Waco: Fixer Upper Tour, City Highlights & Local Treats

Summary

Waco’s fixer upper houses, dr pepper stories & riverside views

You’ll ride through Waco’s neighborhoods in a comfy van with a local guide, hear stories behind Magnolia Market and Dr Pepper Museum, stroll Baylor’s leafy campus, and pause for craft coffee or ice cream. Expect laughter, river views from limestone cliffs, and small surprises you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of downtown Waco in this big silver Sprinter van, windows down just enough to let in that humid Texas air. Our guide—her name was Jamie, I think—started pointing out the Magnolia Market before I’d even had time to finish my coffee (which they handed me right as we climbed in). She told us about those famous Silos and how the whole “Fixer Upper” thing kind of changed the city. There were a couple of fans on board who kept whispering about Chip and Joanna like they might spot them at any second. I’m not really a superfan myself, but it was fun watching everyone else get so excited.

We zigzagged through neighborhoods you’d never find on your own—some houses looked straight out of TV, others just quietly lived-in. Jamie waved at an older man watering his lawn and he actually waved back (I guess that’s normal here?). We stopped by the Dr Pepper Museum and she cracked a joke about Texans loving their soda more than their football teams—which got a few laughs from the back row. The place smelled faintly like old syrup and dust; honestly, it made me crave something cold. Good thing we got to pick between craft coffee or ice cream later—I went for ice cream since it was already pushing 90 degrees outside.

Baylor University’s campus surprised me—so much green space, students everywhere sprawled out with laptops or tossing frisbees. There was this moment when we drove under these huge trees and everything went quiet except for cicadas buzzing. Felt like summer camp but with fancier buildings. Then we wound up by the Brazos River, past bamboo forests (didn’t expect those in Texas), ending up at Cameron Park for this wild limestone overlook. I still think about that view sometimes—sunlight bouncing off the cliffs, river below all muddy and slow-moving.

Somewhere along the way Jamie handed out coupons for local shops—$300 worth? I tucked mine into my bag but forgot about them until later. Oh well. The whole Fixer Upper tour from Waco felt less like sightseeing and more like tagging along with someone who knows every shortcut and story in town. By the end, I wasn’t ready to get out of that van yet—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waco highlights and scenic views

• Pass Magnolia Market and Silos
• See Silos Baking Co.
• Learn about Dr Pepper history
• Tour Baylor University campus
• Visit Texas Ranger Hall of Fame
• View Waco Suspension Bridge and sculpture
• See McLane Stadium
• Hear about local whisky production
• Explore Cameron Park cliffs and bamboo forest

Top questions

How long does the Waco Fixer Upper tour last?

The tour lasts between 2.5 to 3 hours.

Is pickup included for the Fixer Upper tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; the tour starts from a central location.

What are some highlights on this Waco city tour?

You’ll see Magnolia Market, Dr Pepper Museum, Baylor University campus, Cameron Park cliffs, McLane Stadium, and more.

Is food included on the Fixer Upper & city highlights tour?

You get your choice of free craft coffee or ice cream during the tour.

Are kids allowed on this Waco city tour?

Yes; kids under 12 have special pricing but must use their own car seat if required by Texas law.

How many people are on each Waco Fixer Upper tour?

Tours are small-group with no more than 13 guests per van.

Is there wheelchair access on this Waco city highlights tour?

Yes; wheelchair accessibility is available with at least two weeks’ advance notice.

Do you visit inside Magnolia Market on this tour?

No; you pass by Magnolia Market and Silos Baking Co., but don’t go inside as part of the regular itinerary.

What’s included

Your day includes transport in an air-conditioned Mercedes Benz Sprinter van with both a trained guide and driver, free professional photography throughout the trip (so you can put your phone away), $300 worth of coupons to local businesses for shopping or dining later, plus your choice of complimentary craft coffee or ice cream along the way before heading back to where you started.