Although we visited Waco several years ago (read post here) our recent stop proved that there was still more to see in this Texas town of 140,000. We spent two days checking out the sights and learning some history to boot. If you haven’t been to Waco, it’s definitely worth a look.
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum
Our first stop was the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum. Not the baseball Texas Rangers, but the “catch the bad guys” Texas Rangers. This museum houses over 20,000 artifacts, artwork, photographs, and documents to preserve the history and inspire appreciation of the Texas Rangers, a legendary symbol of Texas and the American West.
Created in 1832 by Stephen F. Austin, the Rangers initially served as a primary defense force to protect Texas settlers against Indian raids and incursions from the Mexican border. Their responsibilities have changed from military protection to the law enforcement duties that they continue to perform today.
The Rangers first had single shot rifles and pistols against the Indians who could shoot 6 or more arrows per minute. The Indians waited for the Rangers to shoot and then charged while they took time to reload. The advent of the Colt revolver quickly turned the tide in favor of the Rangers as they could now fire 5 shots quickly without reloading.
The Texas Ranger Museum is full of fascinating stories of lawmen and their cases. One of the most famous Texas Rangers was Frank Hamer who tracked down Bonnie and Clyde.
Waco Mammoth National Monument
Next we visited the Waco Mammoth National Monument. This paleontological site and museum is where fossils of 24 Columbian mammoths and other animals were discovered. While Columbian mammoth fossils have been found in many areas of North America, this grouping is the nation’s first and only recorded evidence of a nursery herd of female and juvenile Pleistocene mammoths.
Three fossilized ice-age creatures were discovered in 1978 by 2 men in search of arrowheads. They noticed a large bone protruding from a ravine and knew it was an important find. Authorities on the subject identified the femur of a Columbian mammoth, the larger distant relative to the wooly mammoth.
The museum is built right over the actual archeological dig site where the animals likely were trapped during a flash flood. They became victims of rising water and were unable to escape the steep sided channel. The Monument was designated a National Park monument site in 2015.
Magnolia Empire Expansion
Chip and Joanna Gaines’ Magnolia empire has recently undergone an expansion. In October 2020 they opened a set of 6 retail cottages, each with its own theme: men’s provisions, bath & body, books & paper, bags & jewelry, women’s clothing, and kids & baby. Joanna wanted to create a feeling of something quaint and nostalgic for shoppers as they stroll the area.
Chip is a lifelong baseball fan and was excited to add Katy Ballpark to the complex. This whiffle ball diamond for guests to play on is a smaller version of the original ballpark that was once home to the minor league Cubs. The home plate is in the exact spot that it sat on as greats like Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig played there.
Another addition is a relocated historic church. Joanna fell in love with the abandoned building, which is one of the oldest structures in Waco. The beautifully renovated church is now a part of the Silos for the inspiration and enjoyment of visitors. A new garden shop rounds out the additions to Waco’s most popular tourist attraction, which now encompasses two city blocks in downtown Waco.
Homestead Heritage Craft Village
Homestead Heritage is a farming and craft-based Christian community whose values stress simplicity, self-sufficiency, service, and craftsmanship. They have a 550-acre farm made up of numerous small family homesteads. The members raise their own crops of wheat, oats, barley and many other fruits and vegetables. Whatever farm or ranch raised produce that the community doesn’t use is sold in its market, used in the restaurant, or given away.
They mill their own grain in the community’s waterwheel-run gristmill, which is housed in a historic 250 year old mill. The grain is ground to a fine powder between two stones weighing more than 1200 pounds each. An attached shop offers many freshly made items for purchase.
Homestead Heritage is internationally known for its quality craftsmanship. The Craft Village has a pottery house, a woodworking shop, a blacksmithing shop, and a spinning/weaving shop. They offer learning activities and workshops, as well as products for sale. There is also a restaurant with delicious home grown and homemade dishes. We were told that Chip and Joanna have had items made here for use in their home decorating business.
Texas just keeps on amazing me. Thanks for sharing such interesting stories and history, we feel like we’re there too.
Texas is so big, I don’t think we will ever run out of cool things to see and do! I’m glad you enjoyed the post:)
Traveled through Waco many times, but didn’t realize there was so much available to see and do, Thank you for sharing and safe travels.
We really enjoyed our visits to this charming town. I’m sure we will be back!
Texas sounds amazing! I have come across so many interesting Rv posts including this one that gives an insight into Texan life and all the things you can enjoy here. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Anu, Thanks for checking out my post. Texas is huge and has so many different types of scenery and activities–you could spend months here and not see it all!
Very interesting post! I learned quite a bit more about Texas while reading this. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Sandi, you’ll have to come to Texas some day and check out all the interesting sights!
I’ve never been to Texas. I had no idea that there is so many things to do and visit. Will add to my list.
Hi Monika,
Thanks for checking out my post. Texas is so big and has tons of great things to see and do. We’ve got mountains, beaches, forests, and deserts! You will definitely want to plan a visit and enjoy all this great state has to offer.