Dr Pepper Museum
Waco, TX
In 1885, a pharmacist who served drinks at a soda fountain tried to create a carbonated beverage that tasted like how the Old Corner Drug Store where he worked smelled: Dr Pepper was born. The Dr Pepper Museum opened in 1991 on the site of the beverage’s former bottling factory, right next door to the Old Corner Drug Store, and contains over 100,000 objects reflecting the history of the brand and the soft drink industry.
The basics
Fans of Dr Pepper won’t be disappointed by a visit to its namesake museum—for a start, admission includes a free Dr Pepper drink from the soda fountain. The museum is split across two buildings: The Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building has three floors of museum exhibits, and the Kellum-Rotan building houses the soda fountain and experience areas. Once inside, you can watch science demonstrations at the Liquid Lab and discover the history of soft drinks within the museum. There are also a variety of tours and experiences available, ranging from Make-A-Soda to create your own drink flavor to a Paranormal Experience that explores the building’s spooky past.
Things to know before you go
- Reservations are required for tours and experiences, which can be booked online.
- You can trade in your free drink voucher for US$1 credit to use on another menu item if you’d prefer.
- The gift shop and soda fountain do not require paid admission to visit.
How to get there
The Dr Pepper Museum is located in downtown Waco. If driving, the nearest parking lot is located on 5th Street with an exit on Mary Street. Street parking is also available around the museum. The museum is one block north of the popular Magnolia Market, so it’s easy to combine visits to both attractions.
When to get there
The Dr Pepper Museum is open daily year-round except for major holidays. Hours are slightly shorter on Sundays, when it opens for the afternoon only. Most people spend 1–2 hours exploring, although a visit can take longer during busy times, such as weekends and school holidays. Magnolia Market is a popular attraction nearby, and the surrounding parking lots often fill up fast—consider arriving earlier in the day to find parking.
More museums and sites within reach
Waco’s small downtown is easy to explore on foot. Grab a Dr Pepper and sip as you stroll to other museums nearby, such as the Earle-Napier-Kinnard House, an 1800s home with period furnishings. For more food and beverages, walk one block south to Magnolia Market, which has food trucks and a restaurant.
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