The Best Things to Do in Waco, Texas

01Waco Suspension Bridge

The Waco Suspension Bridge was the first to cross the Brazos River and today is the oldest suspension bridge in Texas. Now pedestrian-only, the bridge forms part of the Waco Riverwalk, which consists of a 7-mile trail that loops across the Brazos River. If you don't feel like hiking, you can take a short stroll over the bridge itself or relax and take in the natural beauty of Indian Spring Park and Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, which flank the bridge on either side of the river.

02The Dr. Pepper Museum

Dr. Pepper's history predated that of Coca-Cola when Dr. Pemberton made the world's most iconic soft drink for the first time. Between 1906 and the mid-1960s the Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company used the building that now houses the three-story museum. Memorabilia abounds through the museum, and the gift shop allows you the opportunity to bring home a piece of this soft drink stalwart's history.

03Lake Waco Wetlands

In the last years of the 1990s, Lake Waco's water level rose by nearly ten feet before settling back to an increase of seven feet. The wetlands were created in 2001 to give the many plant, insect and animal species a home that includes an education center as a well as a research facility. The wetlands have since expanded to nearly 200 acres including a plant nursery, many raised walkways/hiking trails and the opportunity for visitors to do some much-needed bird watching.

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04Texas Sports Hall of Fame

Sports fans will have no shortage of things to do in Waco, but the Texas Sports Hall of Fame deserves a spot on that list. The hall of fame was established in 1951 when it named its first inductee, baseball player Tris Speaker, marking Texas as the first state to celebrates its athletes with a hall of fame. !n 1990, the hall of fame was moved to Waco and now honors more than 300 Texas sporting legends.

05Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

You won't see the likes of pitching great Nolan Ryan here, but rather a tribute to the famed law enforcement group the Texas Rangers. The Rangers began their work prior to Texas be admitted to the union and were founded in 1835. Presently, the 30-acre grounds pay tribute to all that have died in their service of Texas both as a republic and as a state. The museum is an iconic piece of history for this branch of state police.

06The Magnolia Market

The Magnolia Market is the brainchild of reality TV stars, Chip and Joanna Gaines known for their work on the Homes & Garden television network. Magnolia Market is known for its iconic silos that mark it's two-block location in Waco. Events include concerts, vendor booths, and other activities for the whole family and is Waco's most prominent tourist attraction and must-do on the weekends which includes some of Waco's best bites with its famous food truck park.

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07The Cotton Belt Trail

The Cotton Belt Trail is an 11-mile hiking route near Waco that winds through neighborhoods, creeks, and forested areas. The trail is wheelchair-accessible and is recommended for all skills levels. It's fully paved, gently graded, and at least six feet wide in most places, and also features several road crossings and a railroad crossing. Activity options include walking, biking, and inline skating, all accessible year-round. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

08Waco BlueCats Minor League Baseball

While Texas is famed for its love of football from a high school level through to the professional leagues, America's past time is still baseball, and Waco's BlueCats play in one of the grandest minor league ballparks in the nation. 56 home games are played through the summer at the $12 million park opened in early 2018. Minor league baseball remains one of the most cost-effective nights out, and Waco loves its team.

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09Armstrong Browning Library

You would certainly be forgiven if you were unaware that Baylor's campus is home to the largest collection of work by Robert Browning and wife Elizabeth Barrett Browning's work. While the Brownings are indeed the focus of this library, it also includes what is believed to be the most extensive collection of secular stained glass in the world. The library features both permanent exhibits as well as two or three temporary exhibits each year and is free of charge to all visitors.

10Check out the Actual Baylor Bears

Thanks to the generosity of Bill and Eva Williams, the mascots of the Baylor Bears are available to see lazing away the day among waterfalls, fallen trees and other parts of this intended natural habitat. The two black bears, Joy and Lady are sisters and genuinely love frolicking about for the amusement of their visitors. The two are there to entertain from early morning to evening.

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11The Mammoth Site

In 1978, archeologists discovered the largest collection of mammoths to have died in a single disaster. It's believed that a mudslide which occurred nearly 70,000 years ago claimed the lives of many of these creatures. While visitors or not allowed to stroll the excavation site, a viewing pavilion was built by Baylor University to view their remains roughly ten years ago.

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12Cameron Park

Cameron Park in Waco has two rivers, biking, and hiking trails as well as the famous Waco Zoo. For its inland nature, Waco offers a lot to the visitor that would prefer to be out in the sun; the park provides a world-class Frisbee golf course and no shortage of acres to explore when visiting the city. While it's better done on foot to appreciate it truly, roads do bisect it if it's just too hot outside.

13Waco River Safari

The Waco River Safari offers scenic cruises of the Brazos and Bosque rivers. On the historical sunset cruise through downtown Waco, visitors can learn about the city's history, including the Huaco Indians, the Waco suspension bridge, and how the Brazos shaped Waco today. The tour features a sunset cruise and catered meal, and you won't want to forget your camera.

14Spice Village

The Spice Village is a shopper's dream. Opened in 1997, you are sure to find antiques, housewares, vintage clothes and more in this space that includes nearly 100 separate shops in this 30,000 square foot former warehouse. It's located in the center of town. And its surrounded by many bars and restaurants to sate your hunger and thirst before you return for more of this unique shopping destination.

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