10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Waco That You Shouldn't Miss

April 29, 2022 Darwin Bolte

Waco (/ˈweɪkoʊ/ WAY-koh) is a city which is the county seat of McLennan County, Texas, United States. It is situated along the Brazos River and I-35, halfway between Dallas and Austin. The city had a 2010 population of 124,805, making it the 22nd-most populous city in the state. The US Census 2016 population estimate is 134,432 The Waco Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of McLennan and Falls Counties, which had a 2010 population of 234,906. Falls County was added to the Waco MSA in 2013. The US Census 2017 population estimate for the Waco MSA is 268,696.
Restaurants in Waco

1. Waco River Safari

Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 993 reviews

Waco River Safari

Hop aboard our 2 1/2 hour tour and hear about oil barons, Hells Half Acer, Stockyards and much more.

2. Waco Tours

Excellent
99%
Good
1%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4,116 reviews

Waco Tours

Looking for an unforgettable, refreshing, and fun experience in Waco, Texas? We truly love Waco and want you to discover all that you can during your visit. Whether it is through our Classic Tour, River Cruise or Texas Experience, we’ll showcase the rich history, homes, hidden gems, and ongoing revitalization of a city that is captivating the hearts of people all over the world. You’ll be inspired by our passionate and personable guides who will also highlight the hot spots you've seen on TV, as well as the best places to shop, eat, and play to maximize your Waco experience. You'll leave with stories to tell, photos to share, and memories to last a lifetime. Waco Tours tops the list - just look at our EXCELLENT reviews. Let us show you around!

3. Homestead Heritage

Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 229 reviews

Homestead Heritage

Homestead Heritage is an agrarian- and craft-based intentional Christian community. Its literature stresses simplicity, sustainability, self-sufficiency, cooperation, service and quality craftmanship.

4. Waco Mammoth National Monument

6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708-5338 +1 254-750-7946 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/waco/index.htm
Excellent
66%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,150 reviews

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Reviewed By mondyann - Hudson, United States

Great guided tour with Robert Very informative Was an interesting fun day Learned about female and male mammoths along with other animals and to see where they are still digging for more bones

5. Armstrong Browning Library and Museum

710 Speight Avenue One Bear Place #97152, Waco, TX 76798 +1 254-710-4313 [email protected] http://www.baylor.edu/lib/abl
Excellent
80%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 110 reviews

Armstrong Browning Library and Museum

The Armstrong Browning Library, free and open to the public, is located on the campus of Baylor University. It is a 19th-century research center dedicated to the study of the lives and works of Victorian poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning and houses the world's largest collection of Browning material and fine collections of rare 19th-century books, manuscripts, and works of art.

Reviewed By bjbjohnson - Columbia, United States

One of the most beautiful museum/libraries I have ever visited. Always loved Browning poetry and this museum almost brought me to tears! BUT be careful where you park, cost me big time ????

6. Valley Mills Vineyards

1686 FM 1637, Waco, TX 76689 +1 254-848-4343 [email protected] http://www.valleymillsvineyards.com/
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 103 reviews

Valley Mills Vineyards

We are family owned and run. Our vineyard was established in 2006, our first winery in 2010. As of February, 2019 we have moved to our brand new estate winery on our vineyard. We produce wines made from 100% Texas grown grapes. Come in and taste a little Texas in your glass. Tastings $10, bottle prices $18 to $50. Our most popular grapes: Tempranillo, Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sav, Muscat Canelli, Vermentino, Viognier...

Reviewed By L600KKhenryk - Hayden, United States

Valley Mills Vineyards is a beautiful vineyard nestled in the TX countryside. It's classy, has a wonderful staff, is non commercialized & has a beautiful setting! We throughly enjoyed our afternoon tasting their personalized & award winning wines. Blake, our server was exceptionally knowledgable of each pour, was very gracious & fun! He even paired our tastings with the perfect charcuterie board. Blake's gracious & knowledgeable personality captured us! We left with a wine membership & collection of wine, each bottle having a story Blake told that we will enjoy remembering as we drink each variety! We look forward to returning & to our wine shipments. Thank you to Blake & the whole crew at Valley Mills. It was such a treat! Beth & Henry Kornegay

7. LaSalle Shoppes

2223A La Salle Ave, Waco, TX 76706-3446 +1 254-753-2059 https://www.facebook.com/LaSalleShoppes
Excellent
53%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

LaSalle Shoppes

Reviewed By jackiepD6606ZG

Good for antique shopping. It was not my style of items, but a very large store and fun to look through. About 1-2min from Magnolia Table so a good stop to make if you want to visit a classic antique store.

8. Brazos Valley Cheese

206 Halbert Ln, Waco, TX 76705-5455 +1 254-829-0600 [email protected] http://www.brazosvalleycheese.com/
Excellent
70%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Brazos Valley Cheese

Brazos Valley Cheese is dedicated to crafting all-natural, high quality, healthy cheese using traditional methods and no artificial flavors, preservatives or coloring. Our milk comes from grass-fed cows that graze freely on three local Brazos River Valley Jersey/Brown Swiss dairies. Every one of our cheeses is hand-made and all the hard cheeses are aged in our underground cheese cave.

Reviewed By X7214SUmarks

Dropped back in to Brazos Valley Cheese for a refill of Smoked Gouda & Smoked White Cheddar. Was quite a rainy day, so we were the only folks in the shop. They were making cheddar cheese today. It's a 6 day process, so you can't see it from start to finish, but do take the little stroll to check out the cheese cave.

9. Waco Hippodrome Theatre

724 Austin Ave, Waco, TX 76701-2020 +1 254-296-9000 [email protected] http://wacohippodrometheatre.com
Excellent
46%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
8%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 91 reviews

Waco Hippodrome Theatre

The Historic Waco Hippodrome Theatre is back! Come enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks as you sit back, relax, and watch your favorite films, live music, and performing arts. First opening on February 7, 1914, The Waco Hippodrome Theatre is a landmark in entertainment for the Waco community. After some tender-loving renovations, the Waco Hippodrome Theatre is open and busier than ever! Our dining room and bar/lounge area are open Mon-Fri for lunch and dinner, and we open at 10:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays to serve the best brunch in Downtown Waco.

Reviewed By 73Aggie

The Hippodrome was a very good experience. You are close to the stage, the sound is good and the staff very pleasant. We will be going again. Parking nearby is limited.

10. Branch Davidian Memorial Park

1781 Double Ee Ranch Rd, Waco, TX 76705-5006 https://branch-davidian-compound.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
Excellent
34%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
29%
Poor
10%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 192 reviews

Branch Davidian Memorial Park

Reviewed By AnnaL591

After visiting the famous Magnolia Table and Market we decided to stop by this place on our way back to Dallas and I am SO glad we did. When the gate is open visitors are welcome with a suggested donation of $10 per group at the office which is the second trailer home on the right. After that you drive up to the church. We lucked out that on this day there was a survivor from the raid, author David Thibedaux. He gave us a very thorough accounting of events as they unfolded during the siege as well as events that transpired in the days before. They were very open and welcoming, we never felt uncomfortable. We truly appreciated his perspective as well. Afterwards you can see the concrete slab that remains from the building where the kids bodies were recovered. Also, a short walk along the pool area reveals the blown up bus that they were thought to be using as an escape. All three of us, 40-50 year old women, actually enjoyed this more than the silos and Magnolia Market. I would definitely make a stop here if you’re in town.

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