WACO, TX — Nestled halfway between Dallas and Austin, along the winding Brazos River and the bustling I-35 corridor, Waco may appear modest in size, but its historical and cultural offerings are anything but small. This Central Texas town packs a mighty punch with attractions that span from the prehistoric Ice Age to 19th-century engineering marvels and soda-pop fame.
Step Into Prehistory at the Waco Mammoth National Monument
Located at 6220 Steinbeck Bend Drive, the Waco Mammoth National Monument is a rare paleontological treasure and one of the newest additions to the National Park System. Thanks to a unique collaboration between the National Park Service, City of Waco, and Baylor University, visitors can get up close and personal with Ice Age mammoths at a site unlike any other in North America.
Guided tours depart every 30 minutes throughout the day, taking guests on a short 300-yard walk to the Dig Shelter, where the fossilized remains of Columbian mammoths lie preserved in their original positions. Tour guides share the history of the site’s discovery and its significance to science and education. Admission fees are modest, making this a perfect stop for families, school groups, or curious travelers.
Bridging the Past: Waco’s Historic Suspension Bridge
An iconic symbol of Waco’s development, the Waco Suspension Bridge spans 475 feet across the Brazos River and has stood strong since its grand opening on November 20, 1869. Built using nearly 3 million bricks, the bridge was a major engineering feat for its era and became a vital crossing point for cattle drives on the Chisholm Trail.
Today, the bridge is part of the city’s riverfront park and remains a popular spot for photos, community events, and leisurely strolls—offering locals and visitors a literal connection to the past.
Raise a Glass at the Dr Pepper Museum
Before it became a household name, Dr Pepper was just another curious concoction brewed up in a Waco pharmacy. Created around 1885 by pharmacist Charles Alderton, the fizzy beverage with its signature blend of 23 flavors went on to become the first nationally marketed soft drink in the U.S.
The Dr Pepper Museum, located at 300 South 5th Street, celebrates this rich heritage through interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and a fan-favorite: the Make-A-Soda Experience. For $10 per person, guests can create their own soda blend and take home a custom bottle. Additional bottles are available for $5 each, and regular museum admission is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and time slots fill up quickly for the 20-person max per session.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re a history buff, science enthusiast, or soda aficionado, Waco offers a one-of-a-kind blend of attractions perfect for a weekend getaway or a spontaneous road trip. Explore its prehistoric past, walk across a bridge of Texas legacy, and sip on a piece of Americana—all in one town.
For more information about visiting Waco, including local attractions, lodging, and events, visit www.waco-texas.com/About-Waco.
