Mammoths and tortoises and saber-toothed cats - oh my, Waco.

DH
Dec 30, 2018
2 min read

Waco, Texas has become a much more popular place due to Chip and Joanna Gaines. After watching Fixer Upper, you may have even thought of moving there! Ok, maybe not but Waco is a cool place to visit for a relaxing weekend getaway. It is small but has become much more than a “college town.” There are traditional things to do, such as go to a Baylor game, visit the zoo, or check out the Magnolia Market and Silos. I challenge you do something a little different.

Visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument! It is a dig site with mammoth fossils. Now, I have nerd tendencies, but this is cool for everyone in your travel squad. Once you park, go into the gift shop/rest area for your tour ticket. To see the dig site, you must buy the guided tour.

#1 – Cheap fun: Tour tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and students (up to college), $3 for kids. If your child is under 3 years old, they join for free.

The gift shop has cool trinkets. You can find t-shirts to toys to crystals and coloring books.

Tip: There is a play area for kids while you wait for the tour. There is a tent with drawings and crayons to distract the kiddos…and the adults. Who doesn’t like to color?

The park ranger will meet the group and give a little talk. There is a short walk to the site. The ranger engages the group, does a little trivia.

Tip: If you have any limitations, the ranger will gladly bring the golf cart around. You’ll be on your feet for a bit, so take the ride.

You will arrive at a silver building amongst the trees. The fossils are inside. Prepare to be amazed!

#2 – It is an air-conditioned building. You will appreciate that on a hot Texas summer day.

As you enter, the fossils are directly to your left in a large pit. A painting of a mammoth is to your right. You learn about the different types of mammoths, the other animals found in the pit, what possibly happened to them, where to see the removed fossils, etc. You even get to touch a few things.

#3 – you'll learning something. Again, I have nerd tendencies but this was legitimately enjoyed by everyone in my group. Everyone learned something.

Overall: I strongly recommend checking this out! Unfortunately, during Government Shutdowns, this tour may not be available. If it is, do go and support the park rangers. Tip well, if you can.