Discover Ellis County: History and Experiences

Explore Ellis County through a variety of themes: historic architecture and museums in Waxahachie, seasonal driving routes and festivals in Ennis, and trails through wooded areas and creek landscapes. When planning your trip, consider whether you’d like to focus your stay on architectural history, a particular season, or outdoor activity. The examples vary by location and date.

Architectural and Local History

In downtown Waxahachie stands the Ellis County Courthouse, completed in 1897 in the Romanesque Revival style. Across the street is the Ellis County Museum, housed in an 1889 building. The museum explores the county’s early origins, the Shawnee Trail, agriculture, and railroads, as well as Victorian architecture and local film history. A self-guided tour is available; guided programs for adults, students, and children can be arranged by appointment.

The octagonal Waxahachie Chautauqua Auditorium also tells a different story of architecture and events: built in 1902 for the annual Chautauqua Assemblies, it is an open-air auditorium with 2,500 seats. The Texas Theater in Waxahachie dates back to 1895. Together with the courthouse and museum, these buildings offer different points of interest for anyone interested in architecture and history.

The Ellis County African American Hall of Fame promotes engagement with African American history. It is housed in a 1926 building that first served as the Colored Knights of Pythias Hall and later as the Prince Hall Masonic Lodge in Waxahachie. The Ellis County Rural Heritage Farm is dedicated to the county’s natural and agricultural heritage.

In 1968, the Ellis County Museum and local preservationists founded the Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes in Waxahachie to celebrate the exceptional concentration of Victorian houses. The annual celebration supports local history programs. Another kind of historic tour is the Hachie Hearts Trail, featuring 21 hearts individually painted by local artists and sponsored by local businesses.

Trails, Scenery, and Getting Around

The Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail is about four miles long and paved. It passes through wooded areas, creek corridors, and parks, and is suitable for walking, running, cycling, and outdoor exercise. The Historic Rogers Street Bridge connects to the trail. Together, the trail and bridge offer a specific point of reference for anyone who wants to include time outdoors in their stay.

Bardwell Lake offers another landmark: the lake lies in southwestern Ellis County, two miles southwest of Ennis on State Highway 34. The Texas Motorplex is located on U.S. 287 South, about 10 miles from Interstate 35. Built in 1986, the race track has hosted numerous milestones in drag racing and world-record performances.

M&M Playground is located in Getzendaner Park. It is ADA-compliant and was designed as an inclusive playground for children with different abilities. It adds a dedicated place for play and activity to the county’s museum and architecture offerings.

Seasonal Experiences and Events

Ennis holds the Bluebonnet Trail annually from April 1 to 30. It includes more than 40 miles of marked Bluebonnet driving routes. Also held annually in Ennis, the Polka Festival takes place in May over Memorial Day weekend. Comparing the dates can help with trip planning: April is the time for the Bluebonnet drives, while the festival takes place over the May weekend around Memorial Day.

The Scarborough Renaissance Festival combines entertainment on 22 stages with demonstrations by artisans and 200 shops. The offerings also include food and drink from around the world. Screams Halloween Theme Park covers 50 acres; admission includes four haunted houses, as well as the Maze of the Macabre and the Ghoulish Graveyard. The two attractions offer different highlights: stage performances, crafts, and shops at one, and haunted houses and other themed areas at the other.

If you’re looking for a hotel, start by choosing your travel dates and the experiences you want to focus on. This will help you incorporate the different themes and places in Ellis County into your trip planning based on your own interests.

Discover more destinations: Ennis, Midlothian, Red Oak, Waxahachie, Comal, Eastland County, Chambers, Henderson County.

For the broader travel overview: Texas.