Ennis' bluebonnets recognized by National Geographic
The 73rd annual Bluebonnet Trails are underway in the city of Ennis, which was designated by the Texas Legislature in 1997 as both the official Bluebonnet City of Texas and as the home of the official Texas Bluebonnet Trail.
The beloved annual event has now been recognized by National Geographic magazine, which included it in its recent article, “8 of the most spectacular places in the U.S. to see spring flowers in bloom.” Of the eight sites, Ennis and its bluebonnets were ranked second, placing only behind Washington, D.C., and its cherry blossoms.
“Our little town, bursting with bluebonnets, has captured the attention of the world!” Haley Burnett, the city of Ennis tourism and Main Street manager, commented via email. “To be named the second most spectacular place in the U.S. for spring blooms by National Geographic is an incredible honor.
“As I prepare for my third Bluebonnet Trails and Festival, I’m thrilled to welcome visitors and share the magic of Ennis. Happy Trails!” Burnett wrote.
The Bluebonnet Trails, which are sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club, run from April 1-30 each year. The trails comprise more than 40 miles of mapped roads and include stops at city parks.
“These trails are the oldest such trails known in the state, and tens of thousands of visitors make the short trek to Ennis to view this wonderful wildflower show,” Burnett said. “The Ennis Garden Club will drive the trails to check the bloom status each week starting in April. The club then reports to the Ennis Welcome Center about the latest status of the bluebonnets so that visitors can be well informed where the best flowers are on the trails at the time of their visit.”
There are three main trails:
• the West Trail, which includes several of the city’s parks as well as Mountain View Nature Area on Lake Bardwell
• the South Trail, whose roadways include farm-to-markets 85 and 1181
• the North Trail, which extends up to the Bristol area
Trail maps are available at the Ennis Welcome Center, located at 201 N.W. Main St. in downtown. These are highlighted daily for visitors as to where the best viewing sites are located. Burnett noted that the bluebonnets typically peak around the third week of April, per the garden club’s observations.
The welcome center is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sundays. Hours are extended during the annual Bluebonnet Festival, slated this year for April 11-13. Festival hours are from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday and from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. The welcome center will be closed Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
This year’s festival, which is held downtown, will feature 60 vendor booths along with food trucks, entertainment, and other activities. Admission is $5 for adults and free for ages 12 and younger.
For the latest updates on bluebonnet blooming conditions, visit https://www.bluebonnettrail.org/wildflower-watch.
Written by Jo Ann Livingston/ITKE.
