Waco, Texas

Also see: Temple

This central Texas town at the confluence of the Brazos and Bosque Rivers was named for the Hueco (pronounced Waco) Indians who resided here before the days of recorded history, The Hueco were attracted to this rich, fertile land. Although Spanish explorers named this site "Waco Village" in 1542, over 300 years elapsed before permanent settlement began. When settlement came, Waco was part of the Wild West, with cattle drives, cowboys, and so many gunslingers that stagecoach drivers called the town "Six-Shooter Junction."

In the 1870s Waco became a center of trade with the completion of a 474-foot suspension bridge across the Brazos, the longest inland river in Texas. The bridge, designed by the same engineers who constructed New York's Brooklyn Bridge years later, still spans the river, a waterway that slices through the city and provides miles of shoreline parks, shady walks, and downtown camping areas.

Attractions:

indicates TexasTripper top choices

Armstong Browning Library.

The Art Center. This exhibit hall and teaching center is located in the Mediterranean-style home of the late lumber magnate William Waldo Cameron. Exhibits here focus on Texas artists in all media. 1300 College Dr.

Cameron Park Zoo

Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute.

Fort Fisher Park. Set right on the banks of the Brazos River, Fort Fisher Park is a favorite stop for travelers on I-35; the City of Waco operates a visitors center here and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is also here. Located at I-35 and University Dr., exit 335B.

Homestead Heritage.This 510-acre Christian homesteading community is the home of a 200-year-old Dutch style barn which showcases the crafts of the village’s woodworkers as well as unique quilts, wrought iron, oil lamps, and more. You can take a walking tour of the village to see the Potter’s House, herb gardens, blacksmith’s shop, and the restored 1760 gristmill. A deli serves all-natural sandwiches and ice creams. Open Monday through Saturday. Location: Elm Mott. From IH-35, take Exit 343 and turn west on FM 308, continue 3 miles to FM 933. Turn north on FM 933 and continue 1- 1/2 miles to Halbert Lane. Turn left (west) onto Halbert Lane and continue for 1/2 mile.

Mayborn Museum Complex.

Lake Waco. Located on the Bosque River, lake parks offer boating, beaches, swimming, marinas, and fishing. Headquarters is 2 miles northwest on FM 1637 (N. 19th St.), then approx 1.5 miles west, follow signs.

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum.

Texas Sports Hall of Fame. This popular attraction is a tribute to athletes of the Lone Star State with memorabilia related to over 350 athletes. Look for an autographed baseball from Nolan Ryan, Earl Campbell's letter jacket, and more. Location: 1108 University Parks Drive.

Hotels

Hotels in Waco Find special rates on hotels in Waco through our booking partner, IHSAdvantage. We selected this booking company because we found they offer the largest number and variety of Texas properties.

Restaurants

Restaurants A few of our favorites in Waco within easy access of I-35; includes maps for each.

Special Events, Festivals:

April: Brazos River Festival and Pilgrimage.

October: Heart o' Texas Fair and Rodeo

December: Christmas on the Brazos

Map

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Waco News

We cover travel news throughout Texas in our TexasTripper blog; for news from the Waco area, visit the Prairies and Lakes news index page.

For More Information: Waco Convention and Visitors Bureau