Waco, Texas

Welcome to Waco!

Welcome to Waco - the home of Texas hospitality! Whether you drive, fly, or walk to Waco, you're guaranteed a fun visit in the heartland of Texas. Located on I-35 between Dallas and Austin, Waco is famous for its taste of Texas history and hospitality. Waco's 13 major attractions, 5 historic homes, 7 recreational venues, and 9 arts organizations staging theatrical and musical productions, as well as art exhibitions offer a unique, relaxing getaway from big city hustle and bustle.

Enjoy the revitalized downtown and restored warehouse district with restaurants, clubs, and specialty shops, as well as the scenic River Walk along the Brazos River.

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Attractions

Dr. Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute
While in Waco, take a tour of the Dr Pepper Museum, a place that serves up history, nostalgia, and Waco’s favorite authentic soda fountain drinks. Most people agree: there’s nothing like a cold Dr Pepper float on a hot summer day, especially when enjoyed in the ambiance of a restored turn-of-the-century soda fountain.

Hippodrome Theater
The Waco Hippodrome Theater, which opened on February 7, 1914, has been the location for a mixed bill of road shows, vaudeville tours, movies and local talent shows and events.

With its ornate domed ceiling, gold leaf trim and proscenium arch, the Waco Hippodrome is an architectural treasure. The Theater has received designation as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum
The Texas Rangers, the oldest state law enforcement agency, play an important role in solving crimes and apprehending fugitives. The Modern Texas Rangers focus primarily on investigations, and are known as the Elite Law Enforcement Officers of the21st Century.

It took Texas Ranger law enforcement to bring down Bonnie and Clyde, and it still takes a Texas Ranger to keep this spirited state of Texas in line today. From their cowboy hats to the silver stars on their shirt pockets, it’s easy to see why Texas Rangers are famous for their strong presence.

Mayborn Museum Complex
The Mayborn Museum Complex provides a wide spectrum of learning opportunities to engage all types visitors. The exhibits and education programs encourage families to learn together and design their own museum experience.

This complex offers sixteen hands-on discovery rooms in the Jeanes Discovery Center with themes from vertebrates to transportation, health to sound. Natural history exhibits are located both indoors and outdoors and include walk-in dioramas and exploration stations.

Waco Visitor's Guide (PDF)

Recreation

Fishing

Lake Waco - There are over 51 species of fish which inhabit Lake Waco. The 6 major species which anglers catch regularly include Largemouth Bass, White Bass, Crappie, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish and Yellow Catfish. The lake is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Brazos River/Lake Brazos - There is also fishing on the Brazos River, from the banks or the bridges. Boats are allowed; a boat ramp is located at Cameron Park East. However, no wake is allowed.

Hiking/Biking

Cameron Park - Cameron Park encompasses a range of landscapes from wonderful tree-lined roads, limestone cliffs to the smooth Brazos River. One can enjoy the wildflowers, mountain bike the rugged trails, ride a horse around the bridle path, or play a round of disc golf. Cameron Park is one of the state’s largest municipal parks and an outdoor-lover’s dream. Natives and tourists alike appreciate the park’s vast resources.

Lake Waco Dam - 2.8 mile Hike and Bike Trail with a scenic view. The trail opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour before sunset. Parking lot hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parking is available off of Airport Road.

Swimming

Waco Water Park - Right in the heart of Waco Riverbend Park, this new state-of-the-art water park is a complete water adventure for people of all ages! Indulge in two pools, water-shooting playscapes, a 22-foot slide, zero depth pool and more. The kids will love the many interactive toys, as well as the competition pool. Adults can enjoy water aerobics at the water park.

Events

For more information on events in the Waco area, click here.

For more information on any of the topics above or anything else that the Waco, Texas area has to offer, be sure to

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