Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat
Home to Baylor University's live black bear mascots, offering free, up-close wildlife encounters and educational insights.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bears are active & fed!
Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat
Best Time
Bears are active & fed!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to Baylor University's live black bear mascots, offering free, up-close wildlife encounters and educational insights.
"It was a fun little experience to see bears while we visited Waco!
"🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy this wonderful attraction without spending a dime. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers!
🐾 Feeding Time Fun
Ask staff about feeding times for the best chance to see bears up close, sometimes with special treats!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Close-Up Bear Encounters
Viewing windows
See the resident black bears up close as they play, eat, and interact. Peanut butter on windows is a special treat for them and a highlight for visitors!

Educational Information
Informational displays
Learn about black bear behavior, conservation, and the history of Baylor's beloved mascots through engaging exhibits.

Campus Stroll
Baylor University Campus
Enjoy a walk around the beautiful Baylor campus before or after your visit to the bears.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free & Accessible Fun
Best Viewing Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy this wonderful attraction without spending a dime. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers!
🐾 Feeding Time Fun
Ask staff about feeding times for the best chance to see bears up close, sometimes with special treats!
🚶♀️ Campus Exploration
Combine your visit with a stroll around the scenic Baylor University campus.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit during cooler morning or late afternoon hours for more active bears.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy this wonderful attraction without spending a dime. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers!
🐾 Feeding Time Fun
Ask staff about feeding times for the best chance to see bears up close, sometimes with special treats!
🚶♀️ Campus Exploration
Combine your visit with a stroll around the scenic Baylor University campus.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit during cooler morning or late afternoon hours for more active bears.
🚗 Convenient Parking
Parking is available right across from the habitat, making access easy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat for its free admission and the incredible opportunity to see live black bears up close. Many highlight the educational value and the joy it brings to children. While generally well-regarded, some reviewers noted potential concerns about the enclosure size and suggested enhancements for greater bear enrichment.
"This was our first stop on a Saturday outing trying to save money! I have a 10-year-old son and he absolutely loved the bears. They had just been fed their breakfast and the zoo keepers put peanut butter on the windows so the Bears would lick the peanut butter and get really, really close so you could see them! This made for lots of questions from an inquisitive child! We looked at the little creek that’s below and it was awesome. We had a good time and the best part is it’s FREEE!"
Sara Lane
"Surprised they were both out and moving given the heat of the day. It was nice thats it’s completely open to the public! They looked super cute and we got to see Them play in the water.
Plus the habitat has loads of information we found interesting."
Brian McMeans
"It was a fun little experience to see bears while we visited Waco! It was me, my husband, and my little one's first time seeing bears in person. My son was so excited to see them"
Samiya Hossain
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The habitat is located on the Baylor University campus in Waco, Texas. Parking is conveniently available directly across from the habitat.
While specific public transport routes to the habitat itself might be limited, Waco does have bus services. It's often easiest to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the Baylor campus.
Absolutely! The habitat is open to the public and is a popular stop for visitors to Waco and the Baylor campus.
Parking is generally available, especially outside of peak campus event times. Visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays can ensure easier parking.
The viewing areas are generally accessible, allowing for easy navigation with strollers or wheelchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Bill & Eva Williams Bear Habitat is completely FREE! It's a great way to enjoy wildlife without any cost.
The habitat is generally accessible during daylight hours, though specific times can vary. It's best to check with Baylor University for any official hours or potential closures.
No advance booking is required as the habitat is free and open to the public. You can visit anytime during accessible hours.
Visitors often report seeing bears during feeding times, which can make them more active. Inquiring with campus staff or checking Baylor's official channels might provide specific feeding schedules.
Typically, pets are not allowed in wildlife habitats or on university campuses to ensure the safety of both the animals and your pets. It's best to leave pets at home.
🎫 🐻 Onsite Experience
You'll see the two resident black bears, often referred to as Baylor's mascots. They are housed in a naturalistic enclosure designed for their well-being.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour at the habitat, depending on how long they observe the bears and read the informational displays.
Yes, the habitat features viewing windows where you can see the bears quite closely, especially during feeding times when they might be encouraged to lick treats off the glass.
The habitat provides educational information about black bears, their behavior, conservation efforts, and the history of Baylor's bear mascots.
The habitat is designed with safety in mind, with secure enclosures and viewing areas. It's a great educational experience for children.
📸 📸 Photography
Use a zoom lens to get clear shots without disturbing the bears. Early morning or late afternoon light is often best. Be patient, as bears can be unpredictable!
It's generally recommended to avoid using flash photography around wildlife, as it can startle or stress the animals.
The viewing windows offer excellent, close-up perspectives for photos.
Consider using a faster shutter speed to capture movement and a wider aperture for better low-light performance, especially if visiting during dawn or dusk.
Selfies are possible from the viewing areas, but always maintain a safe distance and respect the bears' space.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Try to time your visit around reported feeding times for maximum bear activity. Also, bring a camera to capture those excited little faces!
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with other free activities in Waco, like exploring the Waco Mammoth National Monument or walking along the Brazos River, to create a full day of exploration without spending much.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be patient and observe the bears' behavior; moments of play or interaction can make for stunning photographs. Remember to respect the animals and avoid using flash photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Baylor Bear Tradition
Visitors often express delight at having live bears on a college campus, a unique feature that sets Baylor apart. The habitat is designed to provide a comfortable and enriching environment for the bears, while also offering the public an opportunity to observe and learn about these magnificent animals.
The habitat itself has evolved over time, with modern enclosures focusing on the well-being and natural behaviors of the bears. It's a testament to Baylor's commitment to both its traditions and the welfare of its animal ambassadors.
Visitor Experience and Observations
Some reviews mention concerns about the enclosure size, with a few visitors suggesting it could be expanded for greater enrichment. However, the general consensus is that the bears appear well-cared for, with glossy fur and active behavior, particularly during feeding times. The presence of informational displays adds an educational layer, making the visit more than just a sighting.
The free admission is a significant draw, making it an accessible activity for everyone. The ease of parking and the ability to combine the visit with a walk around the beautiful Baylor campus further enhance the overall visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit