs, and get a complimentary seat for the tour.
Brazos Tours also offers wine tours and a haunted adventure in Waco.
Courtesy of Waco CVB
Locals and travelers alike love to stop at this captivating open-air market held on Saturday mornings in the parking lot in front of the McLennan County Courthouse downtown. The sense of camaraderie and network at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market, which has been in operation for more than 10 years and has thrived thanks to a few farmers coming with up to 80 vendors on weekends for special occasions, making it a premier family-friendly spot. Friendly attraction.
Thanks to Texas’ long seasons of development and grazing, vendors can gather here year-round to sell pieces of food like artisan cheeses, house-made jerky, pickles, jellies, baked raisins, and locally grown produce that vary seasonally. Market passersby especially love 6G Heritage’s charming bouquets of cut flowers from Farm and make you hungry by taking advantage of the diversity of food truck offerings, such as tacos. Sporadic special occasions throughout the year offer entertainment in the form of live music, crafts and more.
The market also offers a wonderful base from which to explore some of Waco’s most productive restaurants and bars nearby, such as Southern Roots Brewing Company, also known for its pizza, and Hecho En Waco, a popular Mexican restaurant.
Address: 500 Washington Ave. , Waco, Texas 76701
Courtesy of Waco CVB
Central Texas is known for its intense summer heat, but when the temperatures get unbearable, Wacoans head to this 10-acre water park 8 miles north of downtown. One of the most productive water parks in Texas, Hawaiian Falls is home to a variety of water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and more, the intensity of which is rated from 1 to five on the “Shaka Meter,” a reference to the friendly hand sign used by surfers on Hawaii’s beaches. The Tsunami slide scored five points, meaning it’s the most exciting of them all, because it shot participants face-up through a winding tunnel of water to a pool below.
At the other end of the spectrum is Keiki Kove, rated 1, which offers an interactive water play area for children under 12. Guests appreciate the extra amenities like shaded cabanas and mini-golf.
Ticket costs vary depending on the duration of the visitor; Book online to take advantage of reduced rates. The water park is open from May to September. The Fairfield Hotel
Address: 900 Lake Shore Drive, Waco, TX 76708
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From monster truck displays to original car shootouts, Heart O’ Texas Speedway, a car race track north of Waco, offers a night of laughter and entertainment for the whole family. Car enthusiasts are primarily inspired through the variety of course types and the track’s facilities. Races are held on Friday evenings from March through September. An annual fireworks display during the 4th of July weekend is a particularly popular time. An on-site food stand sells burgers, fries, hot dogs, and a variety of snacks. plus a separate beer stand for adult beverages.
Address: 784 N. McLennan Drive, Elm Mott, TX 76640
Courtesy of Waco Wine Tours
The Vintage Guided Tour through the Central Texas countryside allows you to revel in some of Waco’s most productive wineries in one afternoon. Guests stop at up to 3 other wineries on an air-conditioned shuttle, rejoice in the friendly and knowledgeable tour guides. At Valley Mills Vineyards, climbers can sample a wide variety of red and white wines made from 100 percent Texas-grown grapes, such as Tempranillo and Viognier. Red Caboose Winery specializes in sustainable practices, such as the use of solar or wind energy, to produce award-winning Old World-style wines such as Lenoir and Zinfandel.
The 3. 5-hour tour includes wine tastings, water, and a picnic lunch. Private tours and brewery tours are also available. The Vintage Tour departs and returns to the Residence Inn Waco.
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