Frequently Asked Questions
Festival Questions
What are the 2021 Festival Safety Guidelines?
Safety is our top priority. Safety measures for festival weekend include the following:
What are the admission prices for the 2021 Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival?
Are mask required at the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival?
Mask are strongly encouraged at the festival.
Are there ATM machines nearby?
Yes, there are 3 ATMs available within 1 block of the festival.
Where do we enter the festival?
There are two entrances to the festival. One is located on North Dallas St / West Baylor St. and the other on North Dallas St / West Ennis Ave.
Are dogs allowed at the festival?
Yes, you can bring a dog, but the dog must be on a leash. No reptiles or exotic animals allowed.
Can I pick up a hard copy of the Bluebonnet Trail Map on the day of the festival?
During festival hours, pick up a hard copy of the map at the Ennis Garden Club tent at the festival on North Dallas Street or pick up a a map at the Ennis Welcome Center (201 NW Main St.) Or you can download a copy of the map after April 1st.
What are the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival hours?
Festival hours are Friday, April 16 and Saturday, April 17 10am - 9pm. Sunday, April 18 10am - 6pm.
Where do I park for the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival?
Limited parking is available along downtown streets, North Plaza Parking at 302 N Dallas St., and at the parking lots at 305 W Baylor St (corner of N Sherman and W Baylor), 104 N McKinney St, and 305 W Ennis Ave.
Where can I purchase official Ennis Bluebonnet Souvenirs?
April 16-18: Souvenirs can be purchased at the Ennis Garden Club tent during the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival or at the Bluebonnet Spirit Shop 204 W Knox St.
What is the address of the festival?
100 N Dallas St.
Are outside food and drinks allowed at the festival?
No outside food, drinks or coolers allowed. Food and beverages are available for purchase inside the festival.
What children's activities will be available at the festival?
Paddle boats, trackless train, rock climbing wall, petting zoo, face painting.
Will there be seating available in front of the stage?
Seating will be limited.
Trail Questions
How far are the mapped trails?
There are 40 miles of mapped driving trails. However, not each trail will bloom each year so please check the current map on the webiste for more information or call 972-878-4748 or come by the Ennis Welcome Center located at 201 NW Main St. for updated trails and directions. The map stays the same but where the bluebonnets bloom will change each year. Maps will be highlighted accordingly and changed throughout the season.
When can I drive the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails?
The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails can be driven anytime during the day, from dawn to dusk as these are mapped driving trails in the country. There are parks such as Meadow View Nature Area that will have specific times they are open so please check the map for updated information.
When is the best time to see the bluebonnets?
Typically the bluebonnets peak around the 2nd to 3rd week of April. However, this can vary year to year due to weather conditions and terrain. Please check this website or call 972-878-4748 before your visit.
I am traveling a long distance. How will I know when the bluebonnets will peak?
The Ennis Garden Club will drive the trails to check the bloom status each week starting in late March. The Club then reports to the Ennis Welcome Center about the latest status of the bluebonnets so the visitors can be well informed where the best flowers are on the trails at the time of their visit.
Where can I pick up a hard copy of the Bluebonnet Trail Map?
Maps available April 1-30. You can pick up a Bluebonnet Trail Map at the Ennis Welcome Center located at 201 NW Main St, Ennis, Texas 75119. The Ennis Welcome Center is open Monday - Saturday 8am-5pm and Sunday 10am-5pm; Closed Easter Sunday (April 4). *Mask required to enter the Ennis Welcome Center.
Are the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails seeded?
Three parks in Ennis, the Ennis Veterans Memorial Park, Bluebonnet Park and Meadow View Nature Area have been seeded, but weather conditions can affect the blooms of the seeded areas. All the other areas along the trails in Ennis are not seeded and are completely natural to the area. Mother Nature is in control of how many flowers we get each year. So please check the status of the trails before driving long distances.
Can I pet the animals on the trail?
For your safety, please do not pet the animals on the trails. The Ennis Bluebonnet Trails are located in the countryside of Ellis County. There is not a leash law for pets in Ellis County so please be careful. If you come across a dog along the Ennis Bluebonnet Trail, please do NOT pick them up. They are not stray dogs. They are farm dogs that roam the pastures and fields.
Can I fly a drone on the trail?
You can not fly a drone over private property. Authorities will be called.
What is Bluebonnet Etiquette?
While you are enjoying the trails, please respect private property. Do not climb fences, open gates, or block driveways, and do not litter. If the private landowner has a sign that says “you may enter”, only then may you do so. Also, please do not trample the flowers. If taking pictures, stay in the path that has already been established to preserve the fields. Thank you!
Is there a fee to drive the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails?
No, there is no admission fee to drive the trails. It is free.
Where can I get reports and sightings for the entire state of Texas
www.wildflowerhaven.com or Texas Wildflower Report or similiar Facebook sites.
Will the bluebonnets come up in the same locations year after year?
No. Each year is different. Blooms vary on each trail year to year so always check our website for an updated bluebonnet status and directions.
What does it mean when the trails are open?
Our Ennis Bluebonnet Trails are scheduled to be open during April as this is when the trail signs are up and maps are available at 201 NW Main St, Ennis, Texas 75119. During Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival (April 16-18), you may also pick up a map at the Ennis Garden Club Tent located on Dallas St.
Is there a shuttle or guided tour?
No. Due to Covid-19, there will be no tour buses and shuttles available for 2021. Only self-guided tours in your own vehicle.
Are there restroom facilities along the trail?
There are portable restrooms in Bristol located at the Bristol General Store and at Meadow View Nature Area. The Ennis Veterans Memorial Park, Bluebonnet Park, and Minnie McDowall Park (119 N Dallas), and the Ennis Welcome Center (201 NW Main St) have public restrooms.
Anything I should be cautious or aware of out on the trail?
Are there trash cans along the trail?
It is recommended that you take a small bag for trash. Please do not litter along the trails.
Will there be limited entry into the Ennis Welcome Center?
Due to Covid, there will be a limit on how many guests are allowed to enter the Ennis Welcome Center at one time. During busier times, this may cause a short wait time to enter. For your convenience, trail maps will be available for pick-up outside the Welcome Center or, after April 1st, you may download one online by clicking here or or visitennis.org.
What can I expect this year from the staff at the Ennis Welcome Center regarding the map of the bluebonnet trails?
Due to COVID-19, the staff at the Ennis Welcome Center will NOT be going over the map individually with visitors like in past years. Visitors will be able to pick up a map at the Ennis Welcome Center, download a map online by clicking here or at www.visitennis.org, download the free Ennis Y’all app and follow the interactive bluebonnet map, or watch a video at the Ennis Welcome Center regarding the trails in April. Thank you for your patience regarding these changes for this season.
Are all the trails marked with trail signs?