Waco Opens Downtown Visitor Center to Boost Tourism
Waco relocated the visitor center from its previous location near Interstate 35 as part of the city's strategy to capitalize on urban growth.
WACO, Texas — The new visitor center, housed in a formerly vacant building, aims to serve as a hub connecting visitors to the city's main attractions while supporting local businesses along the downtown corridor.
"It was all part of the goal to really lean into the downtown vibrancy of Waco," said Hanna Andersen, Assistant Destination Development Officer. "We wanted to support all the local businesses and things that we have going on right here in the downtown corridor."
The strategic location places visitors within walking distance of popular destinations including Magnolia Market at the Silos and the Dr Pepper Museum.
"The welcome center is really a way to connect everything that we have," the representative said.
City officials say the move is designed to increase overnight stays in hotels and short-term rentals by encouraging tourists to spend more time exploring downtown rather than treating Waco as a brief stop along the highway.
The center features work exclusively from local artists throughout its spaces, including the lobby and a new hospitality suite. The artwork will rotate seasonally to showcase different Waco creators.
"We want it to be a place where local makers, artists, people who make Waco what it is — we want them to feel like it's a space for them too," the representative said. "It's not just for visitors."
In addition to offering tourism information and Waco merchandise, the center plans to host pop-up events aimed at both visitors and residents.
The center is opened Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.