A Texas-born icon

Before Coca-Cola. Before Pepsi. There was Dr Pepper. And it wasn’t invented in a lab or a factory—it was born behind a pharmacy counter in Waco, Texas. If you’re even a casual soda drinker, the Dr Pepper Museum is a must-visit. It’s part history, part nostalgia trip, and part science fair.

Where it all began

The pharmacist and his 23 flavors

In the 1880s, a young pharmacist named Charles Alderton worked at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store in Waco. He started mixing different fruit syrups with carbonated water and landed on a recipe that customers loved—what would later become Dr Pepper. According to lore, Alderton didn’t even name the drink himself; store owner Wade Morrison supposedly named it after the father of a girl he once loved.

From local favorite to national brand

Dr Pepper was first served in 1885, making it the oldest major soft drink brand in the United States. By 1904, it had gone national after debuting at the St. Louis World’s Fair, the same event that popularized hamburgers and the ice cream cone.

The museum experience

Three floors of fizzy history

Housed in the original 1906 Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building, the Dr Pepper Museum isn’t some sleek, corporate visitor center. It’s old-school, brick-walled, and full of personality.

• First Floor: Start with the bottling room, old delivery trucks, and early marketing memorabilia. There’s a recreated 1950s soda fountain that’ll give you real “back in the day” vibes.
• Second Floor: This one’s all about the science of carbonation. Kids love the interactive exhibits where they can try to guess flavor combos or create soda bubbles.
• Third Floor: Features rotating exhibits—past topics have included vintage vending machines, celebrity endorsements, and the drink’s role in 20th-century pop culture.

Liquid Lab

Book in advance and get hands-on. The Liquid Lab experience lets visitors mix their own soda flavor using a selection of syrups and carbonated water. It’s a great activity for families, school groups, or anyone who wants to play beverage scientist for a day.

The Taste Test

You’ll end your visit with a cold Dr Pepper—served the old-fashioned way, over crushed ice in a vintage cup. No plastic bottles here. It’s a nice way to connect taste to history.

Highlights you won’t want to miss

The vault

You’ll find the original Dr Pepper formula (or at least a copy) locked inside a walk-in safe. It’s more symbolic than secure, but it adds mystique. People love posing for pics in front of it.

Ghost stories

The building is old, and yes, it’s allegedly haunted. Staff members and paranormal teams have reported unexplained sounds, cold spots, and weird flickering lights. Want to lean into the spooky side? The museum occasionally offers nighttime ghost tours.

The advertising hall

See how branding evolved over the years—from hand-drawn newspaper ads to neon signs to celebrity commercials. There’s something oddly satisfying about seeing a Dr Pepper ad featuring Dick Clark, Larry Culpepper, and Wonder Woman all in one space.

Why it’s more than a soda museum

Cultural touchstone

Dr Pepper has a different vibe from Coke or Pepsi—it’s a little more oddball, a little more Texan, and very proud of its quirks. The museum leans into that. It doesn’t just tell the story of a drink. It tells the story of how a small-town invention became an icon without ever fully conforming.

Great for all ages

Whether you’re 7 or 70, the museum has something for you. Kids love the hands-on stuff and vintage soda machines. Adults appreciate the deep dive into history and branding. And grandparents? They’re there for the sweet, sweet nostalgia.

Unique to Waco

You won’t find another museum like this anywhere else in the world. Dr Pepper has a national (and international) fan base, but Waco is the only place where you can walk the same floors as its inventors and early bottlers.

Planning your trip

• Location: 300 South 5th Street, Waco, TX 76701
• Hours: 10 AM to 5:30 PM daily
• Parking: Free lot nearby, plus street parking
• Time Needed: Budget at least 1.5–2 hours, longer if you do the Liquid Lab
• Tickets: Can be bought online or at the door; group rates available
• Gift Shop: Yes, and it’s awesome. Expect Dr Pepper–branded socks, barbecue sauce, glass bottles, and vintage-style tees.

Local tip

Grab a grilled cheese or chicken salad sandwich from the on-site cafe. Not only is the food solid, but the retro diner setting completes the whole experience. If you’re still hungry, you’re just a short walk from Waco’s growing restaurant district downtown.

Final thoughts

The Dr Pepper Museum is a little weird, a little retro, and absolutely delightful. It’s a time capsule and a tribute, packed with personality. If you’re exploring Waco, don’t skip it—it’s a fizzy slice of Texas history you didn’t know you needed.

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