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You Can Still Visit What’s Left Of The Branch Davidian Cult Compound In Waco, Texas

The Branch Davidian cult compound in Waco, Texas, remains a haunting site to visit 30 years after it burned down during a standoff with law enforcement.

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Despite their compound burning to the ground 30 years ago, the Branch Davidian cult is as popular as ever. In fact, Netflix recently released a 4-part docuseries entitled Waco: American Apocalypse. The show provides an in-depth look at the cult, its leader, David Koresh, and the 51-day standoff that ensued between the group and law enforcement, who were there due to reports of federal gun law violations within the compound. Four ATF agents were killed by Davidians when rapid gunfire was exchanged, and on April 19, 1993, the entire compound burned to the ground after the FBI launched tear gas canisters into the building, and some 80 members of the cult (including Koresh and at least 22 children) perished in the flames.

While arson investigators concluded that the Davidians started the fire, the few surviving members contest this position. Today, you can visit what little remains of the original Branch Davidian cult compound, and it is a truly haunting experience.

The Branch Davidians existed before David Koresh, but after the events of February-April 1993, his name will forever overshadow any independent beliefs of the original religious group.

A lonely gravel road in Waco, Texas leads to the site of one of the worst massacres to ever occur on U.S. soil: the compound of the Branch Davidian cult.

While there isn't much left of the compound (after all, it burned to the ground, killing almost all of the cult members), a heavy energy lingers in the air like London fog.

If the gates are open (they sometimes aren't), then you're welcome to drive on in. There is a donation box at the entrance; $10 per car is the suggested amount.

Once inside, you will see several monuments honoring those who died in both the blaze and the 51-day standoff that prefaced it.

There is one memorial for the members of the cult (who many consider to be victims, as they were brainwashed by Koresh), and another for the four ATF agents who died in the gunfight that was the first domino that set off a cascade of tragic events.

Visitors can also enter a chapel built on the site of the original church, which now serves as a Visitor Center of sorts.

Caretakers are not always present on the property, but if you happen to run into one, their deep knowledge of the compound and the events that took place on it will elevate your experience tenfold. You may even get to see some historic photos and documents that few people have ever laid eyes on.

The swimming pool used by the Branch Davidians (which was set to become a bunker, but that plan was never realized) is the only major structure that remains intact. You'll also see remnants of a school bus, the farmhouse across the street that was used to surveil the compound, and trees planted in honor of each of the victims.

Have you ever visited the Branch Davidian cult compound? If so, we'd love to hear all about your experience in the comments. Don't forget to check out our previous article to learn about the Waco Mammoth National Monument , a much more family-friendly attraction in town where you can see the fossilized remains of 24 Columbian mammoths.

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Ride a Christmas Train, Then Stay in a Christmas-Themed Hotel for a Holly Jolly Texas Adventure

Experience a magical holiday adventure in Texas with a ride on the Texas State Railroad's Polar Express and a stay at the festive Gaylord Texan Resort.

Make this holiday season your most magical one yet by enjoying two of the most popular Christmas attractions in Texas on one trip. Hop on the Texas State Railroad's signature Polar Express train — a famous Christmas train in Texas — then experience Christmas at the Gaylord Texan Resort, a hotel that decks its halls to the nines. This family-friendly adventure is sure to put a twinkle in the eye of Christmas lovers of all ages!

Your holly jolly adventure begins with a ride on the Texas State Railroad's annual Polar Express train. Golden ticket in hand, you'll board a vintage train car and prepare to be whisked away on a magical journey to the North Pole. The event is inspired by the children's book The Polar Express , which was later adopted into the movie we all know and love. Settle in and listen to the story as the train chugs along the tracks. Kids and adults alike find themselves hanging on every word!

Singing and dancing waiters bring hot cocoa and cookies for passengers to enjoy under the enchanting glow of holiday lights. About halfway through the ride, you'll arrive at a Christmas village that looks exactly like the North Pole - complete with Santa's reindeer and trusty elves! Speaking of Santa, the big man himself boards the train to hear everyone's Christmas wishes and hand out silver sleigh bells! Listen closely - they say only true believers can hear it ringing. On the way back to the depot, the chefs lead passengers in singing Christmas carols. Upon arrival, feel free to stroll the decorated grounds and visit the gift shop or concession stand before heading out!

Next stop: Christmas at the Gaylord Texan Resort , AKA a bonafide winter wonderland deep in the heart of Texas. This world-class holiday destination boasts over two dozen separate attractions, including one of the most extravagant light displays you'll ever see. The entire lobby is decked to the nines, and every night, the lights dance in time to festive tunes.

One of the most popular activities is ICE! This signature attraction features over two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures that experts craft over months and months. This immersive wintery exhibit is one that you and your family will surely be talking about for years to come. You can even plunge down slides made of pure ice! Each year, ICE! follows a theme, and the theme for 2024 will be Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!

But that's just the beginning of all the festivities that await inside this world-class resort in Texas. Guests can also enjoy snow tubing, ice skating, gingerbread house decorating, a Christmas carousel, and more. By the time you lay your head down to rest, you'll be as tuckered out as Santa on Christmas Day!

Please visit the websites for reservations on the Texas State Railroad and then be sure to book your stay at the Gaylord Texan Resort .

Have you ever taken a ride on the Texas State Railroad's Polar Express? What about spending the night at the Gaylord Texan during the holiday season? We'd love to hear all about your experiences in the comments. Don't forget to check out our previous article to learn about the unofficial Christmas Capital of Texas . And since we're on the topic of Christmas, be sure to take a look at our gift-giving guide for the season. There's something on the list for everyone!

Come With Me As I Search for the Infamous Ghost Light on Bragg Road in Texas

Not everyone has the privilege of living less than an hour away from the site of an infamous urban legend, and I never pass up an opportunity to experience it firsthand. I made the trip in October for the sole purpose of seeing the mysterious Bragg Ghost Light and documenting my findings in photo form.

When I have friends or family coming to visit, there’s one place we always go before they leave: Bragg Road (also known as Ghost Road) in the small town of Saratoga, Texas. Not everyone has the privilege of living less than an hour away from the site of an infamous urban legend, and I never pass up an opportunity to experience it firsthand. I made the trip in October for the sole purpose of seeing the mysterious Bragg Ghost Light and documenting my findings in photo form to share with y’all. Stick around for a play-by-play of my time at one of the creepiest places in Texas — I won’t give any spoilers, but what I will say is that you won’t be disappointed at the end of this article.

Welcome to Only In Your State’s newest series, Rumor Has It, where we celebrate the local rumors – fact and fiction – that make America unique.

Before we get into what I saw (or didn’t see — no spoilers, remember?), we need to dive into the history of Bragg Road a bit. In the early 1900s, the 8-mile road was a train route for the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railway. The railroad made daily trips to Beaumont, and its cargo included people, cattle, oil, and logs. By the mid-1900s, there was no more oil to drill for or pine to cut, so the train tracks were pulled up, and the route became a county road.

Now, here comes the “legend” part of the story. Locals will tell you that while the railroad was still operational, a worker was decapitated in a tragic accident. He was allegedly carrying a lantern at the time, which is believed to be the light visitors see when traveling the road after dark.

After laying out all of the information, it’s finally time to share my findings with you. I will preface this by saying that I’ve been visiting Bragg Road since I was a kid, so I’ve had plenty of time to develop my own theories, but I will try to be as objective as possible.

What you see here is the myth and legend of the Bragg Ghost Light in the flesh. Just like every other time I’ve come here, the light first appeared when I got about midway down the road. One of the most common explanations is that it’s simply the headlights of an oncoming car, but there are several reasons why I don’t believe that. Firstly, I always pass at least a few cars, but the light is still there once they’re behind me. More importantly, headlights get bigger and brighter as the car approaches, but this light remains the same size and level of brightness the whole time.

Another popular theory is that the light is the result of swamp gas — after all, Bragg Road is located in the heart of the Big Thicket. I am admittedly a bit of a skeptic when it comes to the paranormal, so this makes the most sense to me (or, at the very least, it helps me sleep at night after actually seeing the light in person). Although I’m unsure if swamp gas can hurl itself at your car like the Bragg Light always does — this time was no exception — so if anyone knows, please tell me!

The light disappeared into thin air as I approached the end of the road — again, with no other vehicles in sight, leaving me no closer to discovering the truth than I ever have been. I guess it’s just one of those things that’s better left unanswered. After all, what would become of the human spirit without a little imagination?

All in all, whether or not you see the light, I think Bragg Road is a place everyone should visit at least once. A dirt road in the middle of the woods is spooky even without an urban legend surrounding it, so I guarantee you’ll have a good time (if your idea of a good time is being scared to death, that is).

Keep in mind that the road is entirely unpaved and can be impassable after it rains, so plan your trip accordingly. As far as directions, the road is located about 16 miles west of Kountze. It runs north-south, from a bend on Farm-to-Market Road 787 near Saratoga to Farm-to-Market Road 1293.

Have you ever dared to visit Bragg Road? If so, do you think it’s one of the creepiest places in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! If you want to keep the scary good times rolling, there’s a nighttime ghost tour in Austin that I think you’ll love.

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