Music, art, history & more: 12 places to visit on your next weekend in Waco

Students who live in Waco have no shortage of attractions to visit or cultural opportunities to enjoy. Some are well-known, while others are hidden gems. So, what does Waco have to offer the next time you visit for the weekend?

For more than 1 million Waco visitors each year, that answer begins with Magnolia, and understandably so — but the Silos are far from the only place to share some time with family or friends exploring all our hometown has to offer. Here are 11 other attractions and cultural opportunities to visit:

ART and MUSIC —

Art Center Waco: Located in a great new facility just across I-35 from campus, Art Center Waco offers seasonal collections and exhibitions, classes, events and more. A recent exhibit showcased the work of Waco resident and Hermes scarf designer Kermit Oliver.

Martin Museum of Art: Baylor’s own art museum showcases national exhibitions, student and faculty art, and more, including a 1,500-piece permanent collection.

Waco Symphony Orchestra: Waco boasts a symphony that rivals those of much larger cities. Led for more than three decades by longtime Baylor Symphony Orchestra conductor Stephen Heyde, its annual schedule has welcomed such top global artists as violist Joshua Bell and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

HISTORY and MUSEUMS —

Armstrong Browning Library and Museum: The legendary Baylor museum houses the world’s largest collection of materials related to Victorian poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The ABL has also been repeatedly recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries.

Doris Miller Memorial: A World War II hero whose dramatic story has been told in such films as Pearl Harbor, Waco native Doris Miller also played a meaningful role in the cause of civil rights. A memorial honoring his heroism and sacrifice stands just a few blocks from campus along the Brazos River.

Dr Pepper Museum: The famous soft drink — invented here in Waco in 1885 — is immortalized at the Dr Pepper Museum, where visitors find a multitude of exhibits and experiences (including, most deliciously, enjoying an old-fashioned, soda fountain-style Dr Pepper).

Mayborn Museum: Baylor’s nationally honored museum houses a variety of permanent collections on the natural science and cultural history of Central Texas. Recent special exhibits have highlighted topics as varied as the Dust Bowl and DC Super Heroes.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum: The official state historical center of the legendary Texas Rangers, the hall of fame and museum sits at the edge of campus with exhibits, collections and more.

Texas Sports Hall of Fame: Texas sports legends who have played or coached for everyone from the Baylor Bears to the Dallas Cowboys are enshrined in the Lone Star State’s monument to athletic greatness, right on the edge of campus.

Waco Mammoth National Monument: One of the nation’s newest national monuments, this attraction houses the stunning fossil finds of 24 adult and juvenile Columbian mammoths — one of the largest such finds on display anywhere.

And, don’t forget the…

ZOO —

Cameron Park Zoo: It’s in the middle of town, but a world away from the normal feel of the city. Giraffes, jaguars, elephants and, naturally, bears are just a few of the 300 species in this 52-acre zoo.

Sic ’em, Waco!