Suspension Bridge & Riverwalk Area

Photo of the Waco Suspension Bridge and Brazos River.

The historic Waco Suspension Bridge was completed in 1870 and remains a legendary icon of downtown Waco. For years, the bridge served as a Chisholm Trail crossing, and at the time of its completion, it was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi. The bridge was built with cable supplied by the John Roebling Co., who built the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.

The bridge is flanked by two great Waco parks — Indian Spring Park on the west side, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on the east side. The bridge is the centerpiece of many community festivals and events and serves as a great venue for parties and special events.

Branding the Brazos

Photo of the

In 2008, the first pieces of the “Branding the Brazos” sculptures made their debut next to the Waco Suspension Bridge. The towering Chisholm Trail sculptures, crafted by Robert Summers, include an oversized, bronze trail boss driving longhorns on their way to crossing the Brazos. Additional art pieces and monuments also surround the bridge.

The Riverwalk

Photo of woman jogging along the Riverwalk with her dog.

The Waco Riverwalk includes approximately seven miles of multi-use, lighted trail that loops along both banks of the Brazos River.  The scenic path stretches from Baylor University to Cameron Park and passes underneath the Suspension Bridge. The Riverwalk is accessible from various points through downtown Waco and captures the natural beauty of the Brazos River Corridor. 

The East Riverwalk

Photo of the East Riverwalk with the Brazos River to the side.

The East Riverwalk section in downtown Waco is a 2/3-mile trail, lighted pathway necessary to achieve a continuous 5.5-mile downtown Riverwalk loop from Baylor to Cameron Park. The bike and pedestrian connection stretches from McLane Stadium to the existing Riverwalk at Franklin Avenue. The trail passes under several bridges and sections were built above the Brazos River.

Waco Sculpture Zoo

Photo of bear sculpture with the Brazos River in the background.

Waco Sculpture Zoo

The mile-long stretch of the Waco Sculpture Zoo features 28 artworks varying in style, form and materials. Each sculpture represents an animal that can be found in Cameron Park Zoo or that is native to the area.

The sculptures are visible from University Parks Drive, the Riverwalk and the Brazos River. You can find all 28 animal-based artworks along the Brazos River Trail between downtown Waco and the Pecan Bottoms entrance to Cameron Park Zoo.

The sculptures were commissioned by Creative Waco following a national call for artists, a rigorous juried selection process and the generosity of private donors. The project features work by 17 different artists from across the United States, including 2 local sculptors.