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Waco Information

The Waco metropolitan area, with a population over 200,000, is located in the heart of Central Texas and within driving distance of most major urban centers in the state-100 miles from Dallas and Austin and 180 miles from Houston and San Antonio.

The climate of Central Texas is mild yearround. High temperatures range from the upper 90s at the peak of the summer to the 30s and 40s in the winter.

Waco Suspension Bridge spanning the Brazos River

Waco was founded in 1849 at the site of a natural ford on the Brazos River. It was at this site that the historic Waco Suspension Bridge was built soon after the Civil War. Located on the famous Chisholm Trail, Waco has thrived as a trade center and remains important to NAFTA traffic along Interstate 35 and through Waco Regional Airport, which provides commuter routes to Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston.

Outdoor recreational opportunities in the Waco area include 7,000-acre Lake Waco and the 416-acre Cameron Park, one of the state's largest municipal parks which includes Cameron Park Zoo, a natural habitat zoo. There are a total of 35 parks in the city.

Waco is a city of museums and galleries. Local offerings include the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, the Art Center and the Dr Pepper Museum. There are a number of sites on the Baylor University campus, including Armstrong Browning Library and the Mayborn Museum Complex.

Baylor is a charter member of the Big 12 Conference, and the Bears compete regularly against nationally ranked teams. Baylor has varsity teams in football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, golf, soccer and track and field. Club sports include cycling, karate, waterskiing, badminton, sailing, rugby and lacrosse. Each school year includes performances by organizations such as the Baylor Symphony, A Capella Choir and Baylor Theatre as well as numerous symposia and lectures. Local entertainment includes performances by the Waco Symphony Orchestra, Waco Lyric Opera and Waco Civic Theatre.

Waco is home to a variety of fine restaurants, many located in the city's renovated downtown warehouse district. The area features an eclectic mix of restaurants, specialty shops and loft and office spaces.

More Information

Waco Visitors Guide

Baylor Visitors Center

Map to Campus

Campus Map

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