9 Best Things to do in Ennis, Texas

Published By Ketki

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Ennis, Texas is a beautiful small town located just south of Dallas in Ellis County.

The town is home to a variety of historical sites, including the old Ennis Railroad Museum and the Ennis Visitor Center.

Ennis is also a great place to shop, with a variety of boutiques and antique stores lining the downtown area.

And of course, no visit to Ennis would be complete without trying some of the famous Texas barbecue….

….and seeing the gorgeous bluebonnets!

After all Ennis is the official bluebonnet city of Texas.

Whether you’re looking for history, shopping, or good food, Ennis, Texas has something to offer everyone.

Ennis is the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas
Ennis is the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas

Best Things to do in Ennis, Texas

Looking for a unique and charming small town to explore? Then make sure to add Ennis, Texas to your list!

This historic town is located just south of Dallas and is known for its beautiful downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.

Visitors can also enjoy the annual Bluebonnet Trails Festival, which celebrates the state flower of Texas.

If you’re a fan of the outdoors, you’ll love exploring the sprawling parks and hiking trails in the many Ennis parks covering several miles.

Here are our favorite things to do in Ennis, Tx.

Also Read: Best Things to do in North Texas

Explore Historic Downtown Ennis

Ennis’s historic downtown is a lively place full of unique shops, delicious restaurants, and interesting history.

The downtown area is home to the National Polka Festival Hall of Fame and Museum, which celebrates the city’s Czech heritage.

Visitors can also enjoy live music, take a tour of the historic Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum, or explore one of the many art galleries on Main St.

Visitors can also enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants or catch a live performance at the historic Ennis Public Theatre.

Whether you are looking for a unique gift, a delicious meal, or an entertaining show, you will find it all in Historic Downtown Ennis.

Ennis Bluebonnet Festival photo op
Ennis Bluebonnet Festival photo op

Attend the Ennis Bluebonnet Festival

Every year, the small town of Ennis, Texas comes alive with color during the annual Ennis Bluebonnet Festival, which celebrates the state flower of Texas.

For three days, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including live music, food vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

Of course, the highlight of the festival is the bluebonnets.

These native Texas wildflowers blanket the fields around Ennis, creating a sea of blue that is truly breathtaking.

Whether you’re a native Texan or just visiting for the weekend, the Ennis Bluebonnet Festival is sure to give you a taste of true Lone Star State culture.

Also Read: Best Day trips from Dallas

Drive the bluebonnet trails

The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails are a beloved tradition in the small town of Ennis, Texas.

Every year, from March to April, the fields around Ennis, TX are blanketed in bluebonnets, and locals and visitors alike come out to enjoy the stunning display. 

The best way to experience the beauty of the bluebonnets is to take a walk or drive down one of the many Bluebonnet Trails that wind through town.

These self drive trails offer stunning views of the flowers in all their glory, and they provide a great opportunity to get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. 

They also feature many places where visitors can also stop to take photos and admire the view.

One of our favorites is the Bluebonnet Park located near West Ennis Ave.

You can get trail maps at the Ennis Welcome Center.

These trail maps are meticulously updated each year by the Ennis Garden Club and feature the best spots to see the wildflowers!

Milky Way over the abundant blooming bluebonnets near Ennis, Texas
Milky Way over the abundant blooming bluebonnets near Ennis, Texas

Read a book at the Ennis Public Library

The Ennis Public Library is a beautiful, historic building located in the heart of downtown Ennis.

The Library offers a variety of services, including a large selection of books, magazines, and newspapers.

The Library also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including story time for children, book clubs, and author readings.

Visit Ennis Farmers Market

The Ennis Farmers Market is a great place to get fresh, local produce – definitely one of best things to do in Ennis!

Held every Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm, the market features a wide variety of vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to honey and eggs.

You can also find artisanal breads, cheeses, and other prepared foods.

The market is a great place to support local farmers and producers.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect ingredients for a summer barbecue or just want to grab a quick bite, the Ennis Farmers Market is the place to be.

Play a game at the Lion Tennis Center

The Lion Tennis Center in Ennis is a wonderful place to enjoy a game of tennis.

The indoor as well as outdoor courts are well-maintained and offer a great surface for playing.

The clubhouse with its full snack bar is a great place to relax after a match, and the professional gear shop offers a wide variety of tennis equipment.

Spend a day on Lake Bardwell

One of the popular Ennis attractions for outdoor activities.

Lake Bardwell is a man-made reservoir located in the city of Ennis, Texas.

The lake is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, and boating.

The lake’s shoreline is lined with parks and picnic areas, making it a great place to spend a day outdoors.

Popular activities on the shores include hiking, horseback riding, and birding.

Visitors can also find a variety of businesses along the lake, including restaurants, hotels, and shops.

Enjoy wine tasting at Sugar Ridge Winery

A visit to Sugar Ridge Winery is a must for any wine lover visiting the beautiful town of Ennis.

The picturesque setting, with its rolling hills and lush vineyards, is the perfect backdrop for a day of wine tastings and picnic lunches.

The winery specializes in producing high-quality red wines from grapes grown in the sandy soils of North Texas.

The climate in this region is ideal for grapevines, and the sandy soils help to produce fruity, flavorful wines.

The winery offers a variety of red wines as well as white wines in its tasting room.

See a drag race at Texas Motorplex – Top things to do in Ennis

Another of the top attractions in Ennis!

The Texas Motorplex in Ennis is a world-class facility that hosts a variety of drag racing events throughout the year.

From drag races and races to car shows and events, the Motorplex has something for everyone.

The Motorplex has a spacious grandstand area with excellent views of the track.

Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or simply a fan of fast cars, the Texas Motorplex is sure to thrill and entertain.

Also Read: Best Places to Visit in Texas

Watch monster trucks race at Big O Speedway

Big O Speedway is a Texas-based racetrack that hosts a variety of racing events throughout the year.

The track is a half-mile oval with banking in the turns – it makes for challenging races.

Whether you’re a diehard racing fan or just looking for a fun day out, Big O Speedway is perfect place to go.

Enjoy the house roast at Pop Top Coffee Shop

Pop Top Coffee Shop in Ennis is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Their house blends are amazing and they also have special roasts during the bluebonnet peak season.

The shop itself is very cute and a nice place to relax.

See a show at Ennis Public Theater

The Ennis Public Theater is a historic theater located in Ennis, Texas.

The local community theater hosts a variety of events, including live music, dance performances, and theatrical productions put on by local artists.

It is the perfect place to enjoy a night out with family and friends.

It is located at 113 N Dallas St.

Try the kolaches at Kolache Depot Bakery

The Kolache Depot is a family-owned bakery in Ennis, Texas that specializes in kolaches, Czech pastries traditionally filled with fruit or sausage.

In addition to traditional kolaches, the bakery also offers a variety of creative flavors, such as peach cobbler, blueberry cheesecake, and raspberry chocolate.

The kolaches here delicious and fresh – so be sure to stop here while you’re visiting Ennis TX.

Ennis is a small town with a big heart.

Founded in 1872, the town has a rich history, and its residents are proud of their heritage.

Today, Ennis is a thriving community with a quaint downtown area and a growing arts scene. 

Visitors to Ennis can enjoy the town’s vibrant downtown area, explore its rich history, and take in its beautiful Texas landscape, making it one of the best small towns in Texas!

It makes a great day trip from nearby cities of Dallas, Forth Worth, or Arlington.

What are your favorite things to do in Ennis, Texas? Let us know below.

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