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Photo: Tokenjoker21, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Cameron Park consists of over 400 acres of trees, trails, and nature that sit in the heart of Waco. Upstream from downtown Waco, the park is lined by the Brazos and Bosque rivers and the trails weave deep into the forest which are perfect for running, walking, biking, and horseback riding. Stationed throughout the park are pavilions, water fountains, fire pits, and public restrooms, making the park a haven for Waco families and visitors alike. Also includes a 23-hole disc golf course, fishing and boating facilities, and a "Spray Park" with water fountains and playgrounds free to the public.
Cameron Park is a 416-acre (168 ha) urban park located in Waco, Texas. The park was dedicated on May 27, 1910, and named in memory of Waco philanthropist and lumber baron William Cameron. The park also contains Waco's 52-acre (21 ha) zoo, the Cameron Park Zoo.
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Wave pool, slides, lazy river, etc.
Waco's zoo is in one of the country's largest undeveloped municipal parks. The zoo is next to the Brazos River and has 52 acres of vegetation. The walkways of Cameron Park Zoo meander through lush landscapes and natural habitat displays featuring animals from Africa, Asia, South America, North America, and Madagascar. An 1880s Texas ranch house serves as an education facility, complete with whitetail deer, turkey, and peccary display. A state of the art Herpetarium opened in 1997. Grammy Nell's Play Area opened in 1998 with a focus on nature-based play and a zero-depth splash fountain. The following year a $600,000 African lion display was built thanks to the family and friends of Sam "Jack" McGlasson. Lemur Island is home to three species of Lemurs including the Sclater's black lemur, a critically endangered species that is held in only 14 institutions worldwide.
The location of the only nursery herd of Columbian mammoths found in North America.
Built in 1870, it was the first bridge across the Brazos River and the longest bridge west of the Mississippi River at that time. Now a walking bridge, the architecture is a token of Waco used by walkers, joggers, and is a popular spot for picture taking and having picnics. Wacoans have created a game consisting of tossing tortillas from the bridge aiming to hit a concrete pillar stationed in the Brazos River. Learning the art of tossing the tortilla is much more difficult than it first appears and keeps players continually coming back to the bridge.
When completed in 1911, this beautiful 22-story building was the tallest in the Southwest. It is still used for commercial purposes on the inside but the outside is ready for pictures anytime, day or night. Unfortunately, access to the interior is not available to the general public.
Lake Waco was constructed by the Army Corp of Engineers in 1929. Since then, Lake Waco has grown and become the city's primary source of water. The lake offers fishing, camping, day-use recreation areas, boating, swimming, hike and bike trails, horseback riding trails, and hunting. Parking is available off Airport Road. Parking lot hours are 6AM to 10PM. The hiking trail next to Lake Waco opens one hour before sunrise and closes one hour before sunset. Sometimes the park holds irregular hours due to weather.