Things to do

Top 20 Things To Do In Waco Texas

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Waco is the heart of Central Texas, a place that blends rich history, small-town charm, and modern vibrancy.

Once a quiet college town, it has transformed into a must-visit destination, thanks in part to Baylor University and the fame of Chip and Joanna Gaines.

This beautiful Town offers everything from fascinating museums and historic landmarks to trendy shopping and outdoor adventures. Read on to learn about 20 things to do in Waco, Texas, as this town promises surprises at every turn.

1. Visit The Waco Mammoth National Monument

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The Waco Mammoth National Monument lets visitors discover prehistoric times through its exhibits. The site presents the ancient remains of 24 Columbian mammoths, which allows a rare look into history.

Also, the excavation site is still partially intact at this monument, which will allow you to see real fossils in their original resting places.

If you decide to take the guided tours, then you will be able to learn about the discovery story, and the surrounding trails make for a scenic walk.

2. Enjoy The Greenery Of Cameron Park Zoo

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Cameron Park Zoo is a great zoo situated in a relaxing area of Waco.

You can get a country feel as you start walking through this zoo. The zoo houses more than 1700 animals while providing them with a good facility.

Here, you will get to see both African Savanna natural environments and South American Tropical Jungles. The main attractions at this zoo are the lovely otters, playful Lions, and breathtaking aquarium.

Everyone, including families, will enjoy themselves because of the interactive exhibits alongside the stunning walking paths and beautiful waterfalls. Also, you can interact with animals because of its smaller size, which is why this is one of the popular Waco attractions for tourists.

3. Get Yourself A Drink At Dr Pepper Museum

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Experience America's oldest soft drink history at Dr Pepper Museum through its fizzy world.

The museum located in Waco showcases the historical background of Dr Pepper, which was invented there in 1885, through a range of interactive exhibitions.

The Dr Pepper Museum offers everyone the chance to explore their marketing history while seeing soda machines from the past and creating their own Dr Pepper drink at the soda bar.

You will enjoy exploring the nostalgic old bottling plant, as this is one of the popular things to do in Waco, Texas.

4. Wine Tasting At Valley Mills Vineyards

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Any wine lover seeking Texas wines combined with beautiful scenery must experience Valley Mills Vineyards.

The family-operated vineyard has won multiple awards by crafting wines solely from Texas grapes.

The outdoor tasting room provides visitors with wine-tasting experiences while showing them around the vineyard and winemaking facilities.

The signature wine production at the vineyard includes both Tempranillo and Viognier varieties, so remember to purchase a bottle before leaving.

5. Visit The Baylor University And McLane Stadium

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The campus of Baylor University exists as both an educational institution for students and an important Waco attraction. The institution showcases stunning buildings with enchanting landscapes and a dynamic college student environment.

Fans of sports must attend McGane Stadium to experience the Baylor Bears play at their home stadium. The stadium sits alongside the Brazos River, providing spectacular sights that energize spectators during every game day.

6. Go To The Mayborn Museum Complex

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The Mayborn Museum Complex at Baylor University presents a touchable educational journey suitable for people of all ages.

The historical Texas village from the 1890s invites visitors to examine original schoolhouses together with storefronts of that time period.

You can start with dinosaurs, space exploration, and natural history displays after exploring the 1890s Texas village. Both children and adults who want to know more find fascinating as well as educational content at this museum.

7. Stop By The Waco Suspension Bridge

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Established in 1870, the suspension bridge at Waco, Texas, became the largest single-span suspension bridge between the Mississippi and the west.

The site serves as a modern-day attraction for both walks and river view photography along with its recreational purposes.

The Waco Sculpture Trail near the city exhibits gorgeous bronze statues of longhorn cattle, which honor the cattle ranching legacy of Waco.

8. Enjoy At Cameron Park And Lovers Leap

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If you are someone who loves the outdoors, then Cameron Park is your perfect paradise.

Cameron Park occupies over 400 acres within the city to provide visitors with panoramic hiking and biking courses, cliffside views, and riverfront scenery.

Lovers Leap stands as the most awe-inspiring location because it is said that two unfortunate partners in love jumped to their death from this spot. Despite its sad narrative, the place provides exceptional views for everyone to enjoy.

9. Explore The Beautiful Homestead Heritage

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Visiting the beautiful Homestead Heritage is one of the fun things to do in Waco, Texas.

Here, residents discover a comfortable environment where they practice heritage craftsmanship while following agricultural eating traditions.

You can observe skilled artisans producing furniture pieces and pottery works alongside making quilts at this locale. Besides observing artisans, you can join workshops that teach woodworking and blacksmithing.

Also, there is an on-site Cafe Homestead that prepares delicious farm products with homemade bread and Texas-raised beef.

10. Spirit Tasting At Balcones Distilling

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Balcones stands out through its experimental spirit, which has resulted in multiple awards for its Texas whiskeys and spirits.

You can tour the distillery premises to discover how raw grains transform into perfectly aged barrels through the aging process.

During the guided tasting, you will have the opportunity to try Texas Single Malt, Baby Blue Corn Whisky, and Brimstone.

Whiskey lovers, along with those who simply want to experiment, will find excellent sampling opportunities at Balcones.

11. Walk Along The Waco Riverwalk

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The Waco riverwalk trail provides a great path for walking and running during the morning and riding bikes during the sunset. Also, there are relaxation spots with pleasant viewing areas for boats during your trail walk.

The Riverwalk's peaceful environment provides enjoyment to Waco locals and tourists. Thus, you definitely need to experience it while visiting Waco, Texas.

12. Visit Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

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The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum stands as a captivating tribute to the legendary Texas Rangers, renowned for their frontier law enforcement prowess and storied history.

Here, you can explore exhibits showcasing artifacts, weapons, photographs, and interactive displays that detail the Rangers' role in shaping Texas history.

13. Experience The Magnolia Market At The Silos

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The Chip and Joanna Gaines Fixer Upper audience can experience their dreams come true at Magnolia Market at the Silos.

In this market, you can experience home decor combined with boutique shopping and delicious eating options.

People visiting Magnolia Market can wander through meticulously arranged displays then enjoy baked goods from Silos Baking and food truck bites at the venue.

The outdoor recreational area includes tables for picnics and yard gaming activities, which make it an ideal spot for leisurely afternoons.

14. Escape Into Nature At Lake Waco

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People who enjoy spending time in outdoor locations will love Lake Waco.

The lake invites all water enthusiasts through its various activities, including fishing, boating and kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Enjoy your picnic at one of the beautiful lakeside parks while spending time at Lake Waco, or choose to hike through nearby trails.

Sunset cruises provide romantic experiences for visitors to catch local wildlife during birdwatching excursions.

15. Check Out The Texas Sports Hall Of Fame

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Texas Sports Hall of Fame honors all types of legendary athletes who carried out their sports careers in Texas.

Visit memorial areas featuring Tom Landry and Nolan Ryan together with Shaquille O'Neal and see their trophies in interactive exhibits.

The Texas Sports Hall of Fame offers you a chance to participate in virtual sports challenges and check out sports trivia, and shows the progression of Texas high school football throughout the years.

16. Spend Time At Waco Surf

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Are you still wondering about what to do in Waco? Then we recommend you spend time at Waco Surf. This is the finest location dedicated to watersports activities.

The adventure park, under its previous name, BSR Cable Park, presents a world-class artificial surf wave.

Thrill-seekers love to visit Waco Surf because the wakeboarding cable park adorns it with additional thrills.

Thus, Waco Surf delivers a wet experience suitable for families and extreme sports lovers who wish to surf or relax on flowing river waters.

17. Have Fun At Spice Village

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Spice Village incorporates more than 60 boutique shops inside a building that once served as a historic warehouse.

All your search for home decor items, trendy clothing pieces, memorable presents, and Texas-specific memorabilia will be available at this destination.

Every shop manages to provide customers with different products like handmade artisan jewelry combined with homemade candles alongside antique-inspired items.

The combination of rustic-chic ambience and wide range of shops lets people spend endless hours of shopping.

18. Dining Experience At Health Camp

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Health Camp is one of the best restaurants in Waco, Texas. Since 1949, Waco has cherished Health Camp as a historic eatery that serves its traditional burgers with crispy fries and dense milkshakes.

You can enjoy retro diner cuisine at this vintage eatery, although its name implies something different.

Also, enjoy their signature cheeseburger with onion rings for your side dish, along with a decadent malt shake for your drink.

19. Explore The Historic Waco Foundation

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The Historic Waco Foundation hosts guided tours and seasonal events, making history come alive for visitors.

The organization upholds the city's historical legacy by maintaining ownership of four distinctive historic residences, which include the East Terrace House, the Earle-Napier-Kinnard House, the McCulloch House, and the Fort House.

The four restored properties showcase different lifestyles from the nineteenth-century period by means of their authentic furnishings and restored interiors.

You will find a range of community events paired with educational programs and seasonal activities that the Historic Waco Foundation holds at their sites.

20. Feel The Vintage Glamour At Hotel 1928

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Hotel 1928 serves as Waco's most attractive property among its collection of historical hotels. Guests experience 1920s charm along with contemporary facility after the hotel received its thoughtfully done restoration.

This popular hotel in Waco has trendy rooms for guests, along with an upscale lounge bar and a restaurant that serves regional food choices.

It also stands out as a top romantic destination because of its historical elegance and luxurious experience.