Waco, Texas is a small city tucked away between Austin and Dallas. It’s right off the main highway, I35 so you can’t miss it! These are 7 fun things to see, eat, and visit in Waco, Texas.
- Magnolia Market & Bakery
Even if you’ve never heard of Chip and Joann’s HGTV show Fixer Upper, you definitely need to make a stop at the Magnolia Market at the Silos. This is a super cute and fun place to shop. There is an upper and lower level. There’s even an area to take a selfie outside. When you’re done shopping, you can walk next door to the Magnolia Bakery. They have several gluten free options available. I did have an adverse reaction after eating their gluten-free pastries, but they do warn that there’s a chance of cross-contamination as they make their gluten free items in the same facility as everything else. If you have a gluten allergy eat at your own risk. They have a patio area outside to sit and eat your snack or drink your lemonade. I went during the summer and it was HOT! Due to social distancing, we waited outside the bakery for a bit however the line into the Market didn’t take too long. You may want to call ahead to see what the social distancing guidelines are in place before your visit.
The Magnolia Company also has a restaurant, cottage homes to stay, and other boutique shops to visit. Please note the restaurant Magnolia Table does not have a gluten free menu.
This cheesy goodness is located in a food truck at the Magnolia Silos. They offer gluten free options on Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Soup. The Mac & Cheese however is not gluten-free. This is a great place to eat lunch before you head to the next place on this list…
The first time I visited was on a school field trip and was happy to return! The museum is within walking distance from Magnolia Market. This is a fun place to see and learn. They have lots of fun displays of vintage drinks and a room where you can watch old commercials. You’ll learn about the science that goes into creating Dr. Pepper. To add even more fun, you can download the Dr. Pepper Clue Keeper Interactive App and play a mystery game. Each game is $4.99.
They have a gift shop with fun items like Dr. Pepper flavored BBQ sauce. After the gift shop, make your way to the Soda Fountain where you can collect your free Dr. Pepper with every museum admission purchase. You can upgrade it to an ice cream float for a dollar or two. They have paid parking but I was able to find free parking down the street near the Magnolia Bakery and walked over. Something new to the museum is Paranormal Experience. You must be 18 or over, wear closed toe shoes and sign a waiver. It’s a 2-hour guided tour where you’ll get to explore off limits areas of the museum and hear about the paranormal activity reported by the employees.
As I’ve said before, Texas is hot! And luckily there’s a fun place in Waco to cool down. BSR surf park has a lazy river, a wakeboard cable park where you can rent or bring your own equipment, and a surf park. You can book a private or group surf lesson and can rent a cabana by the surf pool. You can even have your picture taken surfing. They have 3 restaurants and a pool bar. Stay a while and rent a hotel, cabin, surf house, or RV spot.
- Baylor University (and the Baylor Bear)
Take a stroll down the beautiful campus of Baylor University. This Christian University was founded in 1845. If you’re a college sports fan, you’ll know they are part of the Big 12 Conference. Catch a game if you happen to be in town during the season. Take a virtual tour or a self-guided tour of the campus. You will definitely want to take time to meet Baylor University’s mascot at the bear habitat! The black bear has been Baylor University’s mascot since 1917. Book a tour to meet Joy and Lady. I enjoyed and attended a camp for high schoolers one summer at Baylor. We saw the Baylor Bear and encountered so many fire flies during our walk in the evening which made the walk even more beautiful.
6. Waco Mammoth National Monument
Mammoths and other Ice Age animals lived here long ago, and they have the proof! Take a step back in pre-historic time, and come visit the National Monument. You’ll get to view the dig site of 6 Colombian mammoths and other Ice Age animals at the Dig Shelter. Entry fee for Adults are $5 plus discounts for Seniors, Military, Educators, kids, and Students. Children under 4 are free.
Visit some amazing animals such as lions, lemurs, the bald eagle, cougars, jaguars, giraffes and so much more at the Cameron Park Zoo. You can purchase your tickets online. The zoo is open year-round and closed on holidays. Strollers are available for rent at the gift shop. Their website FAQs gives more details about what type of food and drinks are permitted. Parking is free!
*Bonus – Thanks for staying with me until the end! Here’s 2 more must visit places in Waco. If you’re a sports fan don’t miss the Texas Sports Hall of Fame which is home to more than 350 Texas legends. If you’re a history fan, check out the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum which is less than half a mile from the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
Waco is a beautiful small city and has been growing over the years. You’ll see that in the construction being done on I35. Waco is only 1 ½ hours north of Austin, 1 ½ hours south of Dallas, and 3 hours northwest of Houston. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing weekend getaway.
This is my first time pay a visit at here and i am genuinely pleassant to read everthing at alone place.
Wonderful! Glad you enjoy the blog 🙂