“The stars at night are big and bright…”
If you *clap, clap, clap, clapped* in your head, you must be a true Texan. Each spring, you can venture deep into the heart of Texas to see our lovely state flower in full bloom! Although you’re sure to see bluebonnets sprouting up on every major highway, Ennis is the only Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail and Official Bluebonnet City of Texas. The State Legislature made the proclamation in 1997, and the city has embraced the title. In fact, even the local pawn shop touts the Official Bluebonnet City status on its signage.
Make the drive to Ennis during the month of April (the garden club says that the 3rd week is usually the peak bloom time) and get your quintessential Texan bluebonnet photos!
Bluebonnet Park Ennis
Driving the Ennis bluebonnet trails
Wondering when is the best time to see bluebonnets in Ennis? The Ennis Garden Club has you covered! They drive the trails every week and update the bloom status on the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails website, so you can be sure to see bluebonnets in peak bloom!
The Ennis Welcome Center offers free maps of the three local trails, with locations marked where you’ll find horses, longhorn, and a winery among the bluebonnets. As you drive, ponder this fun Texas fact: if the Lone Star State were a country, it would be the 39th largest in the world! Along the trails, you’ll also see lemonade stands from entrepreneurial children and local honey from an Ennis beekeeper! Take your time and plan to make a lot of stops for flowers, wildlife, and a taste of local culture.
Bluebonnet trail map
Bluebonnet park Ennis, TX
While the entire area is dusted with bluebonnets, many of the wildflowers grow on private properties. It’s important to respect the residents, so the Bluebonnet Trails map features several Ennis bluebonnet parks on public land. I recommend visiting the Ennis Veterans Memorial Park and Meadow View Nature Area for the best bluebonnet photos. At the latter, I only saw two people, so I was able to take my time and get all of my Instagram shots!
Ennis bluebonnets
Four-legged friends
Thanks to My Curly Adventures’ Instagram (an awesome source for Texan adventures!), I was able to find the famous Ennis Bluebonnet Trail Clydesdales using the coordinates 32°26’53.0″N 96°35’44.6″W. Scooping grain out of the two giant containers outside the fence, I made fast friends with these gorgeous creatures!
Ennis Bluebonnet Trail Clydesdale Horse
Just down the road, I met this adorable colt following his mama around the paddock. A couple of hours later, I passed by again and the little guy was snoozing in the sun!
Ennis Bluebonnet Trail colt
Over the hill from the Sugar Ridge Winery (keep reading to learn more about the winery), horses and this cute donkey roam a bluebonnet-filled paddock.
Ennis Bluebonnet Trail donkey
Sugar Ridge Winery
The family-friendly Sugar Ridge Winery produces more than 15 different varieties of wine and is a great resting spot between wildflower trails!
Their sandwiches and charcuterie are guaranteed to hit the spot, and their wine tastings will bring a smile to your face. Choose 6 wines for $10 or sample 15 for $20. Just make sure you’ve brought along your designated driver!
Ennis bluebonnet trails festival
Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival street signs
Fair foods
I think the best thing about festivals is the food. From funnel cakes to deep fried Oreos, the Bluebonnet Trails Festival did not disappoint on the deep fried goodness! After last year’s Texas State Fair was cancelled, it was so nice to see several fair food vendors selling out of their offerings by the end of the day. That being said, if you see something you love, buy it immediately. You never know when they’ll sell out!
Fair Food at Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival
Texan crafts
The Bluebonnet Trails Festival is lined with vendors selling Texas-themed t-shirts, yard crafts, and a whole host of other handmade goods! I especially loved the cowboy boot flower pots!
Texas crafts at Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival
Bluebonnet Festival concerts
Several bands play during the three-day Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, and Friday and Saturday evening’s festivities are punctuated by burst of fireworks above the stage! In 2021, I loved bopping to the Spazmatics, an 80s cover band whose sweet moves and showmanship were the perfect way to jump back into the pool of live music after a year away!
Spazmatics at Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival
If this sounds like fun, make plans to visit next year’s Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival. I guarantee your Texas pride will soar and your Instagram feed and Christmas cards will get a boost, too!
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