Waco Tours
Waco Tours: City Growth Solid Gold Neighbor
Krista Brinser, Assistant Director, Community Relations
Founded in 2016 by Luke and Rachel Whyte and David Ridley, featured on HGTV's Fixer Upper, Waco Tours was created to intentionally connect the dots of Waco, Texas to curious guests. (You may remember Luke and Rachel Whyte from this fixer-upper. David Ridley, known to Fixer Upper fans as the "eligible bachelor" is a bachelor no more – his wife, Rachel Ridley, is highly involved with Waco Tours, spearheading communications efforts since 2017.) Through a team of dedicated staff who share the redemptive stories of Waco, visitors leave feeling encouraged and inspired by the bigger picture of all God is doing within the city. Waco Tours provides fun, life-changing experiences through tours on land, water, and horseback, promoting the best Waco has to offer.
Guests choose from three tour options: the Classic Tour, River Cruise, and Texas Experience. Each option provides a glimpse of life in Waco. Those looking for a little taste of history, culture, and hotspots may choose a Classic Tour, including local coffee or ice cream from Common Grounds/Heritage Creamery. The River Cruise, rated #4 tour in the nation by USA Today showcases Waco's iconic sites, landscape, and wildlife while navigating the Brazos. Those seeking adventure can embark on the Texas Experience along Waco's chalk bluffs, learning about Texas history and cowboy culture.
When asked about a favorite memory, Waco Tours shared, "we hosted a guest from out of state, who after doing our Classic Tour and experiencing the fullness of how we do Kingdom business, traveled home and changed the way he did his business! He traveled back to Waco with some of his staff to share with our team the impact that was made in his life personally and in his business. His staff attested to the transformation!"
With over 3,000 excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, a nationally rated river cruise, and a 2019 Extrapreneur award, Waco Tours continues to garner accolades and positive press from 55,000 guests and counting! With over 70 employees, many of which are Baylor alumni, the Waco Tours staff is a positive force in the community, serving as ambassadors for the city, Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Baylor University, McLennan Community College, and many other business sectors.
"We are so honored and humbled that we get to pray for and share our personal stories of God's love and work in our lives. It is through Him that we are transformed, and it is for His glory that we do what we do," shared Melinda Seibert, vice president of development and oversight.
To learn more about Waco Tours or to book your own, visit or swing by the Waco Tours Mercantile at 215 S University Parks Drive in Waco.