Waco: Fixer Upper Tour with Show Homes & Local Stops

Summary

Fixer Upper homes up close plus Waco’s quirks and stories

You’ll laugh with your guide at old Fixer Upper stories, step into a Chip & Joanna-designed home (when available), and see spots like the Harp House and Cottonland Castle. Expect small surprises—like meeting Jimmy Don or spotting details from your favorite episodes—and leave with a new way of seeing Waco’s neighborhoods.

What’s the experience like?

We were already laughing about our attempts to pronounce “Brazos” right when we pulled up outside what used to be Clint’s workshop — you know, from Fixer Upper. The old Harp Design shop still smells faintly like sawdust if you stand near the door (I checked). Our guide, who grew up in Waco, pointed out the little details I’d have missed — like how the porch swing was actually made for one of the episodes. I didn’t expect to feel so nosy peeking at someone’s house, but it felt okay somehow. Maybe because everyone waves here?

When JDH Iron Design was open, we stopped in and Jimmy Don himself was there — he really is as friendly as people say. He handed me a metal sign that still felt warm from the Texas sun. We got a discount for shopping too, which I hadn’t planned on using but… well, now my kitchen has “gather” in big letters. The highlight for me was stepping inside one of the actual homes from Fixer Upper (the 3 Little Pigs House) — it’s weird seeing something on TV and then touching the banister in real life. It made me wonder if Chip ever tripped over it like I almost did.

The castle — Cottonland Castle — looked even more dramatic than on TV, though we didn’t go inside (our guide said Chip and Jo bought it recently). There was this moment where everyone just stood quietly staring at it; not sure why but it felt kind of… hopeful? Or maybe just hot — Texas sun does that to you after two hours. Water was included (thank goodness), and the van had good air conditioning. Honestly, I still think about that house tour sometimes when I’m watching reruns back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fixer Upper and Waco city tour

• Start at former Harp Design shop
• Visit JDH Iron Design if open
• Tour 3 Little Pigs House inside
• View Chip and Jo's castle outside

Top questions

Can you go inside any Fixer Upper homes on this tour?

Yes, when available you can tour the 3 Little Pigs House featured on Fixer Upper.

Does this Waco Fixer Upper tour include Cottonland Castle?

You’ll see Cottonland Castle from outside but do not go inside.

Is water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for guests during the tour.

Are discounts available at JDH Iron Design?

Yes, if JDH Iron Design is open during your stop, you receive a discount ticket for shopping.

How long does this Waco city & Fixer Upper tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meeting point is at former Harp Design shop location.

Are pets allowed on this Waco city tour?

Lap pets under 30 lbs are welcome to join the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes stops at famous Fixer Upper locations around Waco like Clint’s former workshop and Cottonland Castle, entry into a show home when available, all fees and taxes covered, bottled water to keep you cool in the Texas heat, plus friendly guidance throughout—just bring your curiosity (and maybe a camera).