Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Lake Waco

"No Dr. Pepper lover has lived without a pilgrimage to the famed Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco. An old-fashioned soda fountain, antique bottling equipment, and memorabilia shop are just a few of the many exhibits at the museum. In addition to its look at the past, the museum also houses the Free Enterprise Institute, where children are taught the values of innovation and free enterprise."

"Dr. Pepper Museum is a unique sightseeing place for one reason; apart from learning some history of the brand, you also acquire some hands-on skills. The museum is in the downtown of Waco, and it has been there since 1906. It has three floors filled with information about the founder and the soft drink industry at large."

"Seeking adventures has never been so easy; if you enjoy communing with nature, then Cameron Park should be your destination. Enjoy the endless activities this natural wonder have to offer you, like taking a stroll along the Brazos River, hike, and bike or ride a horse along the 20 miles of twisting trails present at Cameron Park. Let your kids run wild in the three giant playgrounds, catch a fish, enjoy a picnic; the possibilities are endless."

"Named after the late philanthropist William Cameron, the Cameron Park is one of Texas’ largest parks — resting on 416 acres of land. Traveling families frequent this spot as it offers various attractions such as picnic areas, hiking trails, and playgrounds."

"There is nothing more iconic and historical to the state of Texas than the Waco suspension bridge, built two centuries ago. Go out in the open, and enjoy the sights of the Brazos River, the 11th largest River in America, walk the more than 3 million bricks that form this beloved bridge. If you are planning a romantic date night, then the suspension bridge should be a part of it; at night, this popular spot becomes almost ethereal, with the Brazos River reflecting the moonlight."

"Waco’s historic Suspension Bridge has served as an icon for the city since 1836 when the bridge was completed, then the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi. On the east and west side of the bridge are Martin Luther King and Indian Spring Parks, respectively, and accessible on either side is the Riverwalk which begins at Ft. Fisher Park, extends past the suspension bridge, and ends at the Herring Ave."

"The Waco Suspension Bridge is a single-span pedestrian suspension bridge that crosses the Brazos River. It was built and opened in 1870."

"Located along the Brazos River in Waco, Brazos Park East offers fishing docks, disc golf, horseshoe pits and picnic areas. A scenic, paved trail is available for walking, running and biking."

"Boulevard, Brazos Park east, a popular festival location, features many amenities, including river access with beautiful views of Waco’s chalk bluffs, covered pavilions, and horseshoe pits."

"Nature-lovers should spend some time at Lake Waco Wetlands, which is an area that was created when Lake Taco was raised to lessen the impact that this would have. There is an on-site research and education center where visitors can learn about the plant, animal, and insect species that live in the wetlands. Visitors can also wander around various aspects of the 180-acre park to see the plants, animals, and insects for themselves."

"Though La Fiesta has only been doing business under its current name since 1963, its owners, the Castillo’s, have been operating restaurants in the city of Waco since the early 1930s. The Aztec Café, the first restaurant opened by the Castillo family, was originally located in downtown. Later, the Castillo’s would open The Patio in 1948 and The Italian Village in 1952, which was the first restaurant in Central Texas to introduce a little dish called pizza."

"La Fiesta is IMPORTANT to me because it is my wife’s favorite. They boast they are Waco’s original Tex-Mex restaurant and have been around since 1963. Large restaurant that is good for parties."

"Owners (from left) Justin Veach, Keith Collier and Andy Soukup say the event room at Bare Arms Brewing, 2515 La Salle Ave., has been a great place for people to hold activities while enjoying one of their beers. As former engineers at L-3 and SpaceX, in retrospect it probably makes sense that the owners of Bare Arms Brewing not only got it off the ground, but have it already on a nice trajectory of success. Justin Veach, who started the company in 2015 with fellow L-3 mechanical engineer Keith Collier, admits it was one of the most exhilarating and most terrifying things he did when they launched their brewing business."

"Opened in June 2015, Bare Arms Brewing is Waco’s first brewpub. It’s a relaxed, welcoming, family-friendly destination owned by Keith Collier and Justin Veach. The brewery has six creations regularly on tap including Creekside American-style lager, Bluecat Ale (a blonde ale), and Java Joule (a coffee stout)."