One more place to enjoy near Waco in Texas
The Dr Pepper Museum stands in downtown Waco as a tribute to America’s oldest major soft drink, which was invented in this Texas city in 1885. Housed in the historic 1900 headquarters of the Dr Pepper/C Snapple Group, the museum offers visitors a journey through more than a century of beverage history, advertising memorabilia, and the fascinating story of pharmacist Charles Alderton who created the iconic drink.
Charles Alderton, a young Waco pharmacist, first created Dr Pepper in 1885 by blending 23 distinct flavors into a unique formula that he mixed at the soda fountain in his drugstore. The drink was originally called a “Waco Soda” by customers who frequented Alderton’s pharmacy at the corner of Sixth Street and Austin Avenue. Alderton never revealed the exact recipe, and to this day the formula remains one of the best-kept secrets in the beverage industry. The success of Dr Pepper led to the formation of the Dr Pepper Company, which moved into the beautiful Victorian-era building that now serves as the museum in 1900. This three-story brick building with its distinctive clock tower and cupola was the corporate headquarters for nearly seven decades, operating as a pharmacy and beverage distribution center.
The museum spans three floors of exhibits showcasing the evolution of Dr Pepper from a regional soda fountain curiosity to a nationwide beverage phenomenon. The first floor features the original Soda Fountain where visitors can still purchase Dr Pepper products today, including vintage flavors not available in stores. The fountain area has been meticulously restored to its 1930s appearance with original marble countertops, chrome stools, and antique soda dispensers. The second floor houses the Advertising Hall of Fame, displaying an impressive collection of Dr Pepper advertisements spanning every decade from the 1890s to the present. The third floor contains the Bottling Gallery, where antique bottling machinery from various eras is displayed, demonstrating how Dr Pepper was produced, bottled, and distributed across the country.
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM–5:30 PM and on Sundays noon–5 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children ages 4 through 17, with children under 4 admitted free. The best time to visit is during the fall and spring months when Waco’s weather is mild and comfortable for exploring downtown. Summer can be particularly hot in Central Texas, with temperatures regularly exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit, making the air-conditioned museum an ideal respite from the heat. Weekend mornings tend to be less crowded than afternoons, and weekday visits virtually guarantee having the exhibits nearly to yourself.
Visitors should plan to spend approximately two to three hours to fully experience all three floors of exhibits, browse the gift shop, and enjoy a Dr Pepper float at the original soda fountain. The museum is wheelchair accessible throughout, and guided tours are available for groups of 10 or more with advance notice.