Attractions
CAMERON PARK This 416-acre greenspace is the largest municipal park in Texas and one of the largest in the United States. Its rugged terrain is a favorite of accomplished cyclists. The lush trails, offset by the steep bluffs along the Brazos River, are ideal for hiking, and a three-mile paved riverwalk is enjoyed year-round. The park is a lovely place for a quiet picnic or a game of horseshoes or disc golf.
CAMERON PARK ZOO, accredited by the elite World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is located in a lush natural habitat park. The zoo’s Brazos River Country exhibit features Texas wildlife indigenous to the Brazos River. A 50,000-gallon salt water aquarium is nestled inside a sunken Spanish galleon, and replicas of the grass houses favored by the Waco Indians are on display. Elephants, black bears, tigers and giraffes are among the animals that call the zoo home. For more information, call (254) 750-8400.
TEXAS RANGER HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM The oldest state law enforcement agency tells its history at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum, appropriately located in the heart of Texas off of Interstate 35. Badges, firearms, photographs and plenty of history are among the more than 12,000 artifacts housed at the museum. Take exit 335-B for a closer look at how the real Rangers have crushed crime since 1823. For more information, call (254) 750-8631.
DR PEPPER MUSEUM AND FREE ENTERPRISE INSTITUTE The Dr Pepper Museum and Free Enterprise Institute at 300 S. Fifth St. tells the story of the popular soft drink through a life-size animatronic of its creator, Dr. Charles Alderton. The original artesian well, historic soft drink bottles, manufacturing equipment and interactive exhibits makes the museum a fun must-see for all visitors to Waco. A restored turn-of-the-century soda fountain serves Dr Pepper floats. For more information, call (254) 757-1024.
TEXAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME Texas athletes who have made their mark both on and off the field are honored at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Clips of sports moments in Texas history are shown in the Tom Landry Theater. The complex also houses the Texas Tennis Museum and Hall of Fame. The Texas Sports Hall of Fame is at 1108 S. University Parks Drive. For more information, call (254) 756-1633.
