Popular Tourist Destination Waxahachie: ‘Crossroads of Texas’
Waxahachie continues to be an attractive area for developers and individuals to locate. It is also a popular tourist destination. The charm of the historic homes and buildings brings tens of thousands of visitors to the city each year. The historic Ellis County Courthouse, an example of the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style, is one of the most photographed structures in Texas. While in Waxahachie, visitors enjoy numerous unique shopping opportunities, including antiques, specialty shops and boutiques.
Just a short drive from the Metroplex, Waxahachie also has a number of festivals and events throughout the year for residents and visitors to enjoy.
In 1997, the Texas State Legislature designated Waxahachie as the “Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas.” Each summer the city’s historic streets are lined with hundreds of beautiful pink crape myrtles in full bloom.
Waxahachie is known also as the "Gingerbread City" because of the Victorian-style homes and buildings with gingerbread carpentry, a popular architectural style in the area. The Munster Mansion is a popular attraction in Waxahachie. The private residence, a tribute to the 1960s sitcom "The Munsters," is open to the public for tours during an annual charity event. Housed in the oldest building in historic downtown Waxahachie, the 1889 Ellis County Museum is a must see. More than 130 years of history are shared with stories of Ellis County and its residents through visual and interactive displays.
The annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trail showcases over 40 miles of mapped driving of Bluebonnet trails during the month of April.
Lake Waxahachie, a 650-acre lake, is a popular spot for boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing.
Waxahachie’s year-round attractions and festivals include the Mardi Gras Parade and Ball (March), Bluebonnet Festival (April), Scarborough Renaissance Festival (April-May), Gingerbread Trail (June), Rotary Cow Creek Country Classic Bike Ride (June), Crape Myrtle Festival (July), Texas Country Reporter Festival (October), and the World War II Re-enactment (November) in celebration of Veterans’ Day. December offers an array of activities including the Candlelight Tour of Homes, Bethlehem Revisited, and parade.
Other exciting attractions in the area include Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Fort Worth Zoo, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Fort Worth Stockyards, Sundance Square, Fort Worth Biotanical Gardens, Amon Carter Museum, Fort Worth Western Art Museum, Kimball Art Museum, Bass Hall, Six Flags Over Texas, Texas Motor Speedway, The Alamo, San Antonio Riverwalk, sporting events including Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers, music events, and the DFW dining capitol of Texas.