Waco Tourist Attractions
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Waco, 2 hour drive south of Fort Worth, was a centre of the secessionists of Texas. The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum charts the history of this legendary police corps. The town hit the headlines in 1993, when police and troops stormed the stronghold of a militant sect.
McCulloch House Museum
In the late 1800's the McCulloch House was the social hot spot of Waco. This Greek Revival style home was built in the 1860-70's by the McCulloch's who made it part of the main social scene in Waco. On display in the house are some of the family heirlooms and art collection. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Earle Harrison House
This Greek Revival style mansion was built in 1858-59 by Dr. and Mrs. Balis Wood Earl and was later sold to Gen. Thomas Harrison. The house was originally meant to be added on to but those plans were never completed due to Dr. Earle passing away shortly after he moved in to the house.
Helen Marie Taylor Museum
Housed in an old elementary school, the museum depicts the history of the town and pays tribute to noteworthy citizens from Waco. There is also a display on the history of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights and an exhibit on the Branch-Davidian.
Dr Pepper Museum
The museum, housed in the original 1906 bottling plant, describes the history of the Dr Pepper soft drink which was developed in Waco. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Earle-Napier-Kinnard House Museum
Built in 1858, this single story house was later modified with a second story being added. This Greek Revival style home is particularly worth visiting at Christmas when it is decorated for the holidays.
Art Center
The Art Center features changing art exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, carvings, and pottery.
East Terrace Museum
East Terrace is an Italianate Villa style home built between 1873-74. It was owned by John Wesley Mann, who decorated the interior in Victorian style.
Fort House Museum
The house, built in 1855, displays a collection of Victorian furniture and pioneer artifacts.
Suspension Bridge
The Waco Suspension Bridge was built in 1870 and still functions as a pedestrian bridge over the Brazos River.
Cameron Park Zoo
The zoo covers 51 acres and supports a variety of native and exotic animals.
Texas Sports Hall of Fame
The museum is a tribute famous Texan athletes from a variety of sports.
Surroundings
There are several towns and attractions in the Waco area which can be visited as a day trip from the city.
Freestone County Museum, Fairfield
Located in the small town of Fairfield, the Freestone County Museum is housed in the 1857 county jail. The collection includes furniture, historical documents and other artifacts related to the history of the county.Also on the grounds are two log cabins built in the 1800's and four historic markers.
Gatesville
Gatesville (pop. 12,500) is named after old Fort Gates. One of the town's industries is Medical Plastics Lab which produces anatomically correct human parts. There is a fully-operational drive-in theater which is apparently one of the last of it's kind in Texas.
Coryell County Museum
The Coryell County Museum displays antiques and artifacts from area schools, churches, settlers, and western gear.
Clifton
Clifton (pop. 3,500) is located along the Bosque River. The town refers to itself as the "Norwegian Capital of Texas", with a large population of Norse descendants. Some Scandinavian traditions are still observed by the citizens.
Bosque Memorial Museum
The Museum offers the largest collection of Norwegian artifacts in the South and South West. A log cabin built in the mid 1800's displays furniture and artifacts from that time period. There is also a children's section with interactive and educational displays.
Groesbeck
Groesbeck, located east of Waco, developed with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad. The town now services the surrounding area and provides a good base for exploring Fort Parker State Park and other historical attractions in the area.
Old Fort Parker State Historic Site
The fort was established in 1834 by members of the Parker families to protect their small settlement. The fort was attacked by the Comanches, who killed five of the family and abducted nine year old Cynthia Ann Parker. The girl grew up with the Indians and eventually married a chief. She was captured, along with her two year old daughter, 24 years after she was originally abducted. She was taken from the Indians and forced to resume life with her white kinsmen, being held captive against her will. She and her daughter both perished four years after her return.
Limestone County Historical Museum
The museum displays items related to the county's history and the history of Old Fort Parker.
Marlin
Marlin (pop. 6,000) is the site of a hot artesian well, discovered in 1890. At that time the town used the resource for a spa and quickly became a resort town. Today the water is being used for geothermal energy.
