Visiting the Dr. Pepper Museum

Somewhere in my long ago travels I picked up a brochure for the Dr. Pepper Museum in Waco, TX. Now, I’m not a fan of the uniquely favored soda but the brochure really sold me and I decided I wanted to visit one day. Flash forward to 2021 and I’m planning my first post(?) pandemic trip to Texas. I’m actually headed to Dallas but a quick glance at the map indicates that Waco is about 1.5 hours away. I can totally make that detour! So one summer day I find myself driving on a Texas highway toward the Dr. Pepper Museum.

You may wonder why Waco, TX is the home of the Dr. Pepper Museum and the answer is quite simple. It was invented here! In the 1880’s a local pharmacist named Charles Alderton began selling it at Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store. Apparently, he loved the way the drugstore smelled (thanks to the soda fountain syrups) and created a flavor based on that smell and, as they say, the rest is history.

Today, the Dr. Pepper museum is housed in the historic Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company. Although not owned by Dr. Pepper the company does support the museum and has provided several artifacts for display.

I visited on a Sunday afternoon and half expected to be the only visitor. Boy was I wrong! The Dr. Pepper Museum is a popular place and rightfully so. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the history of the soft drink and features several fun, interactive exhibits. I had been wanting to visit for over 20 years and it far exceeded my expectations.

On one floor was a fun exhibit showcasing the history of failed sodas. Not only did it include New Coke and my beloved Crystal Pepsi but it also featured an array of failed Dr. Pepper options I was completed unaware of.

Piping hot Dr. Pepper? Gee, I wonder why that never caught on.

Another fascinating area was devoted to the history of the building itself. After operating as a bottling plant for decades it was in a state of neglect when it became the museum. As the new owners peeled back the layers of its past they made several interesting discoveries including a well completely filled in with discarded bottles.

And then there are the Dr. Pepper branded products, especially those used in giveaways. If I was a kid in the mid-century I would have loved to win any one of them.

After viewing all the Dr. Pepper artifacts I couldn’t help but crave the drink itself. Luckily, the museum has a full service soda fountain and a free drink is included in the price of admission. I sidled up to the counter, ordered my drink and…

I enjoyed it! I don’t know if I was just feeling the vibes from my surroundings but I liked my Dr. Pepper. Have I had it since? Nope, but I have gained a new appreciation for America’s oldest soda. Whether you’re a true aficionado or a casual fine like me the Dr. Pepper Museum is definitely worth a trip to Waco, TX. I’m certainly glad I took the detour and hope other visitors to the area do the same.