Things To Do Near Waco Mammoth National Monument
The activities found at the Waco Mammoth National Monument are a result of the people of Waco working for 36 years after the discovery of the fossils until President Obama declared the site a National Monument in 2015. Once the community realized the importance of the find, a 100-acre area surrounding the mammoth dig was created to protect the site, which later became a state park with extra security where oak, spruce, and elm trees provide shaded picnic areas alongside the Bosque River. Hiking and biking trails run throughout this beautiful area. Inside the monument, visitors view the remains from a distance while watching paleontologists continue working to uncover and preserve more fossils. The monument offers virtual visits that explain what various techniques have been revealed about the site and discuss what happened, why it happened, when it happened, and how it happened.
Hiking Trails
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Waco Mammoth National Monument Trail
The Waco Mammoth National Monument Trail is a loop that travels around the outside of the site. It travels through the forests that surround the monument and is well maintained. Though you do not see any fossils from this trail, it is a calming walk that works out any stress you developed on the road.
Location
622 Steinbeck Bend Drive, Waco, TX 76708
Length
0.6 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Waco Mammoth Dig Shelter Trail
The Waco Mammoth Dig Shelter Trail is an in-and-out paved pathway that takes you directly to the original fossil finds. Though the hike is short in distance, it is long in time. This walk takes you back 75,000 years to the instant when a herd of Columbian mammoths perished together in a cataclysmic event.
Location
622 Steinbeck Bend Drive, Waco, TX 76708
Length
0.4 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Cameron Park Zoo
After visiting the fossils at Waco Mammoth National Monument, it is time to look at some live beasts from the present day. The Cameron Park Zoo showcases several animals placed in their natural settings. Land animals include an orangutan, lion, and Komodo dragons. An aquarium lets you get close to marine life, the most intriguing of which is the gliding clownfish.
Location
1701 North 4th Street, Waco, TX 76707
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Lions Junction Family Water Park
Take a short drive south of Waco to the Lions Junction Family Water Park for fun for every family member. The park features swimming pools for kids and adults. Slides, fun water rides, and other activities are enjoyed under the watchful eyes of staff lifeguards.
Location
5000 South 5th Street, Temple, TX 76502
Museums
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Dr. Pepper Museum
Take the time to have some extra fun at the Dr. Pepper Museum. This visit is more than an educational tour. Yes, you discover how the Dr. Pepper drinks came about, but you also get to play with them. You can mix the drinks at the fountain, create a Dr. Pepper float, and grind ice to make a slushy. Whatever you want, it's all good.
Location
300 South 5th Street, Waco, TX 76701
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Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
At the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, you get the entire history of the law enforcement force that kept peace in the lawless sections of Texas during its young days. Tales of how rangers overcame harsh environments and hostile forces are revealed here. You also get a lesson in what it takes to become a Texas Ranger in modern times.
Location
100 Texas Ranger Trail, Waco, TX 76706
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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The Findery
The Findery is a unique gift shop that provides those hard-to-find items that add a flourish to a home. Whether you are looking for pillows and throws, cutting boards, or crazy-styled chairs, you will find them here.
Location
501 South 8th Street, Waco, TX 76706
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Savage Finds Antiques
If you ever wondered where the "pickers" send their finds to be purchased, stop at Savage Finds Antiques. At this location, you discover what is hidden in people's attics, garages, and barns across the country. Here you find those exciting oddities to which people become attached and finally let go to have them sold to someone else who will love it as much as they.
Location
1509 Austin Avenue, Waco, TX 76701
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Butter My Biscuit Café
Butter My Biscuit Café is a unique restaurant in Waco that delivers Southern comfort food at its best. Every item on the menu, including coffee, is freshly made on order. Try their cheesy grits bowl for an authentic Southern meal.
Location
1427 South Valley Mills Drive, Waco, TX 76711
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Magnolia Table
The Magnolia Table is an exciting restaurant that focuses on breakfast and lunch. Their items are always created with fresh ingredients. Try their farm breakfast for a traditional way to start your day.
Location
2132 South Valley Mills Drive, Waco, TX 76706