Often called the “Heart of Texas” for its central location, Waco is located at the confluence of the Brazos and Bosque Rivers. The city became a center for commerce when it erected a suspension bridge across the Brazos. Designed by the same engineers who constructed New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge years later, today this bridge welcomes you, Fido and other pedestrians to stroll across the Brazos. The list of dog-friendly Waco attractions includes the massively-popular Magnolia Market, well-known to fans of HGTV’s Fixer Upper.
What to Do in Waco
Cameron Park Trail System
Waco’s largest park is home to 15 miles of multi-use trails, part of the National Recreation Trail system.
Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute. 300 South Fifth St. (near Magnolia Market).
The famous Dr Pepper soft drink was invented by pharmacist Dr. Charles Alderton at the Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, which once stood at Fourth Street and Austin Avenue. Today the drugstore is gone, but the original bottling plant remains open as a museum. Interesting exhibits and films offer a look at some early promotional materials, as well as the manufacturing process of the unusual soft drink. (Also of note: the popular advertising slogan promoting Dr Pepper as an energy booster to be consumed at “10-2-and-4.”) After a look through the museum, visit the re-creation of the Old Corner Drug Store fountain for an ice-cream soda or (what else?) a Dr Pepper.
Fort Fisher Park
This 30-acre park is a quiet contrast to nearby I-35. Located along the shady banks of the Brazos River, this park was once the site of Fort Fisher, an outpost of the Texas Rangers built in 1837. Today the park contains the City of Waco Tourist Information Center, excellent for picking up travel information across the state, and the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Although your dog can’t enter the museum, you’ll find picnicking and walking paths to enjoy together. Info: I–35, exit 335B; www.texasranger.org. Fee for camping.
Located in Elm Mott (from I-35, take exit 343 and turn west on FM 308, continue 3 miles to FM 933. Turn north on FM 933 and continue 1.5 miles to Halbert Lane. Turn west onto Halbert Lane and continue for a half mile), this 510-acre Christian homesteading community is the site of a 200-year-old Dutch-style barn. Here you’ll find 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.
Lake Waco
FM 1637, 2 miles northwest of the city on North Nineteenth Street; (254) 756-5359. This lake, part of the Bosque River, is a favorite with anglers and boaters. Several marinas and boat ramps offer access. Open daily.
Suspension Bridge and River Walk
Crossing the 800-mile-long Brazos River, this restored suspension bridge was once the longest in the world. Built in 1870, it eliminated the time-consuming process of having to cart cattle across the water by ferry. Today the structure is used as a pedestrian bridge bearing the motto first across, still across, linking Indian Spring Park on the west bank and Martin Luther King Jr. Park on the east. On the west side, you’ll find a walk to Fort Fisher Park in one direction and Herring Avenue Bridge in the other. In all, the Riverwalk spans seven miles.
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
Fort Fisher, at exit 335B off I-35; (254) 750-8631; www.texasranger.org. If you’re interested in the taming of Texas, budget a couple of hours for this large museum. Visitors here can see guns of every description used by the Rangers, who had the reputation of lone lawmen who always got their man. Dioramas in the hall of fame recount the early days of the Rangers, including their founding by Stephen F. Austin. A fifty-five-minute film shows several times daily. Open daily.
Texas Sports Hall of Fame
1108 South University Parks Dr. and I-35 at exit 335B; (254) 756-1633; www.tshof.org. Waco’s popular attraction is a tribute to the athletes of the Lone Star State. Sports memorabilia highlight more than 350 sports heroes, including an autographed baseball by former Texas Ranger Nolan Ryan, Earl Campbell’s letter jacket, and one of Martina Navratilova’s Wimbledon rackets, as well as displays featuring prominent Texas high school athletes. Open Mon through Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun noon to 5 p.m.
Waco Mammoth Site
6220 Steinbeck Bend Rd. (exit 335C from I-35); (254) 750-7946; www.wacomammoth.com. Located northwest of Waco, this attraction features prehistoric Columbian Mammoth bones which were first discovered in 1978 and excavated by Baylor University archeologists. Now a public park, the 100-acre site includes a dig shelter reached via a suspended walkway for an overhead view and a scenic trailway with benches and rest areas. The park Welcome Center includes a gift shop and a ticket counter. Open Tues through Fri 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Magnolia Market
You can’t miss the distinct silhouette of the Silos on the Waco skyline; the former cottonseed mill today houses a bustling shopping area–and one that’s dog-friendly, too! Dogs are welcome in the store and on the grounds, except for the artificial turf lawn (although they can watch the activity from the nearby food court area): Info: 601 Webster; https://magnolia.com/silos/#silos-eat
Fun Places to Eat in Waco
Health Camp
Located at 2601 Circle Road and perched right on the Waco traffic circle, this casual restaurant has been selling burgers, fries, malts, and shakes since 1949. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Magnolia Market Food Court
The food court–with its wide variety of food trucks–at Magnolia Market is dog-friendly and a perfect place for some people watching. Info: 601 Webster; https://magnolia.com/silos/#silos-eat