Ennis Travel Guide

  West High School Junior Folkdancers
by VeronicaG
 
  • West High School Junior Folkdancers
      West High School Junior Folkdancers
    by VeronicaG
  • Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen and Friend
      Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen and Friend
    by VeronicaG
  • Ennis Visitor's Center
      Ennis Visitor's Center
    by VeronicaG
  • Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum
      Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum
    by VeronicaG
  • Stationmaster's Office
      Stationmaster's Office
    by VeronicaG
 

Explore Ennis

Things to Do  

Pierce Park--Remembering Fallen Heroes

Pierce Park--Remembering Fallen Heroes, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  After parking the car near the visitor's center, we came to a small site marked 'Pierce Park'where a memorial stood for the Southern Pacific Railroad Employees. Etched into the side of this gray stone was a tribute to all those who had perished in WW2. The park was named for... 

Festival Entertainment

Festival Entertainment, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  As we wandered through the streets of Ennis, we heard the sound of music drifting from beneath a large white tent. People were gathered within its welcoming shade to hear the Ennis Czech Boys, who were entertaining the crowd with rousing Polka music. It was difficult to keep... 

One Weekend, Three Halls...Let's Dance!

One Weekend, Three Halls...Let's Dance!, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  The National Polka Festival is well-established in Ennis. This Memorial Day weekend was its 42nd year and a gathering of all ages--especially families, to be sure!Moms flitted about the floor with their children, husbands whirled around the floor with their wives and a hall... 

Information, Please!

Information, Please!, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  As we entered Ennis, we stopped by the town's visitor center situated along the railroad tracks next to the Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum. Not only were we welcomed by a very nice lady in traditional costume (see Customs tip) who was there to answer any questions,... 

The Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum

The Ennis Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  Ennis' roots began with the establishment of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad after it bought 647 acres of land in Ellis County (1871) for its northern terminus. The town was named for an early railroad official, Cornelius Ennis. By the 1930's, Ennis had become known... 

Crafts and Amusements

Crafts and Amusements, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  In the center of town, craft booths, food stalls, amusement/game area and entertainment tent sprawled for a couple blocks. It was hot by this time, so most of us seemed to be moving at a sluggish pace. I didn't see anything too unique here, but one particular booth offered... 

A Polka Demonstration

A Polka Demonstration, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  We loved watching the folk dances demonstrated by various groups in their national costumes. Our first stop was the Knights of Columbus where the West High Junior Dancers kicked up their heels. Other groups performing throughout the weekend were: the Oklahoma Czech Dancers... 

Hotels  

Quality Inn Ennis

 35 Opinions

Restaurants  

Don Joses Mexican Restaurant: Mexican in Ennis

Don Joses Mexican Restaurant: Mexican in Ennis, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  While in the historic district we inquired as to the best place to eat dinner later in the day. Don Joses Mexican Restaurant was highly recommended by one of the shop keepers at La Galleria. We shuffled up the sidewalk about another block and found Don Joses. The restaurant... 

BUBBA'S BBQ: A Texas Monthly Top Pick For BBQ

BUBBA'S BBQ: A Texas Monthly Top Pick For BBQ, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  BBQ's are a popular stop in Texas! Bubba's BBQ, in particular, was mentioned in a recent article in the Texas Monthly Magazine (June '08), listing the top BBQ's in the state (pics 2 & 3).While traveling between polka halls, we spied the restaurant's lofty sign along the... 

Nightlife  

Polka Freak Out!: A Night of Polka Dancing!

Polka Freak Out!: A Night of Polka Dancing!, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  The National Polka Festival scheduled at least 15 different Polka Bands over the course of a weekend. We were only there for one day, but I imagine the entire town joined in on the festivities!Three different halls were involved that featured folk dancing and live music.... 

Three Dog Tavern

Three Dog Tavern, Ennis

 keeweechic Says:  The routine there is every Sunday $1 well drinks and $1 margaritas. Monday is Texas Singer Songwriters night. Wednesday - Karaoke, Thursday - A Live Band or Karaoke and Friday & Saturday - Live Band. There is no cover charge if you get there before 7.00p.m. They also feature... 

Transportation  

Getting to Ennis
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2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

keeweechic 10971 reviews

If travelling from Dallas, take I-45 south and exit on 253 or 251B. Ennis is about 30 miles (30 mins) from Dallas and about 46 miles from Ft Worth.

From Houston and Corsicana, travel north on I-45 and exit on 249 or 251B. Approximately 180 miles from Houston.

Updated Jan 2, 2004

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Shopping  

Antique Shops Throughout Town: Antiques in Ennis

Antique Shops Throughout Town: Antiques in Ennis, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  I love wandering through antique shops to discover a vintage tea towel or old ivory colored celluloid vanity piece, perhaps to add another colorful dish to my fiestaware collection or find an antique hat pin or silver berry spoon. Thank goodness my husband enjoys this... 

Good Time Charlie's

Good Time Charlie's, Ennis

 keeweechic Says:  This store is filled with the most amazing array of memorabilia. There are old trinkets, telephones, posters and records - a lot of which are signed. A really old looking interior with the goods to match - amazing what you might find here. 

Local Customs  

A Czech Heritage--Decorative Egg Art

A Czech Heritage--Decorative Egg Art, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  A lovely lady in Czech traditional costume greeted us at the Ennis visitor's center. She was very helpful in suggesting routes to the various entertainment halls (pic #2).As we spoke with her, I noticed a basket filled with vibrantly decorated eggs, sitting to one side of... 

Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen

Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  Meet the Miss Texas Czech-Slovak Queen! (on the left). Although she is very pretty, this title is not only a beauty contest, but is based on poise, charm, good manners, talent and dignity. In fact, the organizational website states that it is an "ethnic" pageant.We... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Bluebonnet Park

Bluebonnet Park, Ennis

 keeweechic Says:  Bluebonnet Park is 46,098 acres with many Lighted Baseball/ Softball Fields, Soccer Fields as well as play areas, picnic shelters, a fishing lake and walking and jogging paths.Located : Off the 287 by-pass(Congressman Joe Barton Parkway and U.S. 287 Bypass) 

Lake Bardwell

Lake Bardwell, Ennis

 keeweechic Says:  This is a 3,570-acre impoundment on the Waxhachie Creek which is one of the largest attractions in Ellis county and offers much of the areas opportunity for water sport activities. There are boat launching ramps as well as camping and picnic areas surrounding the lake. At... 

Favorites  

Old Ennis

Old Ennis, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  As I mentioned earlier, ten trains a day deposited their passengers in Ennis when the railroad was at its peak. Testifying to its reputation as a Wild West town, there were no less than thirteen saloons and six beer halls. Its list of citizens included the notorious Clyde... 

Ennis Historic District

Ennis Historic District, Ennis

 VeronicaG Says:  As we walked along some of Ennis' red brick streets we noticed the classic style architecture of the Ennis National Bank, established in 1883. It sits in the center of the of town's historic district.Ennis is similar to many towns in that it's historic district was almost... 

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Map of Ennis