Waco

Waco is a city in the Blackland Prairie region of north central Texas. Waco is best known in Texas for being the home of Baylor University, the largest Baptist university in the world, chartered during the Republic of Texas.

Understand

Waco is now a city of 139,000 people (2020), with 280,000 people in the metropolitan region. Waco has a number of worthwhile attractions.

History

Founded in 1849 near the site of an abandoned agricultural village of Waco Indians, Waco rose to prominence in the 1870s as a major junction for the transport of cattle; by 1871 between 600,000 and 700,000 head of cattle had passed through the city. As time progressed, Waco's location at the crossroads of major railroads and its location on the Brazos River helped the city grow and thrive. The Dr Pepper soft drink was invented in Waco in 1885.

Waco came to the world's attention, and is still remembered by many people, for the February 28, 1993 stand-off between federal agents (FBI, ATF) and the Branch Davidians, a Seventh Day Adventist offshoot religious group, led by David Koresh, the sect's leader. It resulted in the deaths of 86 people. The incident took place 15 miles outside of Waco, though - not in the city. When asked about the incident, most residents will answer; just realize that generally Wacoans are tired of the subject and would rather talk about something else.

In 2014, due to the immense popularity of HGTV's hit show, Fixer Upper, the Magnolia Silos became a place of pilgrimage for HGTV viewers from all over the world.

Get in

By plane

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Dallas Love Field, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport are each about a 1-hour 40-minute drive from Waco.

By car

Waco is along I-35, thus allowing easy access by car from Dallas and Austin. On I-35, it is a 90-minute drive south of Dallas, and a 90-minute drive north of Austin. State Highway 6 is the preferred route to reach Waco from Houston, a three-hour drive.

By bus

Waco has a 🌍 Greyhound Bus Terminal in the center of downtown, on S 8th St, between Mary Ave and Jackson Ave.

By train

While Amtrak does not service Waco directly, there is a nearby station on the Texas Eagle route between Los Angeles, San Antonio and Chicago in McGregor, a small community 15 miles west of Waco on highway 84. 🌍 McGregor station is at 1 Amtrak Blvd. Trains run once daily, with the northbound train arriving in late morning, and the southbound train arriving in late afternoon. There is no scheduled public transport from McGregor, meaning that a taxi or private transport is required in order to reach Waco.

By boat

The Brazos River flows through downtown Waco and empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Reaching Waco by boat will be a challenge due to the shallowness of this river, along with frequent dams and falls.

A more practical (and entertaining) way of reaching Waco by boat would be to launch a kayak or canoe at the Lake Whitney dam, (approximately 40 miles upstream) and float downstream to Waco.

Get around

The easiest way to travel around Waco is by car. The city of Waco does run a Waco Transit public transportation system; however, it has few stops and only runs during the daytime.

See
  • 🌍 Armstrong Browning Library, 710 Speight Ave, ☏ +1 254 710-3566. Located on Baylor University's campus, the library contains the world's largest collection of works related to British poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The building has 62 stained glass windows depicting themes from the Brownings' poetry. 
  • 🌍 Cameron Park. Cameron Park consists of over 400 acres of trees, trails, and nature that sit in the heart of Waco. Upstream from downtown Waco, the park is lined by the Brazos and Bosque rivers and the trails weave deep into the forest which are perfect for running, walking, biking, and horseback riding. Stationed throughout the park are pavilions, water fountains, fire pits, and public restrooms, making the park a haven for Waco families and visitors alike. Also includes a 23-hole disc golf course, fishing and boating facilities, and a "Spray Park" with water fountains and playgrounds free to the public. 
  • 🌍 Cameron Park Zoo, 1701 N 4th St, ☏ +1 254 750-8400. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su 11AM-5PM. Waco's zoo is in one of the country's largest undeveloped municipal parks. The zoo is next to the Brazos River and has 52 acres of vegetation. The walkways of Cameron Park Zoo meander through lush landscapes and natural habitat displays featuring animals from Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and Madagascar. An 1880s Texas ranch house serves as an education facility, complete with whitetail deer, turkey, and peccary display. A state of the art Herpetarium opened in 1997. Grammy Nell's Play Area opened in 1998 with a focus on nature-based play and a zero-depth splash fountain. The following year a $600,000 African lion display was built thanks to the family and friends of Sam "Jack" McGlasson. Lemur Island is home to three species of Lemurs including the Sclater's black lemur, a critically endangered species that is held in only 14 institutions worldwide. Adults $7, children $5, seniors $6, children under 3 free. 
  • 🌍 Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute, 300 South 5th St, ☏ +1 254 757-1025. M-Sa 10AM-5:30PM, Su noon-5:30PM. The Dr Pepper soft drink was invented in Waco in 1885 and the museum houses the original bottling plant. The first floor of the museum explains the history of Dr Pepper, complete with the original machines, an artesian well, and an animatronic to introduce visitors to the history of Dr Pepper. The second floor displays the commercial history of Dr Pepper and other independent soft drinks, such as 7-Up and RC Cola. The third floor houses a conference center, the "Soft Drink Executive Hall of Fame", and a conference center dedicated to free enterprise as an economic system.The real highlight, though, is the vintage soda fountain on the first floor - no price of admission necessary for purchase of Dr Pepper, mixed and served straight from the tap. It's leagues better than what you can get in a can. $10. 
  • Homestead Heritage, Halbert Ln (off FM 933 north of Waco), ☏ +1 254 754-9600. Homestead Heritage celebrates life by sweeping you back to what life was like in the 1800s. Visit the 200-year-old restored barn which offers handmade crafts, housewares and furniture, enjoy a relaxing lunch of homegrown and homemade treats at the Homestead Farms Deli, and take a walking tour of an herb farm, 1750s gristmill, pottery barn and blacksmith shop. 
  • 🌍 Mayborn Museum Complex, 1300 S. University Parks Dr, ☏ +1 254 710-1110. M Tu W F Sa 10AM–5PM, Th 10AM–8PM, Su 1PM–5PM. The Mayborn Museum is across from Baylor University and walking through, you will walk through the natural history of central Texas. Spend hours in 16 discovery rooms for hands-on learning with themes from transportation to TV news and pioneers, and explore the natural history of central Texas through walk-in dioramas of a limestone cave, a Texas forest, and the Waco mammoth dig. On the grounds of the complex is the Governor Bill & Vara Daniel Historic Village-- an 1890s village moved from Liberty, Texas with a livery, church, general store, plantation home, and other authentic historic buildings. Adults (ages 13+) $9; children (ages 2-12) $7; seniors (ages 65+) $8; Baylor students free. 
  • 🌍 Lake Waco, ☏ +1 254 756-5359. Lake Waco was constructed by the Army Corp of Engineers in 1929. Since then, Lake Waco has grown and become the city's primary source of water. The lake offers fishing, camping, day-use recreation areas, boating, swimming, hike and bike trails, horseback riding trails, and hunting. Parking is available off Airport Road. Parking lot hours are 6AM to 10PM. The hiking trail next to Lake Waco opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour before sunset. Sometimes the park holds irregular hours due to weather. 
  • 🌍 Red Men Museum and Library, 4521 Speight Ave, ☏ +1 254 756-1221. The Red Men Museum and Library is a historical reference museum and research library pertaining to the Improved Order of the Red Men, an organization tracing its founding to 1765. The museum exhibits artifacts of historical significance such as a writing desk that belonged to Aaron Burr, a bugle recovered from the battlefield at Gettysburg, and a peace blanket that belonged to the Apache warrior Geronimo. 
  • 🌍 Waco Suspension Bridge, 101 University Parks Dr (between Franklin Ave. and Washington Ave.), ☏ +1 254 750-5980. open 24 hours. Built in 1870, it was the first bridge across the Brazos River and the longest bridge west of the Mississippi River at that time. Now a walking bridge, the architecture is a token of Waco used by walkers, joggers, and is a popular spot for picture taking and having picnics. Wacoans have created a game consisting of tossing tortillas from the bridge aiming to hit a concrete pillar stationed in the Brazos River. Learning the art of tossing the tortilla is much more difficult than it first appears and keeps players continually coming back to the bridge. free. (updated Nov 2019)
  • 🌍 Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, 100 Texas Ranger Trail (I-35 and University Parks Dr), ☏ +1 254 750-8631. Daily, 9AM-5PM. The official museum of the Texas Rangers, this Hall of Fame contains a large amount of memorabilia from the long history of the Texas Rangers. 
  • 🌍 Texas Sports Hall of Fame, 1108 S University Parks Dr, ☏ +1 254 756-1633. M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su noon-5PM; closed: Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, New Year's Day. The museum features Texas athletes in many sports, including football, tennis, golf, baseball, basketball, horse racing, and others. The museum also houses the Southwest Conference's 75-year collection of memorabilia. Adults $6, seniors (60+) $5, students $3, active military and kids under 6 are free. 
  • 🌍 The Alico Building, 425 Austin Ave, ☏ +1 254 297-2777. When completed in 1911, this beautiful 22-story building was the tallest in the Southwest. It is still used for commercial purposes on the inside but the outside is ready for pictures anytime, day or night. Unfortunately, access to the interior is not available to the general public. 
  • 🌍 Waco Mammoth National Monument, 6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, ☏ +1 254-750-7946. M-Su 9a-5p. The location of the only nursery herd of Columbian mammoths found in North America. Dig shelter fees: Adults $6, Seniors, Military, Educators, and Children (4-17): $5, Children 3 and under free. National Park passes are not accepted.. (updated Feb 2023)

Art
  • Baylor's Martin Museum of Art, 60 Baylor Ave, ☏ +1 254 710-6390. Tu–F 10AM-5PM, Sa noon-5PM. The Martin Museum of Art is located on the Baylor campus in the Hooper-Schaefer Fine Arts Center. The art museum periodically features different artists from around the country. Outside of the actual museum, student paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more can be found displayed on the walls and in cases throughout the building. For specific exhibit information, see their website or contact them. Contact: Karin A. Gilliam, director. 
  • Art Center of Waco, 701 S 8th St, ☏ +1 254 752-4371. The Art Center of Waco is a gallery and an interactive studio where the community can indulge in their own artistic endeavors. It is a great place to learn and grow artistically. Ways to get involved with the Art Center include festivals, adult classes (like pottery, calligraphy, fabric dye, hair bows, handmade soaps, photography, and holiday cards), children's classes, and working in their Artists' Open Studio. For more information on upcoming exhibits, visit the website. 
  • Practically Pikasso, 4310 West Waco Dr. M-Sa noon-9PM, Su noon-6PM. Practically Pikasso is a colorful, fun, family-and-pet-friendly atmosphere that offers a local artistic experience where you can choose your own piece on pottery and paint it however you'd like. Their friendly staff and fair prices are nothing compared to the amusement and enjoyment you'll find when you're painting, glass fusing, or building a mosaic with your friends. Contact: Koury Fadal, store manager. 
  • Waco Arts Initiative, Kate Ross Apartments, 1115 Cleveland Ave, ☏ +1 214-695-1338. M W F 3:30-5PM. Waco Arts Initiative (WAI) is a special program created for under-privileged children. Art is used as an emotional and expressive outlet for children who could otherwise not afford art supplies. WAI believes that "this poverty goes beyond economics and is a problem that every human faces within the context of their own paradigm," and they hope to "confront the poverty of the soul through the creative arts via a program of empowerment conducted by an inspiring staff." Contact: Grace Ladd, program director. 
  • Croft Art Gallery, 712 Austin Ave. M-Sa 10AM-5PM. Croft Art Gallery opened in 2009. It features all different kinds of artwork of local artists. The owner, a Waco resident, says, "I got real tired of reading negative comments from people who lived here." With her favorite quote "Be the change you wish to see in the world" on her mind, she "decided to pursue a dream of opening an art gallery." Whether the art is for sale or not depends on the current artists' preferences. 

Theatre

Although Waco is a relatively small city, it does have a moderately rich theatrical life. There are several companies that produce performances throughout the year, including the Waco Hippodrome, Baylor University Theatre, McLennan Theatre, and Waco Civic Theatre. The Waco Children's Theatre offers a theatrical outlet to local children during the summer.

  • 🌍 Waco Hippodrome, 724 Austin Ave, ☏ +1 254 296-9000. An array of touring Broadway shows, musical events, special activities and movie nights, usually offering a different event every week. 
  • Baylor University Theatre, South University Parks Dr., ☏ +1 254-710-1865. Students produce five main stage plays and two to three summer graduate plays each year. In alternate years the Baylor Theatre sponsors the Horton Foote American Playwrights Festival, a celebration of American playwriting. 
  • Waco Civic Theatre, 1517 Lake Air Dr, ☏ +1 254 776-1591. Founded as the Waco Little Theatre (WLT, 1925-1936) and relaunched in 1948 to promote community education and participation in live theatre production. 
  • McLennan Theatre, 1400 College Dr. McLennan Community College's Department of Theatre produces four fully mounted productions annually, including plays, musical theatre and originally conceived dance works; the Music Department mounts a fully staged opera. 
  • Waco Children's Theatre, ☏ +1 254 776-0707. Children explore and share through drama, music and physical expression by serving behind the scenes and on stage through activities such as workshops, rehearsals, set design and stage performances. 

Music
  • Waco Symphony. The Waco Symphony entertains the greater Waco community throughout the year. Their performances are held at Waco Hall on Baylor University campus and the symphony is led by Maestro Stephen Heyde. Dress for Waco Symphony performances is casual. Attendees are encouraged to "come as you are" whether that be in formal wear or jeans. 
  • Sunday Sounds. Sunday Sounds is a concert series by the Waco Symphony held on Sunday afternoons at 3:30PM. 30 minutes prior to each show, attendees can learn about the lives of composers and their music in the adjacent concert hall. After the show attendees can visit with the symphony musicians and enjoy refreshments provided by the Waco Symphony Council. 
  • Baylor Symphony. Begun in 1944, the Baylor Symphony is a part of the Baylor School of Music. The Baylor Symphony is conducted by Maestro Stephen Heyde and performs in Waco Hall on Baylor campus. Each year, the Baylor Symphony performs at least four concerts, full opera production, and a children's concert series. A performance schedule can be found on the Baylor Symphony website. Most performances are free of charge. 
  • UpRoar Records. UpRoar Records is a local record label at Baylor University. It is the first student-run record label and entertainment group housed in the United States in a university business school. Each fall, UpRoar Records holds auditions to find artists for the current fall year. Selecting 5 – 10 musicians/groups, UpRoar Records then works with each artist to write, develop, rehearse, and finally record songs in a professional recording studio. UpRoar Records actively promotes their artists on Baylor campus, around the Waco community as well as in larger markets like Nashville, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California. 

Do
  • 🌍 Baylor Bears. Baylor University sports, competing in 19 sports (8 men's, 11 women's) as members of the Big 12 Conference. Football and basketball (both men and women) are traditionally the biggest draws, with basketball being the most successful in recent times (with three national titles for the women and one for the men in the current century). The football team plays in 🌍 McLane Stadium on the banks of the Brazos River, with one end zone open to the river. For now, the basketball teams are playing at 🌍 Ferrell Center, but they will move to the new (but smaller) 🌍 Foster Pavilion in January 2024. 
  • Lion's Park, 1716 North 42nd St, ☏ +1 254 772-3541. Ride on a miniature train, play putt-putt, drive a go-kart, or ride on a bumper boat. 
  • 🌍 Hawaiian Falls Waco, 900 Lake Shore Drive, ☏ +1 254 892-0222. Wave pool, slides, lazy river, etc. $24 adults, $19 child. (updated Jun 2020)

Buy

Eat
  • Schmaltz's Sandwich Shop, 1412 N Valley Mills Dr, ☏ +1 254 776-3694. M-F until 7PM, Sa until 5PM. Local sandwich shop since 1970s. The owner wakes up every morning and makes the bread fresh - sandwiches are served warm and delicious! There are two soups served daily, one of which is always Wisconsin cheddar cheese soup 
  • Dubl-R Burgers, 1810 Herring Ave, ☏ +1 254 235-5577. M-Sa. 
  • Lolita's Tortilleria, 1911 Franklin Ave, ☏ +1 254 755-8008. Tu - Su until 2PM. Locally owned Mexican restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch all day, or until 2PM. It's downtown near many of Waco's attractions so you don't have to travel far to start off your day on a full stomach. Must try: the queso is one of a kind - looks different so don't knock it before you try it! under $10. 
  • Kitok's Restaurant, 1815 N 18th St, ☏ +1 254 754-1801. Kitok Restaurant is a popular "hole in the wall" restaurant in Waco, Texas. The original owners, Bob and Kitok Moore, sold the restaurant but the current owners maintain the look and feel of the original Kitok restaurant. The prices are very reasonable. One of the most popular, the Lip Locker hamburger, is a double-patty cheeseburger that is a favorite among regulars. The oriental fries are also very popular. The Asian food offered at Kitok's is also very good, but it is the burgers and fries that the restaurant is known for. The staff is friendly and attentive to your needs. The waitresses go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable and even the cooks love chatting with diners. 
  • Poppa Rollos Pizza, 703 N Valley Mills Dr, ☏ +1 254 776-6776. open late. "The best pizza on earth!" Poppa Rollo's was founded in 1969 and is still thriving in Waco. They primarily serve Italian food, but also offer sandwiches and a health-lite section on their menu. The health-lite section consists of vegetarian and organic- style pizza. Poppa Rollo's won the Outstanding Business Award in 1994 and was voted the "Pizza Pace Setter" by the National Association of Pizza Operators Trade magazine. Service tends to be brisk and somewhat rude—very New York style service. Bottom line: great food, but less friendly service. 
  • Diamond Back's Texas Bistro, 217 Mary Ave, ☏ +1 254 757-2871. Diamond Back's is downtown near the Brazos River in a small historic warehouse district. Interior is tall ceilings with rustic, yet sophisticated, wood ceilings. There is a bar and upstairs seating, which includes outdoor seating. It is the best steak house in Waco, and the most expensive. An 8 oz. filet is roughly $32, and a 12 oz. filet is closer to $40, which includes a salad, but no sides. Mashed potatoes with garlic are delicious, and run $5 additional. The beef is a good cut of Angus, and delicious. It is trying to be like Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, in terms of product delivery, but has the feel of an expensive Texas bistro. Overall, worth it if you are looking to spend a ton of money on a steak. From $100 for two, including drinks and tip. 
  • Clay Pot, 416 Franklin Ave, ☏ +1 254 756-2721. Tu–Su 11AM–10PM. Clay Pot is an interesting change from the other Asian food establishments in Waco. The food is very affordable and there are specials offered throughout the week. The "clay pot," the meal the restaurant is named after, can be served with several different types of meat and is one of the least expensive and tastiest dishes on the menu. Clay Pot's decorations make it worth the visit, as Vietnamese symbols and art decorate the main room. There are both standard tables for the traditional diner, and there are lowered tables with pillow cushions available for those wishing to dine authentically. The restaurant is also b.y.o.b. yet the tea they offer with meals is free of charge and quite good. 
  • George's Restaurant and Bar, 1925 Speight Ave, ☏ +1 254 753-1421. 6:30AM-midnight. George's, "where everybody knows your Name beer," has been around since the 1930s. George's is well-known for their chicken fried steak and their extremely large serving of beer, fondly known as the "Big O," George's is both a great place to go before a football game for some good food or to relax at the bar with some friends after a long day. George's was once named the "Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year." In 2003, Maxim Magazine named them "Bar of the Month." 
  • 🌍 Baris, 904 N Valley Mills Dr, ☏ +1 254 772-2900. Tu-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM, Su noon-9:30PM, closed M. Inexpensive, delicious Italian. A small, family-owned restaurant, with fantastic, authentic Italian cuisine. Everything on the menu is under $10. (updated Nov 2019)
  • 🌍 Fuego Tortilla Grill, 1524 N Interstate 35 Frontage Rd S, ☏ +1 254 235 2740. 24 hours daily. Tex-Mex restaurant serving unique tacos, as well as other Tex-Mex staples. Popular with students. Most tacos are between $4 and $5. (updated Jan 2020)
  • Vitek’s BBQ, 1600 Speight Ave, ☏ +01 254-752-7591. Closed Su M, Tu-Th 10:30AM-3PM, F Sa 10:30AM-8PM. Since 1915 Vitek's has drawn the hungry crowds. Whatever your carnivorous pleasure, it's all homemade and excellent. If you have a big appetite, order the Gut Pak, a monster of a sandwich with Fritos, cheese, chopped beef, beans, sausage, pickles, onions and jalapeños. Great beer selection; enjoy in the covered outside area. (updated Sep 2020)
  • 🌍 Magnolia Table, 2132 S Valley Mills Dr, ☏ +1 254 265-6859. M-Sa 6AM-3PM. Specializing in homegrown foods, with workshops. Owned by Chip and Joanna just like Magnolia Market at the SIlos. (updated Jan 2022)

Drink

Since Dr. Pepper originated in Waco, it is the "primary" drink to try. "Dublin Dr. Pepper" is made using the original sweetener—pure cane sugar—which makes it different from other soft drinks that now use the less expensive high fructose corn syrup.

  • 🌍 Common Grounds, 1123 S 8th St, ☏ +1 254 757-2957. M-F 7AM-11PM, Sa Su 8AM-11PM. Common Grounds is a local coffee shop and site for many concerts, primarily of local artists and bands. The shop offers free Wi-Fi. (updated Nov 2019)
  • Dancing Bear Pub, 1117 Speight Ave (on Speight Ave. close to 12th St.). M-Th 4PM-midnight; F-Su noon-midnight. Locally owned, small pub. Ambience isn't great, but the selection is nice. Next door is Food for Thought, from which you can get sandwiches. (updated Feb 2023)
  • 🌍 Scruffy Murphy's, 1226 Speight Ave. M-Sa 7p-2a, Su 9p-2a. Classic college dive bar. Popular with Baylor students, especially on its frequent karaoke nights. (updated Feb 2023)

Sleep

Bed & Breakfasts

Stay safe

Waco has a reputation for a higher-than-normal crime rate for a small to medium size city. Visitors should exercise normal caution. That said, most violent crime occurs in residential areas, away from most areas visitors may visit. If you do find yourself in such an area (usually for dining), use normal caution. Drive with the doors locked, do not draw attention to yourself, and do not make prolonged eye contact (i.e. stare at other drivers).

It is strongly advised not to be at Cameron Park at night unless you are with a large group.

Waco, and Texas in general, is not frequented by pedestrians as much as a lot of other places. If you decide to walk, be careful, as the drivers are not used to pedestrians and may not see you, and be aware that many sidewalks are in poor condition, if they exist at all.

Tornadoes are not a frequent occurrence in Waco, but when they do hit, they tend to be very strong. Do not panic if a tornado warning is issued. If such a warning is issued, turn on the local news and keep updated. The weatherperson will explain what cautions need to be taken, and who should take them. If the weatherperson, any hotel staff, or public officials give you directions, follow them. It should go without saying that you should not go outside during a tornado. See the tornado safety article for more information.

If on the Baylor campus, while you can call 911, a faster emergency response can be obtained by calling the emergency number for the Baylor Police, ☏ +1 254 710-2222.

Go next
  • Clifton - 20 minutes west on Route 6 is this small town which is very proud of its Norwegian heritage.
  • West - 10 minutes north on Interstate 35 is a small, confusingly named community of Czech expats, known for its numerous kolache shops.
Routes through Waco
Dallas/Fort Worth ← Hillsboro ←  N  S  → Temple → Austin
Dallas/Fort Worth ← Hillsboro ← Merges into ←  N  S  → Cameron → Schulenburg
Abilene ← Brownwood ←  W  E  → Fairfield → Mansfield
Quanah ← Clifton ←  NW  SE  → Bryan-College Station → Houston
END ←  W  E  → Jct N → Corsicana


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