Bardwell TexasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bardwell, Texas.
1. Bardwell Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Bardwell Lake offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational activities including fishing, boating, and camping. The lake features multiple parks and access points for visitors to enjoy the water and surrounding nature. Families and outdoor enthusiasts alike can appreciate the scenic views and peaceful atmosphere that Bardwell Lake provides.
2. Tonkawa Trail
ACCESSIBLE NATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonkawa Trail spans almost a mile in length and provides easy access to the Buffalo Creek Wetland. The trail features a firm, all-weather surface made of crushed granite that is universally accessible for visitors to observe the local plants and wildlife. Four observation shelters along the trail offer excellent opportunities for rest, relaxation, and wildlife photography.
3. Waxahachie Trail
LUSH WOODLAND PATH
Waxahachie Trail offers a short nature walk through a dense canopy of bottomland hardwood trees in Waxahachie Creek Park. The trail showcases three distinct layers of forest vegetation in a relatively undisturbed ecosystem, making it popular with local schools for educational purposes. Visitors can observe many species of native plants and animals while walking quietly along this relaxing trail located near the park's picnic area.
4. Texas Motorplex
RACING AND MOTORSPORTS
Texas Motorplex is a premier drag racing facility located near Bardwell that hosts numerous high-profile racing events throughout the year. The venue attracts motorsports enthusiasts from across the region with its quarter-mile drag strip and modern facilities. Visitors can experience the thrill of watching drag races while enjoying various amenities and concessions available at the complex.
5. Bluebonnet Trail
ICONIC WILDFLOWER ROUTE
The Bluebonnet Trail is a scenic driving route that showcases the stunning bluebonnet wildflowers that bloom each spring in the area around Ennis. Visitors flock to this trail to witness the vibrant blue flowers that cover the countryside and create perfect photo opportunities. The annual Bluebonnet Trail is typically at its peak in April when the city of Ennis hosts the Bluebonnet Festival to celebrate this natural spectacle.
6. Ennis Public Theatre
LOCAL PERFORMING ARTS
Ennis Public Theatre provides quality live theatrical performances for residents and visitors of the greater Bardwell area. The venue offers a variety of productions throughout the year, including classics, comedies, and contemporary works. Theater enthusiasts appreciate the intimate setting and the talent of local actors who bring stories to life on stage.
7. Felcman's Ladies Shop & Gifts
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Felcman's Ladies Shop & Gifts is a charming boutique offering a curated selection of women's clothing, accessories, and unique gift items. The shop provides personal shopping assistance and a friendly atmosphere that keeps customers returning. Visitors to the area will find this store to be a delightful stop for finding special items and souvenirs.
8. Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum preserves and showcases the rich railroad history of Ennis and its significance to the region's development. Exhibits feature railroad artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of how the railroad shaped the community. Visitors can learn about the cultural heritage of the area through interactive displays and informative presentations.
9. Chautauqua Auditorium
HISTORIC CULTURAL VENUE
The Chautauqua Auditorium, built in 1902, stands as a historic landmark in Waxahachie that has hosted numerous cultural and educational events for over a century. The octagonal wooden structure features unique architecture and excellent acoustics that make it ideal for performances and gatherings. Today, the auditorium continues to serve as a venue for concerts, lectures, and community events, connecting the present with the rich cultural history of the region.
10. Buffalo Creek Wetland
ECOLOGICAL WILDLIFE HAVEN
Buffalo Creek Wetland provides a natural habitat for diverse flora and fauna native to the region. The wetland ecosystem serves as an important environmental resource that was essential to Native Americans, pioneers, and early settlers who previously occupied the area. Visitors can access this natural treasure via the Tonkawa Trail, which offers observation shelters for wildlife viewing and photography.
11. Waxahachie Creek Park
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Waxahachie Creek Park offers visitors a peaceful setting for family gatherings and outdoor recreation near Bardwell Lake. The park features picnic areas, access to nature trails, and proximity to the water for fishing and wildlife observation. Visitors particularly enjoy the connectivity to both the Waxahachie Trail and the park's convenient location just 30 minutes south of Dallas off I-45.
12. Ellis County Courthouse
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE
The Ellis County Courthouse is a grand architectural marvel that dominates the Waxahachie town square with its Romanesque Revival style. Built in 1895, the courthouse features intricate stonework, ornate detailing, and a distinctive red sandstone exterior that attracts architecture enthusiasts. Visitors can admire the historic building's impressive towers, turrets, and gargoyles that make it one of the most photographed courthouses in Texas.
13. Bardwell Cotton Gins
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SITE
Bardwell's historic cotton gins represent the agricultural heritage that has been central to the town's economy since its founding. The town once boasted three cotton gins among its thriving businesses, which included banks, grocery stores, dry goods stores, and a gristmill. These structures stand as a testament to Bardwell's important role in the cotton industry that shaped the development of the region.
14. Bardwell Equestrian and Multiuse Trail
SCENIC HORSEBACK RIDING
The Bardwell Lake Equestrian and Multiuse Trail provides a scenic pathway for horseback riding and other outdoor activities in Ellis County. Located in Waxahachie Creek Park, the trail offers riders beautiful views of the lake and surrounding natural landscape. The trail's proximity to Dallas makes it a convenient destination for both local and visiting equestrians seeking a peaceful riding experience.
15. Historic Downtown Waxahachie
CHARMING SHOPPING DISTRICT
Historic Downtown Waxahachie features well-preserved Victorian buildings housing boutique shops, antique stores, and local restaurants. The district's charming atmosphere invites visitors to stroll along brick streets while exploring unique retail offerings and dining options. Throughout the year, the downtown area hosts various events and festivals that celebrate the community's rich heritage and small-town charm.