Nestled Between Waco And Fort Worth Is A Texas Drive With 40 Miles Of Vibrant, Breathtaking Flower Views

While the size and expansiveness of the land in Texas is something to behold, it also creates some very long drives in between cities. Sometimes just takes a quick turn off the interstate to explore a new type of beautiful in Texas, and the Ennis Bluebonnet Trail is a welcome detour that showcases the natural beauty of the state. As the flat plains of Texas meet ideal spring conditions, it creates a setting for seemingly never-ending fields of wildflowers to take center stage in Ennis and other areas like Cuero, better known as "the wildflower capital of Texas."

The town of Ennis is just off interstate 45 and also not far from interstate 34, which collectively connect the cities of Austin, Houston and Dallas. Ennis is along the Southern Pacific Railroad with its history dating back to the late 19th century, and its surrounding community is a uniquely ideal climate for wildflowers. This led to the creation of a trail that spans 40 miles and shows off the most stunning florals in the state, with the star of the spring show being the bluebonnet. Here, you can explore a local community steeped in Texas history while taking in some of the most colorful views in the Lone Star State.

In 1871, Colonel Cornelius Ennis was the railroad official and namesake for the small community that sits "where railroads and cotton fields meet" about an hour's drive south of both Dallas and Fort Worth, where the west begins. It was popularized as an industrial ally for the railroads, but over time the local industry evolved into cattle and farming. Along the roads of Ennis and surrounding towns, these vast farm fields and open landscape helped breed a variety of wildflowers that accentuate the beauty of Central Texas. Ennis then set out to help create trails where locals and visitors could enjoy and celebrate the flowers, and in 1997 the Texas Legislature declared Ennis the home of the Bluebonnet Trail and Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.

The bluebonnet has bright blue, fragrant, pea-like flowers and they are widely visible across the state of Texas. It was declared the official state flower in 1901 and in the 1930's bluebonnets were purposely planted by the Texas Highway Department to beautify the roadways. The oceans of blue across the Lone Star State are now a staple of springtime in Texas. The rosettes form in the winter, but it's in the month of April when they are typically in full bloom, and the Ennis Garden Club frequently updates the flower status in the area. The biggest crowds and excitement peak around the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, where thousands from Texas and beyond flock to the area. The three-day festival includes live music, shopping vendors, and the snacks and drinks needed to wander the scenic trails appropriately. The festival is just one weekend but throughout April and the season of bloom, the 40 mile trail is an adventure of its own.

Start your Texas wildflower tour at the Ennis Welcome Center, located in the heart of Main Street. The town itself has a plethora of boutiques for shoppers plus a row of restaurants a couple blocks away on Ennis Avenue. There's even a Buc-ee's, the world's largest convenience store, in Ennis as well.

From here, you can venture off on to one of three different trails by road that total over 40 miles of trails. The west trail is the shortest route to view wildflowers that stays within Ennis proper. Both Ennis Veterans Memorial Park and Bluebonnet Park are close to town and boast great views of the bluebonnets, with the ideal spot to get a landscape or family photo. After all, accumulating annual photos in the fields of bright bluebonnets is a storied tradition for Texans and their families.

Alternatively, the South Trail will take you out past more rural farms and private property with an abundance of flowers in the fields. Past visitors report this trail being scenic and rich with bluebonnets while in season. The North Trail ventures towards the neighboring communities of Bristol and Crisp, Texas. Riders recommend a stop at the Sugar Ridge Ranch, past North Trail, where friendly horses border the farm and bluebonnets pair nicely with Castilleja flowers, a bright red floral often referred to as "Indian Paintbrush." No matter which way you decide to ride for the best vistas, Ennis lives up to the title of being Texas' bluebonnet city.