Family Activities:

Dr. Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute

Attraction

Dr. Pepper Museum & Free Enterprise Institute

300 S 5th St, Waco, TX

The oldest of America’s major brand soft drinks was created in Waco, when a pharmacist named Charles Alderton, who enjoyed experimenting with different concoctions for flavored sodas, started slinging what is now known as Dr. Pepper in 1885. Customers during that time simply asked him to shoot them, “a Waco.”

Visitors can trace that story, see original artifacts and a replica of the drug store where Alderton worked, as well as vintage advertising memorabilia throughout the museum. Across the lot at Frosty’s Soda Shop, enjoy an original recipe Dr. Pepper or watch a demonstration from a flavor chemist at the Liquid Laboratory – you might even get to sample an experimental soda flavor.

Hours

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5:30 p.m.

Rates

Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for senior citizens and military; $6 for students and children; free for ages 4 and under. Many visitors assume a Dr. Pepper sample is included with admission, but that currently isn’t the case. You can purchase a drink at Frosty’s Soda Shop (admission isn’t required to visit the soda shop or gift shop).

Dining

A simple menu consisting of hot dogs and chips, plus a variety of ice cream treats, is available at Frosty’s Soda Shop.

Parking

Free street parking