What exactly is Magnolia in Waco, TX?
If you’re not familiar with Chip and Joanna Gaines’ runaway success of an HGTV show,Fixer Upper, it’s hard to imagine a home improvement show that has sparked a brand encompassing everything from a restaurant to an entire district (Waco’s words, not mine!) of decor shops, all centered around some abandoned agricultural equipment.
… And yet, that’s exactly what Magnolia Market, AKA Magnolia, AKA the Silos, is.
More than a home decor store, more than an HGTV-famous brand, more than the inspiration behind thousands of Texas girls’ getaway weekends, Magnolia in Waco, TX is a downright institution.
I personally know more people than I can count on two hands that have planned everything from romantic getaways to bachelorette parties in Waco, drawn not by Baylor or any surrounding attractions by but the Silos District downtown–many of whom drove from out of state to do so!
If you’re aFixer Upperfan who’s planning their own Magnolia-themed trip, or you’re simply a Texan who’s curious about this home-decor-centered explosion in Waco, here’s what to do at the Magnolia Silos!
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A Brief History of Magnolia in Waco, TX
Once upon a time, there were two people with a dream–so begins that story of Chip and Joanna Gaines, a husband/wife duo with a love of restoration, home decor, Waco, and entrepreneurism.
The couples’ rise to fame–and consequently, Magnolia’s–is due in large part to Fixer Upper, the HGTV show that followed the Gaines as they restored house after house in their hometown of Waco, Texas.
Fixer Upper was an enormous success that ran from 2013 to 2018, but Chip and Joanna Gaines were just getting started.
In 2015, Magnolia at the Silos officially opened in the center of Waco, and the District has been dramatically expanded since.
The expansion was almost unsurprising by the time it started since, by any estimate, visitors to the Silos are well in excess of 1,000,000 people a year!
While Fixer Upper has been off the air for a few years at this point, the Gaines continue to expand the Magnolia brand.
Expansions include (but are not limited to) starting the Magnolia Network, launching a line of home goods at Target, publishing several books, and of course, staying involved with plenty of businesses around Waco.
Fun Things to Do at the Magnolia Silos in Waco, TX
BrowsetheMagnolia Market.
While the entire Silos complex is technically named “Magnolia Market at the Silos”, here we’re referring to the largest store on-site–the store that started it all.
The flagship home goods store is signposted simply as “Magnolia”, is a must-see when visiting the Silos.
Sample something sweet from Silos Baking Co.
Housed in a 100-year-old building right next to the famous silos, Silos Baking Co. is one of the most popular stops in the Silos District.
Like all of Magnolia in Waco, Chip and Joanna Gaines have a personal tie to the bakery, which is filled with Joanna’s favorite recipes.
They are particularly famous for their cupcakes (which a note from Chip, AKA a billboard on I-35, will helpfully remind you of as you’re driving through town), but everything is delicious.
We recommend arriving early (they’re open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday-Saturday), especially if you’re visiting on a hot day.
The lines here can get incredibly long, especially on weekends!
Snap a photo with the famous Magnolia Silos.
The structures that started it all: the Silos in Waco may not look nearly as chic as the rest of Magnolia, but the namesake of the Silos District is still at the center of the action.
These historic cottonseed silos started their life as part of the Brazos Valley Cotton Oil company before they were eventually abandoned in the decades after the company shut its doors in 1958.
Today, they stand–rusted and mostly untouched–in the heart of the Silos District, shadowing the Silos Baking Co. and located mere steps away from Magnolia Market.
Step inside the Old Church.
Originally built (in a different part of Waco) in 1894, this beautiful church sat abandoned for a few decades before catching the eye of Chip and Joanna Gaines.
They not only bought the church but moved it to the Waco Silos to be restored.
While not every part of the original church made it over to its new home–unfortunately, the original building turned out to be structurally unsound–the Old Church as you can see it today is a beautiful homage to the Waco of more than a century ago.
Be sure to step inside this church when exploring the best things to do at the Silos in Waco.
Explore some of the other small shops on the property.
Magnolia Market is far from the only shop at the Silos in Waco!
From Juniper and Crew (children’s products) to Chapter One (one of my personal favorites, a stationery/books/paper supply store) to Magnolia Seed Supply, there’s a wide variety of corners of peruse when exploring Magnolia in Waco!
The best first stop, in our opinion, is Magnolia Press: there’s nothing better to kick your trip off with than a cup of coffee!
(Except, okay, maybe a cupcake from Silos Baking Co. would also be a contender).
Check out the (Wiffle) ballpark.
Traveling with kids who need to run around and get their beans out… or you’re just a kid at heart?
Take a break from shopping to enjoy a game of Wiffle Ball in the shadow of the Silos!
Grab a snack (or meal) at one of the food trucks.
Considering how large the Silos District is these days, it makes perfect sense that there would be plenty of food choices!
The Magnolia Food Truck Park at the Silos includes options ranging from favorite dishes from Magnolia Table to barbecue from Little Brisket to fantastic grilled cheeses from Cheddar Box.
Grab a smorgasbord, head to the plentiful shaded tables, and enjoy a snack, a feast, or something in between when visiting the Silos in Waco!
You can check hours and an updated list of food trucks at the park here.
Take a break in the shade.
The Texas heat may be intense for most of the year, but you’ll find plenty of exquisitely decorated, shady, cozy spots (some even complete with misters) where you can rest your feet when exploring the Silos in Waco.
Magnolia in Waco Beyond the Silos
Enjoy brunch at Magnolia Table.
Though it isn’t located at the Silos–you’ll need to hop across I-35 to access it–the Gaines’ breakfast-all-day restaurant is a must-experience during a trip to Magnolia in Waco!
The food at Magnolia Table exceeded our expectations (don’t miss the strawberry butter!), and the decor was obviously a delight.
The restaurant is incredibly busy and does not take reservations, so be prepared to wait.
However, you don’t need to stay on-site while you’re waiting–if you have a particularly long wait ahead, you can explore Waco and have the restaurant text you when your table is ready.
Get a peek at the Gaines’ new castle.
Fixer Upper may be over, but the Gaines sure aren’t done with Waco!
With Magnolia Network heating up, there’s no telling what the couple’s plans are for the restoration of Cottonland Castle in Waco, or if/when we might know more.
But, if nothing else, spotting the castle while driving down stunning Austin Avenue will give you the chance to appreciate some of the most stunning architecture in Waco–the houses here are truly gorgeous.
Browse the Little Shop on Bosque.
Before there were the Silos, there was the Little Shop on Bosque–also known as the original Magnolia Market!
This small house-turned-store was Joanna Gaines’ first decor store, opening in 2003 and predating Fixer Upper by a wide margin.
Though the shop closed for several years, it was reopened in 2014 and, now that the Silos are home to the main store, offers bargain-hunters a chance to nab discounted Magnolia items that have (sometimes very) minor damage.
Visit more Fixer Upper-featured businesses around Waco, TX.
If you’re a Fixer Upper fan, odds are you’ll be curious to see familiar businesses from around town beyond Magnolia!
JDH Iron Designs, Laverty’s Antiques, and Harp Design Co. are among the many Waco businesses were featured on the show.
