Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum

If you like history, this is well worth a 90 minute to two-​hour visit. Great way to learn about and appreciate the role of Texas Rangers since their establishment in the nineteenth century. Many interesting exhibits, especially the one about the role of retired Rangers in the final shootout with Bonnie and Clyde. Nice hands on exhibits too. Strongly recommended.

One of the highlights of my recent trip to Waco. People were very helpful and courteous, there was an interesting video shown at the beginning, and there was lots of cool weaponry. The place feels a bit eerie. My favorite highlights were seeing the wall of current Rangers which included women; medals of honor, and old guns. Lots of fun stuff to learn and 2 gift shops, allow 3 hours.

We stopped here on our route from Dallas to Austin. the tickets were pretty cheap per person for the museum. There were not too many people at the museum; however, we visited during the day on a Thursday. The museum has different times that the movie starts, and we came in right as the next movie started. Although I did not watch the whole movie, it explained the history of the Texas Rangers. Besides the movies, there were many different items on display they could be viewed and had descriptions. My favorite part of the museum was seeing the old guns and other accessories used by the Rangers. The guns were old school and had unique designs that seemed to be carved by hand. Toward the middle of the exhibit, there was a gift shop. Items were pretty pricey, but some cool stuff. I think this museum did the Texas Rangers justice, my limited interest in the Rangers is why I am giving it a 4 stars.

Totally loved this museum experience. Husband loves history and firearms collecting so this was definitely his wheelhouse. I enjoyed the collection of confederate currency, investigative tools from the era, one of the original slot machines and a confiscated still from prohibition. They allow photos so appreciated that we could capture some of the exhibits. Highly suggest the 45 minute free film that gives a great overview. The visitors bureau is next door and offers $ 1 off coupons so only $ 6 to get in and well worth the price. Spent about 3 hours but it is a self guided experience so up to the individual. Probably one of the best things to do in Waco.

We stopped on our way to San Antonio and enjoyed visiting the museum & Hall of Fame. Many law enforcement exhibits, historical tidbits and lots of guns. «Hi-​Yo Silver»!! I think you would find it all quite interesting even if you do not like guns. Well worth the low admission price.

We really enjoyed the Ranger Museum, lots of cool history about the Rangers, didn’t know they were started by Stephen F. Austin before Texas was a country or a state. If you love history, especially of the Texas variety, and fire arms, this is the place for you. They let you take pics, wish i’d brought my spare battery, I might have crashed the Unilocal website with a massive photo op! The Waco Tourism Bureau is right next door so stop there first and pick up some brochures and coupons for The Texas Ranger Museum, the Mammoth Site, Dr. Pepper Museum and other places… if you’re going anyway… coupons help. There’s a 45 minute video that covers the Ranger’s history.

As others have already said this is a great gun collection. My wife likes the Bonnie and Clyde exhibit very much.

I gave a three star rating to start. I’m not sure what I was expecting. It was neat and a lot bigger than I thought. Lots and lots of guns on display. Kids loved the display where you could take one apart. We read a lot of the signs and tried to explain what the Rangers did/​do but it was more difficult than expected. Not sure if they got it. Mostly lots and lots of cases of guns. The video they show didn’t appeal to kiddos so we skipped after peeping in on it (room is beautiful it’s showed in). There was a lot of cowboyesque iron sculptures on display that I didn’t care for — I’d prefer museum items, or recreations/​dioramas that depict the subject. Maybe a charismatic guided tour would put this museum over the top? Facility is very clean and very modern. Customer service was fine. Outside grounds and parking are perfectly fine as well.
Gave an extra star for a hidden gem that was our highlight. In the Chuck Norris room they have a lil stage with dress up stuff and suggested plays. The kids LOVED this! Plus there is a bench so parents can sit and take pictures, etc. Super cute and fun!
Gave an extra star because they offer a super cheap (all day for $ 25) Summer camp that taught kids Pioneer Day Texas ranger life and modern day crime investigations. It was a huge hit with my kiddo and highly recommended!

One of the better roadside attractions out there. Been traveling I-​35 and need a break to stretch your legs? Stop here for about an hour, get some authentic Texas nostalgia and learn about the legendary lawmen of our state. There’s everything about the Rangers from the founding of the body by Stephen F. Austin to the modern day law enforcement organization. Of course, being a museum devoted to Texas law enforcement, there’s quite the collection of firearms from muzzle loading black powder muskets to BARs and AR-​15s.
Stop by and learn about the real heroes who are what Chuck Norris wants to be…

Would I go here again? Probably not. Is it worth it to check out at least once? For sure.
A lot of the exhibits seem to have the same stuff over and over again. But the Bonnie and Clyde exhibit is awesome and worth it alone if you’re a fan of their tragic story. The gift shop has a ton of great Texas themed gifts and the staff is super friendly.
My main complaint? Bring back the penny souvenir machines. Pleaaaase.

Great museum in Waco, right near the site of Baylor’s new stadium. They play an old history channel documentary on the Rangers, and have many displays on the historic rangers, specific rangers, and the rangers as portrayed in media. A must stop if you are in Waco.

Very interesting place, I’d love to go when my kids are older.
My 7 and 8 year old kids were board and almost uninterested.
My 11 and 12 year old kids were more interested. They have a scavenger hunt that the kids can do for a prize.
Lots of Rangers. Lots of guns.
Even a Hollywood room with Chuck Norris.

The Texas Ranger Museum preserves the storied history of Texas’ oldest law enforcement body. From bands of riders on horseback of Lone Ranger lore who protected farmers and tamed the Old West to Walker, Texas Ranger of Chuck Norris lore, the museum covers a great span of history. And it’s not myth. The Rangers were responsible for the real life take-​down of Bonnie and Clyde. Today they’re a division of Texas’ state troopers and are responsible for investigations, border security, and protecting the governor. The museum tells their stories and showcases many of their weapons. It’s housed in a small quaint building of fitting size and décor.

As one of the reviewer said, if you are into firearms, Rangers and history, this is the place for you. Unfortunately, that’s not me. I still think the Mammoth Site is better if you are visiting Waco.

This a museum for die-​hard historians, particularly those interested in Texas history. It’s unique, it’s comprehensive, it’s well organized and it’s just downright fascinating.
Although not very large, the Texas Ranger Museum chronicles the origins and complete history of the the Texas Rangers — and I’m not talking about the baseball team. Weaponry, ranks, arrests, organization — it’s all here. Housed in a quirky building with a creaky wooden floor, it has a rustic feeling to it, so not only do you see the history of this elite crew of lawmen, you feel it.
If you’re in Waco and have the time to stop in, do so. You’ll get a very different perspective of who the Rangers were and who they are today. Ample parking is provided. Skip the gift shop, though, as it’s mostly goofy stuff that you could find at any Y’All’s Texas store.
And on a side note, when you’re done: check out the cemetery across the street. There are grave markers from the Civil War here. Talk about history!

If you are interested in Texas history this is a neat place to go. I really enjoyed the display on Bonnie and Clyde. You should check it out if you are in Waco and looking for something to do.

Absolutely fascinating. History from day one of Texas rangers all the way to present day rangers. Lots and lots of guns and if course the Bonnie & Clyde exhibit was my favorite.

Pretty cool place. Watch the video if you can.

Great museum. Lots of history of not only the Texas Rangers, but of Texas itself. Lots of things to look at. A must see for all Texans and everybody else.

Well, depending on what you’re interested in will depend on how you feel about this museum.
Basically this museum’s exhibits are made up of what Rangers use in the field (Badges, Saddles, ID’s, outfits and guns… lots and lots of guns).
For $ 7 an adult, I’m not sure if it’s entirely worth the visit (especially since it cost $ 9 an adult for the Cameron Park Zoo — and the Zoo is a way. better value).
But if you have to see some of the props used in the Walker «Texas Ranger» series or some of the equipment recovered from the Bonnie and Clyde «Death Car» then nothing I’m going to say at this point will stop you from checking this place out.
Thankfully, someone realized that this museum is (probably) nothing but boring for kids so they incorporated a game within the museum’s exhibits (basically, find the robbers, get the word on the picture, unscramble the message and get a small prize at the museum store). It was a fun distraction for me as well. :)
Anyhow, look at the pics and see if it’s something you just have to experience, but I feel there is far better stuff to do in Waco then this.