Celebrate the bluebonnet spirit in Ennis during April with a month-long celebration of the Texas state flower and annual rite of spring. Activities include 40 miles of wildflowers and a festival that brings in visitors from around the world.
Ennis was designated by the 1997 State Legislature as the home of the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and was designated the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.
The 73rd annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, presented by the Ennis Garden Club, is hosted in the heart of Historic Downtown Ennis. The three-day festival kicks off at 10 a.m. Friday, April 11 and runs through Sunday. Throughout the weekend, there are unique shopping vendors and live entertainment.
Visitors also enjoy tasty food, fun kids’ activities, relaxing in the beer garden, and sampling Texas wines at the Ennis Education Foundation Wine Wander.
In addition to the festival, visitors to Ennis experience the beautiful nature of the 40 miles of mapped bluebonnet driving trails the entire month of April. Along the route visitors enjoy tree lined country roads, longhorn cows, horses, and many wildflowers. Sugar Ridge Winery, located along the North trail, is a great spot to stop and enjoy a glass of wine on their outdoor patio.
Visitors are encouraged to make their first stop at the Ennis Welcome Center in historic downtown Ennis-201 NW Main Street for a map, to learn all about the best spots on the trail, and get local recommendations on where to shop and dine. The welcome center is features a Spring Into Art exhibition each year. This year’s show is Marred by Dust, a tooled leather showcase by Kyle Keever. It opens at 6 p.m. March 29 with a reception and remains open through the end of April.
The latest trail map is also available. An interactive map that includes specific directions to points of interest is available by downloading the free Ennis Y’all app.
While in Ennis visitors are encouraged to attend the locally popular Downtown Ennis Bluebonnet Market. The market features fresh produce, baked goods, hand spun pottery, jewelry, clothing and more. It is open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday April through October. Free live entertainment including music, magic shows, bubbles, and dancing take place at 10 a.m.
The Ennis Welcome Center is open seven days a week in April. For more information, call (972) 878-4748 and go to www.visitennistexas.com. Visitors are encouraged to call, email, or keep in touch via the app and social links before driving long distances for the latest status of the bluebonnets. Visitors are encouraged to call, email, or explore the website before driving long distances for the latest status of the bluebonnets. Status updates for the best viewing times are available also online at www.bluebonnettrail.org.
