Located at a short driving distance from Dallas, the city of Ennis in Texas, USA is chock-full of attractions that the whole family can enjoy. This former cotton farming and trading center has a wealth of museums, parks, theatres, outdoor activity areas, restaurants, bars, cafés, and more. Visitors to Ennis will be spoilt for choice with the number of things to see and do here. From catching the pretty bluebonnets in bloom at the annual Bluebonnet Trail, wine tasting at a local winery, reading books at the public library to going antiquing, there are a plethora of activities to keep you busy. Read on to know more about all the things to do in Ennis, Texas.
1. Picnic on the tranquil greens of Bluebonnet Park
Relax and enjoy the lush greenery and beautiful blooms on the grounds of Bluebonnet Park as you have a lovely picnic with your significant other, family or friends. With several picnic shelters, a fishing lake and beautiful trees all around, finding a good picnic spot will not be difficult. If you happen to visit the park in spring, you might even see the grounds covered in a stunning carpet of bluebonnets.
Bluebonnet Park
Address: 201 S Highway 287, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: Bluebonnet Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
2. Watch a movie outdoors at the Galaxy Drive-In
Get hold of your gang or bundle up your family in the car and head on over to the Galaxy Drive-In movie theatre to catch the latest movie on a big screen, out in the open fields, but from the comfort of your car. This drive-in cinema has six screens where you can enjoy double features and there is even a concession stand to enjoy popcorn and drinks.
Galaxy Drive-In
Address: 5301, I-45, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: Galaxy Drive-In
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: evenings only (closed on Mon - Wed)
Price: 7 USD
3. Catch a live performance of local artists at Ennis Public Theatre
In operation since 2002, Ennis Public Theatre in Ennis, Texas is the perfect place to catch a live theatre show by local artists performing in a variety of genres. At this theatre, you can enjoy musicals, original plays, Broadway hits, and local production of popular plays.
Ennis Public Theatre
Address: 4009, 113 N Dallas St, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: Ennis Public Theatre
Price: 13 USD onwards
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Sample locally made wine at Sugar Ridge Winery
Enjoy wine tasting at the Sugar Ridge Winery in a beautiful outdoor setting with your friends or by yourself. The assortment of award-winning wines at this winery includes a wide variety of reds and whites that are made from a variety of local as well as imported grapes.
Sugar Ridge Winery
Address: 353 Sugar Ridge Rd, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: Sugar Ridge Winery
Opening hours: Fri: 12pm - 7pm; Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed Mon - Thu)
5. Step back in time at the Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum
Take a peek into the history of Ennis with memorabilia and local artifacts on display at the Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum. The museum houses a sizable collection of railroad models, exhibits, replicas, posters, historical documents, Czech dolls, and other interesting objects.
Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum
Address: 105 NE Main St, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 3 USD
6. Watch a car race at 85 Speedway
Enjoy watching fast cars race each other on rough dirt tracks at the famous 85 Speedway in Ennis. Modified cars of all types, shapes, and sizes can be seen racing each other at this 0.25 miles (0.40 km) long oval track. It is a fun family-friendly place to spend your Saturday evenings.
85 Speedway
Address: 3118 FM85, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: 85 Speedway
Opening hours: Only Sat: 6pm onwards (mid-March to September)
7. Read a book for free at the Ennis Public Library
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and visit the Ennis Public Library to read a book or two for free. The vast library with ample seating and a beautiful stained glass window has plenty of books to choose from – latest novels, classics, romance, fantasy, fiction, non-fiction, biography, children’s books, large print books, etc.
Ennis Public Library
Address: 501 W Ennis Ave, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: Ennis Public Library
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm; Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun)
8. Try various outdoor activities at Lake Bardwell
Experience fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and various other outdoor activities at the beautiful Lake Bardwell. Family-friendly fun activities like swimming, camping and having a picnic on the banks of the lake can also be enjoyed here.
Lake Bardwell
Address: 4000 Observation Dr., Ennis, Texas 75119
Website: Lake Bardwell
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: 4 USD onwards
9. Have a picnic at any park in the Ennis area
Relax in the shade of tall trees on the cool green grass while having a picnic with your partner, friends or family at one of the many parks in Ennis. Try the Lion’s Park or Bluebonnet Park where there are dedicated picnic and barbeque areas, picnic tables and lakes too.
Lion's Park
Address: 1200 W Lampasas St, Ennis, TX 75119
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
10. Enjoy a game of tennis at Lion Tennis Center
At the Lion Tennis Center in Ennis, you can enjoy a round of tennis at one of many indoor and outdoor courts. This public facility has nine championship quality courts, mini courts, a professional gear shop and a snack bar too. The facility has plenty of ball machines too.
Lion Tennis Center
Address: 2500 Yorkstown Dr, Ennis, TX 75119
11. Wander around All in the Family antique store
Posted by All In The Family on Thursday, 18 April 2019
Browse through the unique collections of goods in the All in the Family antique store in Ennis. The store has an incredible collection of quirky as well as valuable antiques ranging from furniture, pottery, fine china, wrought iron decorative items, nostalgic posters and signs, light fixtures, etc.
All in the Family
Address: 115 W Ennis Ave, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: All in the Family
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 10am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
12. Treat yourself with freshly baked goods from the Kolache Depot Bakery
Head on over to the Kolache Depot Bakery and grab some freshly baked Czech treats like kolaches (traditional Czech pastry), cakes, pies, cookies, loaves of bread, and more. Try their fruit or meat kolaches, and cinnamon rolls with coffee for a taste of traditional Czech bakery.
Kolache Depot Bakery
Address: 1103 E Ennis Ave, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: Kolache Depot Bakery
Opening hours: 5am - 12am (daily)
13. Taste Wildflower Café's homemade sandwiches
Located in the heart of downtown Ennis’ Historic District, Wildflower Café is the perfect spot to tuck into delicious homemade sandwiches in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Try their Ruben sandwich, BLT, or California club sandwiches, all of which are served with a side of chips and fresh fruit. Their sandwich and soup combo is worth trying out too.
Wildflower Café
Address: 211 W Knox St, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: Wildflower Café
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 2pm (closed on Sun)
14. Grab lunch at Bailey's Cafe
Come in and get your Chicking Fried Steak Sandwiche fix today !
Posted by Bailey’s Cafe on Saturday, 3 November 2018
Dig into a scrumptious lunch at Bailey’s Café where the food is freshly made and prepared using family recipes. Enjoy down-home cooking delights like hamburgers, chicken fried steak with onion rings, steaks, sandwiches, soups and salads in a casual and cozy environment.
Bailey's Cafe
Address: 508 S Kaufman St, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: Bailey’s Cafe
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 11am - 3pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 8:30pm; Sat: 8am - 8:30pm
15. Indulge in Bubba's Bar-B-Q & Steakhouse's juicy steak
Have a delicious home-style steak dinner at the Bubba’s Bar-B-Q & Steakhouse in Ennis. The restaurant is well known for its American barbeque food served in a home-like space. All their juicy steaks are served with sides, a salad and a Texas toast.
Bubba's Bar-B-Q & Steakhouse
Address: 210 S, Interstate Highway 45, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: Bubba’s Bar-B-Q & Steakhouse
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 8:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm
16. Drink a cup of coffee at Pop Top Coffee Shop
Pop into the local downtown Ennis Pop Top Coffee Shop for a cup of delicious coffee that is sure to hit the right spot! Choose from their regular hot coffees, iced coffees, blended coffee creations or specialty coffees. Teas and snacks are available too.
Pop Top Coffee Shop
Address: 120 N Dallas St, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: Pop Top Coffee Shop
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 6pm; Sat: 7am - 3pm (closed on Sun)
17. Chug a pint of beer at The Wooden Nickel bar
Another popular joint in historic downtown Ennis is The Wooden Nickel bar. It features live bands playing amazing music, great food, a lively atmosphere and above all, a good selection of beer. Grab your friends and chug a pint of your favorite beer while soaking in the amazing ambiance of the bar.
The Wooden Nickel
Address: 111 W Ennis Ave, Ennis, TX 75119
Website: The Wooden Nickel
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 3pm - 12am; Sat: 3pm - 1am
Engaging Ennis
The charming city of Ennis has loads of attractions, sights and things to do for visitors of all types - from museums to wineries to parks. All you have to do is pack your bags and head on over to this Texas gem!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
8 Best Treehouse Cabins In Dallas, Texas - Updated 2024Elah Angelica -
-
-
-
7 Best Piano Bars In Dallas, TexasCatherine -
-
-
-
Create an account to