Waco, Texas Attractions & Things To Do

Sports Hall of Fame Red Men Museum Waco Suspension Bridge Masonic Grand Lodge Lake Waco Wetlands

Vacation in Waco, Texas and you won’t be lacking for fun, interesting things to do. And many of these distinct attractions-from the Texas Sports Hall of Fame to Waco Water Park to the Red Men Museum & Library-are easy to get to from the Fairfield Inn & Suites Waco North. Check out the list below to get a good feel for what’s going on in our great neighborhood.

Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Experience the highlights of some of the biggest names in Texas sports history. Enjoy an engaging interactive tour in this monumental museum that’s comprised of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, the Texas Tennis Hall of Fame, and the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame. For more information, visit www.tshof.org/.

Waco Water Park. You can’t beat Waco Water Park for beating the heat. It’s state-of-the-art fun for kids of all ages who can choose from swimming in one of two inviting pools to careening down the 22-foot slide to playing with interactive toys. For more information, visit www.waco-texas.com/city_depts/parks/aquatics.htm.  [Top]

Red Men Museum & Library. History abounds at the Red Men Museum & Library. Run by the Great Council of Texas Improved Order of Red Men, the Museum houses a bugle from the Battle of Gettysburg, the Warren Commission report and a blanket from Geronimo, the famed Apache Chief. For more information, visit www.redmen.org.

Carleen Bright Arboretum. Nestled in the nearby city of Woodway, the Carleen Bright Arboretum features a gazebo, nature trail and concert green. This stunning area surrounded by rolling hills complete with wildlife offers visitors a chance to enjoy many special events such as the annual Celtic celebration known as Woodfest. For more information, visit www.woodway-texas.com/lev1.cfm/9.  [Top]

Waco Suspension Bridge. When it was finished in 1870, this historic bridge was the longest single-span suspension bridge anyone had ever built west of the Mississippi. Home to fun festivals and events like “4th on the Brazos,” the Waco Suspension Bridge is enveloped by two parks-Indian Spring Park and Martin Luther King, Jr. Park. For more information, visit www.wacocvb.com/trip_builder/attractions.aspx?attraction=16.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum. Since 1823, the Texas Rangers have been fighting crime and capturing fugitives-and some very famous ones at that, including Bonnie and Clyde. Check out the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame & Museum and trace the history of the state’s oldest law enforcement agency. Don’t miss the gallery dedicated solely to Texas Rangers’ equipment. For more information, visit www.texasranger.org.  [Top]

Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas. Located in downtown Waco, the Masonic Grand Lodge boasts a library and a museum. Discover relics from the early days of the Masons, railroad artifacts, and several historic exhibits. There’s one that focuses on the military and another that shines a light on the Nazi persecution of Freemasons during the Holocaust. For more information, visit www.grandlodgeoftexas.org.

Art Center Waco. A breeding ground for budding artists and a showcase for established artists, Art Center Waco is based on the campus of McLennan Community College. After experiencing the Center’s two indoor galleries, take a stroll along the Sculpture Walk and take in the artwork along with spectacular views of the Brazos and Bosque River valley. For more information, visit www.artcenterwaco.org.  [Top]

Lake Waco Wetlands. Since 2001, the Lake Waco Wetlands have provided a much-needed habitat to a wide array of reptiles, insects and mammals. Many aquatic plants have found a safe haven at the six-acre nursery. Birdwatchers will have a field day as more than 130 species have been identified. For more information, visit www.wacowater.com/wetlands.html.

Earle-Harrison House. One of many historic homes in Waco, the Earle-Harrison House is the only pre-Civil War home that the public can tour. It’s actually renowned as much for its botanical garden and grounds as it is for the mansion itself. This five-acre estate beckons with grand live oaks trees, a lily pond and an awe-inspiring 75-foot rose arbor. For more information, visit www.earleharrison.com.  [Top]