17 Best Things to Do in Waco, TX

If you're looking for a place to experience the history of Texas, Waco is the perfect spot.

This city has a population of around 130,000 and was founded in 1849.

In 1849, Waco was founded as a trading post on the Brazos River.

It quickly grew into a prosperous city and remained an important trade center throughout the 1800s.

In fact, Waco was even named the capital of Texas for a brief period in 1853.

Today, the city is a popular tourist destination thanks to its rich history and abundance of things to do.

There's something for everyone in this vibrant city, from great restaurants to interesting attractions.

If you're looking for a uniquely Texan experience, here are some of the best things to do in Waco, Texas:

Shop for Local Delicacies at Magnolia Market at the Silos

Magnolia Market at the Silos is one of the most popular attractions in Waco, and it's not hard to see why.

It takes place on Webster Avenue and offers various local delicacies, from home decor to food and drink.

The market is the perfect place to find Texas-themed souvenirs, don't forget to stop by if you're looking for a unique gift.

Magnolia Market at the Silos is also home to the famous Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Store.

This store is packed with home decor items, so be sure to take a look if you're decorating your home.

Drink in the Iconic Origins of America's Beloved Soda at the Dr. Pepper Museum

The Dr. Pepper Museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves soda.

It features various exhibits, including a replica of the first Dr. Pepper bottling plant and a timeline that charts the drink's history.

You can also see old advertising materials and learn about the people who created Dr. Pepper.

Visitors can also tour the bottling plant and see how this iconic soda is made.

If you're interested in soda or want to learn more about American history, visit the Dr. Pepper Museum on South 5th Street.

Explore Majestic Fossils at the Waco Mammoth National Monument

Located on Steinbeck Bend Drive, the Waco Mammoth National Monument is a must-see for anyone who loves fossils.

This monument features a variety of fossilized remains from mammoths that lived in the area over 12,000 years ago.

Visitors can also tour the dig site where these fossils were found.

You can even watch a short film about the discovery of fossils at the monument.

The Waco Mammoth National Monument features the world's largest concentration of Columbian mammoths, so be sure to check it out if you're interested in prehistoric creatures.

See Some Great Art at the Waco Sculpture Zoo

Located within Cameron Park Zoo, the Waco Sculpture Zoo features several different sculptures by artists from all over the world.

This attraction is a great place to see some amazing art.

The sculptures are located in a beautiful setting, and there's a variety of them to see.

The Waco Sculpture Zoo also has several interactive exhibits where you can learn more about the artists and their work.

It's an excellent place for art lovers or anyone who wants to learn more about sculpture.

Revel in Some Texan History at the Mayborn Museum

The Mayborn Museum is a great place to learn about Waco's history.

This complex on South University Parks Drive showcases various artifacts on the Civil War, the Texas Rangers, and more.

As the most popular feature of the Mayborn Museum, the Texan History Gallery is home to a variety of exhibits on the history of Texas.

It also features a replica of the Governor's Mansion and several interactive exhibits.

If you're interested in learning more about Texan history, visit this museum!

Have a Fun Time Outdoors and Explore Cameron Park

Cameron Park is a great place to get some outdoor adventure in Waco.

This park on North University Parks Drive features a variety of trails for hiking and biking, as well as a lake for fishing and swimming.

You can also take a scenic drive through the park or go on a horseback ride.

Cameron Park's golf course is also a popular attraction.

This 18-hole golf course offers a challenging experience for golfers of all levels.

The park also has playgrounds for children, so the whole family can enjoy a day at Cameron Park.

See Some Animals at Cameron Park Zoo

If you're looking for more adventures at Cameron Park, Cameron Park Zoo is a great place to see various animals.

This zoo on North 4th Street features a variety of exhibits that showcase different animals from all over the world.

Some of the most popular exhibits at the zoo are Gibbon Island, which features white-handed gibbons, and the South American exhibit, which features a Capybara, sun conures, king vultures, and squirrel monkeys.

You can also see giraffes, elephants, lions, and other animals at the zoo.

Cameron Park Zoo has several interactive exhibits where you can learn more about the animals.

See a Show at Waco Civic Theatre

Waco Civic Theatre is a great place to see some theatrical plays.

It's located on Lake Air Drive, in the heart of downtown Waco, and has a seating capacity of 638 people.

The theatre hosts various shows, including musicals, dramas, and comedies.

It's also home to Waco Children's Theatre, which puts on productions for kids of all ages.

If you're looking for a great night out, check out Waco Civic Theatre!

Visit Lady and Joy at Baylor Bear Habitat

If you're ever in Waco, Texas, be sure to visit Baylor Bear Habitat in M P Daniel Esplanade.

This attraction is home to two live American black bears, Lady and Joy, who serve as Baylor University's mascots.

The bears can often be seen playing and swimming in their enclosure.

You can also learn about the care and training that these bears receive.

Baylor Bear Habitat is a great place to learn more about these animals, and it's also a lot of fun for kids.

Be sure to check it out if you're in town!

Take a Walk or Bike Ride on the Waco Suspension Bridge

Located on North University Parks Drive, the Waco Suspension Bridge is a great place to view the city.

This bridge spans over the Brazos River and is one of the most popular places to walk or bike ride in Waco.

You can enjoy a great view of the river and the city on the bridge.

The Waco Suspension Bridge is also a great place to get some exercise.

Check it out if you're looking for something to do in Waco!

Explore the Wonders of Nature and Visit Lake Waco

Lake Waco is a great place to enjoy some time outdoors.

This lake features a variety of activities, such as swimming, fishing, and boating.

You can also take a scenic drive around the lake or go on a hike through the nature trails.

The nature trails at Lake Waco are a great place to explore the wonders of nature.

These trails are lined with various plants and trees, offering a great view of the lake.

Indulge in Some Local Produce at the Waco Downtown Farmers Market

Located on Washington Avenue, the Waco Downtown Farmers Market offers a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

It's a great place to get locally sourced produce.

You can also find food items like bread, jams, and jellies at the market.

The market is also a great place to meet local farmers and learn more about their farming practices.

If you're looking for fresh produce, check out the Waco Downtown Farmers Market!

Discover the Origins of the Texas Rangers at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to the history of the Texas Rangers.

It features exhibits on everything from the early days of the Rangers to their role in modern law enforcement.

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is a great place to learn about the history of one of America's most iconic law enforcement agencies.

You can learn about the origins of the Texas Rangers and see how they have evolved over the years.

The museum also has exhibits on famous Rangers such as Frank Hamer and Bonnie and Clyde.

You can find this attraction on the Texas Ranger Trail.

Get Swept up in Some Texan School Spirit at Baylor University

Baylor University is a great place to go if you want to get swept up in some Texan school spirit.

The campus of Baylor is located on South 5th Street, and it's home to several athletic teams that compete in the Big 12 Conference.

The Bears are the most popular team at Baylor, and they have a passionate fan base that loves cheering them on.

The university also has many other athletic teams, including the Lady Bears (the women's basketball team) and the Bearcats (the men's soccer team).

If you're looking for an exciting college experience, then be sure to check out Baylor University!

Take a River Cruise Tour along the Brazos River

Many tourists in Waco take a River Cruise Tour along the Brazos River.

The river is an excellent place to enjoy scenic views of the city.

The cruise is also great for learning more about Waco and its history.

It takes passengers down the river and provides them with information about the history and culture of Waco.

You can also see some of the local wildlife from the boat.

Spend the Day Shopping at Spice Village

Spice Village is a shopping center in River Square Center that has been around for over 20 years.

It's home to a variety of different stores, including clothing stores, shoe stores, and jewelry stores.

The shopping center has been a staple in the community for many years and continues to thrive today.

You can also find some great restaurants at Spice Village.

There's something for everyone at this shopping center!

Pay Tribute to Some Texas Sports Legends at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame

If you're a fan of Texas sports, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame on South University Parks Drive is worth a visit.

It's dedicated to honoring the great athletes and teams from the Lone Star State.

The museum has many different exhibits on Texas football and baseball.

You can see memorabilia from some of Texas' most iconic sports figures, such as Earl Campbell and Nolan Ryan.

The Texas Sports Hall of Fame also has several interactive exhibits where you can test your knowledge of Texas sports.

It's a fun place for fans of all ages!

Channel Your Inner Poet and Visit the Armstrong Browning Library & Museum

The Armstrong Browning Library & Museum is a great place to go if you want to learn more about poetry.

The exhibit on Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning is worth a visit.

It features several different items from their lives, such as letters, journals, and photos.

You can also see some of their most famous poems, such as "How Do I Love Thee?" and "Sonnets from the Portuguese."

You can also find exhibits on other famous poets, such as William Wordsworth and John Keats.

The Armstrong Browning Library & Museum is located on Speight Avenue.

Final Thoughts

Waco is a great place to visit for various reasons.

There are many things to do in the city, and you're sure to find something that interests you.

Whether you're looking for a place to learn about history or a place to enjoy some time outdoors, the city has something for everyone.

Check out the best things to do in Waco, Texas when you're in town!