Dr Pepper Museum

What to know

The Dr Pepper Museum is a fun, quirky stop in downtown Waco, Texas, celebrating the history of the world's oldest major soft drink. Housed in the original 1906 Artesian Manufacturing and Bottling Company building, the museum dives deep into the brand's origins and the unique flavor that became a global phenomenon. The story begins in 1885 at Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store, where a young pharmacist named Charles Alderton is credited with inventing the beverage. While mixing drinks at the soda fountain, Alderton combined a proprietary blend of 23 flavors to create a unique taste that was first sold commercially in 1885. Visitors can explore exhibits that trace the evolution of the evolution of the drink from a local pharmacy creation to a major international brand. The museum highlights how Waco is the birthplace of Dr Pepper, emphasizing its status as the oldest major soft drink brand in the United States, even predating Coke. Beyond the soda, the museum offers a glimpse into the early 20th-century bottling industry. Because the museum is located in the original bottling plant, visitors can experience the industrial history of the brand alongside its marketing and cultural impact.

Nearby context

Located in downtown Waco, the museum is situated at 300 South 5th Street, placing it in the heart of the city's historic center where the beverage's legacy began.