Gholson TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gholson, Texas.
1. Tower Life Building
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN LANDMARK
The Tower Life Building is a historic skyscraper that stands as an iconic part of San Antonio's skyline. Built in the 1920s, this Gothic Revival style building features intricate architectural details and stunning views of the city from its upper floors. Visitors can admire the building's distinctive green copper roof and octagonal tower that has been a landmark in downtown San Antonio for generations.
2. San Antonio River Walk
SCENIC WATERWAY DESTINATION
The San Antonio River Walk is a vibrant network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, lined with restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Visitors can enjoy scenic boat tours, dine at waterside restaurants, or simply stroll along the cypress-lined paths that wind through the heart of the city. The River Walk transforms throughout the year with special events and decorations, particularly beautiful during holiday seasons when thousands of lights illuminate the area.
3. The Alamo
TEXAS INDEPENDENCE SHRINE
The Alamo is a historic Spanish mission and fortress compound that was the site of a pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution. Visitors can explore the iconic limestone building, view artifacts from the battle, and learn about the site's complex history through exhibits and guided tours. The Alamo stands as a symbol of Texas independence and draws millions of visitors annually who come to pay respects to those who fought and died there in 1836.
4. Historic Market Square
VIBRANT CULTURAL MARKETPLACE
Historic Market Square is the largest Mexican marketplace outside of Mexico, featuring a vibrant collection of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Visitors can browse through colorful stalls selling authentic Mexican crafts, textiles, and souvenirs while enjoying the sounds of mariachi music and the aromas of traditional cuisine. The market's festive atmosphere makes it a popular destination for experiencing San Antonio's rich cultural heritage and finding unique handcrafted items.
5. Gholson Heights Neighborhood
HISTORIC AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY
Gholson Heights is a historically significant African American planned neighborhood developed in the 1950s to provide quality housing during segregation. The neighborhood features more than 70 homes that represented gracious living for the African American community at a time when such housing options were limited. Visitors interested in cultural history can drive through this historic area to see an important example of mid-century urban planning and civil rights progress.
6. Sharondale Addition
MUSICIANS' LEGACY NEIGHBORHOOD
The Sharondale Addition is a historically significant planned community built in 1966 as a sister neighborhood to Gholson Heights. Its five streets are uniquely named after internationally acclaimed African American singers and musicians, creating a lasting tribute to Black musical achievement. The neighborhood contains more than 100 quality homes and stands as an important cultural landmark in Waco's African American heritage.
7. Waco Mammoth National Monument
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL SITE
Waco Mammoth National Monument preserves the fossilized remains of a herd of Columbian mammoths that died approximately 65,000 years ago. Visitors can view excavated fossils in their original position within a climate-controlled dig shelter and learn about the prehistoric creatures through informative exhibits and ranger-led tours. The site represents one of the most important paleontological discoveries in North America and offers fascinating insights into the Ice Age ecosystem of Central Texas.
8. Dr Pepper Museum
SODA HISTORY EXPERIENCE
The Dr Pepper Museum is housed in the 1906 building where Dr Pepper was first bottled and showcases the history of America's oldest major soft drink brand. Visitors can explore three floors of exhibits featuring vintage advertising, bottling equipment, and memorabilia that tell the story of Dr Pepper from its creation in 1885 to its global popularity today. The museum also includes a working old-fashioned soda fountain where guests can enjoy a handcrafted Dr Pepper made with pure cane sugar.
9. Magnolia Market at the Silos
FARMHOUSE-STYLE SHOPPING DESTINATION
Magnolia Market at the Silos is a popular shopping complex created by HGTV stars Chip and Joanna Gaines featuring home décor, gifts, and garden supplies in a renovated historic grain silo setting. The property includes food trucks, a bakery, gardens, and a large lawn area where visitors can relax and enjoy the charming atmosphere that has made this a national tourist destination. Thousands of visitors come to experience the Gaines' signature farmhouse aesthetic and shop for items seen on their television shows.
10. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
LAW ENFORCEMENT HISTORY
The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is the official historical center of the legendary Texas Rangers law enforcement agency founded in 1823. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, weapons, and memorabilia chronicling the history of what is considered America's oldest state law enforcement agency. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing famous cases, view vintage firearms, and learn about the Rangers' evolution from frontier horseback patrols to modern criminal investigators.
11. Cameron Park Zoo
NATURAL HABITAT WILDLIFE
Cameron Park Zoo is a 52-acre natural habitat zoo featuring over 1,700 animals representing 300 species from around the world. The zoo's exhibits are designed to mimic natural environments, allowing visitors to observe animals in settings similar to their native habitats, including the popular Brazos River Country and African Savanna areas. Families particularly enjoy the interactive features like the Lemur Island walkthrough, the Reptile House, and the Herpetarium with its diverse collection of reptiles and amphibians.
12. Homestead Craft Village
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS COMMUNITY
Homestead Craft Village is a Christian community where visitors can observe traditional craftspeople demonstrating historic trades like blacksmithing, pottery, woodworking, and fiber arts. The village features beautifully constructed buildings made with traditional techniques, gardens, and a popular restaurant serving farm-to-table fare made with ingredients grown on-site. Visitors can purchase handcrafted items, participate in workshops, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this working heritage farm.
13. Hawaiian Falls Waco
FAMILY WATER ADVENTURE
Hawaiian Falls Waco is a family-friendly water park featuring numerous slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and dedicated children's play areas. The park offers attractions for all ages, from gentle kiddie pools with mini slides to adrenaline-pumping water slides that drop riders from heights of over 60 feet. During the hot Texas summers, it serves as a popular cooling destination for locals and visitors seeking water recreation and family fun.
14. Brazos River
SCENIC WATERWAY RECREATION
The Brazos River flows through Waco offering numerous recreational opportunities including fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic waterfront hiking trails. The river is spanned by several noteworthy bridges including the historic Waco Suspension Bridge, built in 1870 and once part of the Chisholm Trail cattle drives. Visitors can enjoy riverside parks, boat launches, and wildlife viewing areas along this important Texas waterway that serves as the backbone of Waco's outdoor recreation scene.
15. Baylor University
HISTORIC ACADEMIC INSTITUTION
Baylor University is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas, founded in 1845 with a beautiful campus featuring distinct architectural styles and landscaped grounds. Visitors can tour the campus to see landmarks like Pat Neff Hall with its golden dome, the Armstrong Browning Library housing one of the world's largest collections of Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning materials, and the Mayborn Museum Complex. Sports enthusiasts often visit to attend Baylor Bears athletic events at McLane Stadium or the Ferrell Center.
Gholson Restaurants
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Gholson Beaches
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