Mclennan: Mammoth History, Museums and Paddling Trails

At Waco Mammoth National Monument, guided tours follow a 300-yard paved path to the Dig Shelter. The monument preserves the first and only documented evidence in the United States of a nursery herd of Ice Age Columbian mammoths. This combination of a specific route and an extraordinary paleontological discovery gives history enthusiasts a distinctive focus for their trip.

Waco, the county seat of McLennan County, lies along the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Austin. The region brings together a variety of visitor interests, from mammoth history and museum visits to paddling trails and outdoor paths.

Discover Buildings and Stories

The Dr Pepper Museum is housed in the Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building, constructed in 1906. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the “Home of Dr Pepper.” At the museum, visitors can watch Dr Pepper being prepared the traditional way—in the “Original Home of the Dr Pepper float.”

The Mayborn Museum’s Gov. Bill and Vara Daniel Historic Village also offers a close-up look at buildings: the complex comprises nine wood-frame buildings. On the Baylor University campus, the Mayborn Museum offers immersive exhibits and hands-on experiences covering the natural sciences and the cultural history of Central Texas across 143,000 square feet. These include the “Waco at the Crossroads of Texas Natural History Exhibits.”

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum complex includes a museum gallery, a hall of fame, a research center and the headquarters of Texas Rangers Company “F.” The Texas Sports Hall of Fame focuses on other subjects: its galleries are devoted to the Southwest Conference, tennis in Texas and high school football in Texas.

Compare Paddling Trails by Length

The Bosque Bluffs Paddling Trail is a 2.2-mile loop; the Brazos Bridges Paddling Trail is a 4.8-mile loop. The 2.6-mile difference makes for a clear comparison when choosing your paddling route by length. Waco’s paddling trails are designed for beginners and inexperienced paddlers; no shuttle or portage is required.

Nature and Recreation in Waco

Waco’s Cameron Park covers 416 acres and features a versatile National Recreation Trail system. If you want to make time outdoors part of your trip alongside museum visits, the park trails offer a distinct focus.

Cameron Park Zoo sits on more than 52 acres near the Brazos River and close to downtown Waco. It is home to more than 1,700 animals representing 300 species. The Asian Forest features orangutans, Sumatran tigers and Komodo dragons; the orangutans are described as critically endangered. While Cameron Park highlights open space and trails, the zoo draws attention to animal species and their habitats.

Crafts and More Experiences

At Homestead Craft Village, visitors can watch craftspeople at work and take craft classes. Homestead Heritage offers visitors horse-drawn carriage rides. These craft demonstrations and carriage rides add more options to your travel plans alongside museums, nature and paddling.

Discover more destinations: Waco, Woodway, Bellmead, Mcgregor, Hewitt, Robinson, Childress County, Hall County.

Go to the main travel overview: Texas.