Things To Do In Waco Texas | Waco Texas Attractions
Did you know Waco & the Heart of Texas was recently voted #3 in Texas Top 40 Travel Destinations by readers of Texas Highways – The Travel Magazine of Texas? This is a huge honor and I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite places in my home city of Waco, Texas. Located directly between Dallas and Austin on I-35, Waco is home to famous Baylor University!
Baylor University Mclane Stadium
Baylor University just built a new state of the art football stadium right on the Brazos River! Friday night lights is right. In Texas, football is king. Baylor puts on a great show. If you’re in town visiting on the day of a game. I highly recommend you check out McLane Stadium! Sic’em, Bears!
Elite Cafe
Just down I-35 a few exits from Baylor is Elite Cafe. If your looking for homemade southern comfort food then Elite Cafe is the place to be! Chicken fried steak and gravy, mashed potatoes, and their delicious mac n’cheese will fill your belly with delight! This Waco landmark has been serving up hometown favorites since the early 1900’s. Word on the street is this was Elvis’ favorite place to eat while he was stationed close by at Fort Hood while in the Army!
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame
If you’re a history buff, be sure to stop at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Located right off I-35 in Waco, you will find interesting facts and memorabilia about the most effective law enforcement agency that has protected Texans since 1823!
On University Parks Dr. you will find a remarkable historic landmark from 1870! At the time it was build, the suspension bridge held the title of the largest single span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi River! You are still able to walk across the bridge to see a beautiful view down the Brazos River. It provides a wonderful back drop for scenic photos!
Alico Building
On Austin Ave & 5th St you will find the tallest building in all of Waco. In 1910, the Alico Building was built. This is one of only a few buildings downtown to survive the infamous tornado that swept through Waco in 1953.
Dr Pepper Museum
Right around the corner from the Alico Building, on 5th St. is The Dr. Pepper Museum! The famous soda was created, manufactured, and sold for the first time in Waco in 1885. The museum is filled with historic soda signage, bottles, and houses Dr.Pepper memorabilia. Don’t have time for a full tour? Visit the old time soda shop to have a Dr.Pepper float or fountain drink. (Museum admission isn’t required). During happy hour fountain drinks are 50% off!
While in Waco you might hear a mysterious rumble. Some think it’s a plane flying overhead, others have wondered if a thunderstorm was rolling in. That distinct sound you hear is actually SpaceX testing their rocket engines that will propel a Falcon 9 rocket to space! SpaceX has been awarded several contracts from NASA to resupply the International Space Station!
Waco, Texas has a unique blend of history and companies making history! I hope you have as much fun exploring Waco, as I do in this sporty Ford Escape!
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Full Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary test drive of the Ford Escape to facilitate this review. All thought and opinions are my own.
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