Destination Texas: Texas Bluebonnet Trails

fyi50+April 12, 2023

3 minute read

A natural wonder to experience.

Looking for places to stay during the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails and Festival? See our list at the end of this article.

Bluebonnet trails April 1 – 30; Festival April 14 – 16.

One of the best things about living in Texas is the blooming of our state flower, the bluebonnet. And the best place to see fields of bluebonnets is Ennis, a 30-minute drive south of downtown Dallas.

In 1997, Ennis was designated the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.” It’s cultivated its bluebonnets for about 70 years and has the oldest bluebonnet trails in the state. Many people make the short drive south from Dallas/Fort Worth annually to experience the beautiful blooms.

bluebonnet trail3 W — A pair of Texas Longhorns enjoying the sun and bluebonnets

Ennis has more than 40 miles of driving trails. The routes take visitors through some of the downtown area and much of the countryside. The drive down country roads reveal farm animals, cows, longhorns, horses, and llamas — yes, llamas! The bluebonnets line the sides of roads and extend into the grasses where cattle graze.

The Various Trails

There are three sections of trails: the West, North, and South Trail. In the past, the South Trail has had the least bluebonnets, but you never know what will bloom in 2023.

Here are a few places to stop on the North and West trails to experience the beauty of the bluebonnets.

WEST TRAIL

MeadowView NatureArea W — Meadow View Nature Area

With its large field, Meadow View Nature Area on Bardwell Road is one of the best places to see bluebonnets. It’s a perfect place to take photos. There are tables to enjoy a picnic surrounded by bluebonnets.

Veterans Memorial Park near downtown Ennis is smaller than the Meadow View Nature Area, but the bluebonnets are plentiful and it may be less crowded.

NORTH TRAIL

Photo by Ricardo J Ruiz W — Majestic Belgian Horses | Photo by Ricardo J. Ruiz de Porras

Visit the Belgians

As an extra treat, stop and say hello to the Belgian horses on Sugar Ridge Road. They are so beautifully majestic. Look for the horse icon on the Ennis Bluebonnet Trail map to find this unique spot.

Sugar Ridge Winery is across from the Belgians. Enjoy a glass of wine and revel in the spectacular hills full of bluebonnets.

Andrew Road is a pretty drive up a hill. Visitors can see the rolling countryside in the distance. Bluebonnets grow along the road, dotting the fields as far as the eye can see.

THE ENNIS BLUEBONNET FESTIVAL • April 14-16

Consider planning your bluebonnet excursion during The Bluebonnet Festival, which takes place just in time for the peak bluebonnet blooming season!

Enjoy live music, a market with local vendors, a kid’s area, and guided walks through the bluebonnet fields. There’s also a Wine Wander: Purchase a ticket and get a souvenir wine glass to sample wines from the local wineries in town.

No matter when you choose to see the bluebonnets in Ennis, you are in for a treat. Enjoy!

Bluebonnet Viewing Tips

Bluebonnets usually bloom during April and typically peak by the third week.
Bluebonnet trails are open April 1-30.
When walking on trails or fields, be respectful of the flowers: Do not crush, step on, or pick them. Other visitors want to enjoy the flowers, too.
Many of the driving trails will take you past private property. Do not trespass.
Be watchful for snakes and other wildlife when walking the trails. Remember, these creatures live here.
Visit the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails website, its social media, or call 972-878-4748 before your visit. Download the trail map HERE, or pick up a copy at the Welcome Center in town.
The Ennis Visitor Welcome Center is open seven days a week in April, except for Easter Sunday.