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VISITORS GUIDE                   

 Local Attractions

 

 

View/Print a Waxahachie Visitors Brochure

For over 150 years, visitors have enjoyed the culturally and historically rich attractions of Waxahachie that are interwoven with the history of Texas.  The famed Shawnee Trail ran through the center of town, now known as the Historic Downtown District.

Waxahachie, designated in the early 1900's as Queen of the Cotton Belt, has grown to be known as the Gingerbread City for the ornate woodwork found on many of the historic homes, as well as being designated the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas.  Waxahachie also claims the title of Movie Capital of Texas, with over thirty motion pictures and three Academy Award films (The Trip to Bountiful, Places in the Heart, and Tender Mercies), and is recognized as being Picture Perfect by the movie industry. 

Waxahachie is a treasure trove of historical homes, many of which are open to share with guests as Bed and Breakfasts.  The historic Rogers Hotel and excellent hotels and motels are also ready to welcome you. 

The Historic Downtown District is home to a myriad of antique shopes, restaurants, boutiques, and specialty stores famous for a great dining and shopping experience.

Picture Perfect Waxahachie: The Best Town in Texas is a new book that captures Waxahachie today when its heritage is still its heartbeat.  Perfect for gift-giving you'll want one for yourself and all your closest friends.

 

LISTING OF LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

After Hours Improv performs hilarious, family-friendly improvisational comedy shows.  For showtimes click on their link or call the box office at (972) 937-9839.

Bethlehem Revisited, Travel back to Old World Bethlehem as it was at the time of Christ's birth. Rated the "Number One Holiday Event for the Lone Star State" by Fox 4 News in 2001. Open Friday-Sunday the first two weekends of December from 6 pm -9 pm. Located behind Central Presbyterian Church, at 402 North College Street. 

The Breeze Waterpark & Paintball at Lakeview offers water slides, boating and paintball course.  Located at 5128 FM 66, 972-923-3812.

Chautauqua Auditorium, located in Getzendaner Park, is one of the few octagonal auditoriums in America. The Chautauqua is open during special events and during the Gingerbread Trail.

Courthouse Park, established in 2003, provides a rest area, ATM, information kiosk and restrooms for visitors' convenience. Located across from the Ellis County Courthouse in historic downtown.

DeSoto Gun Club, 3601 Sterrett Rd., 972-576-3338.

Ellis County Art Museum showcases art from area residents. Located at 501 W. Main Street, (972) 937-3414.

Ellis County Courthouse, built in 1895, is listed in the top 100 most photographed structures in the State of Texas, featuring Richardson Romanesque architectural style. The Courthouse is also celebrating its recent $15 million restoration. Visit the Courthouse downtown on the square.

Ellis County Museum includes the Heritage Visitor Center of Waxahachie.  The museum rekindles the past as it highlights the rich history of Ellis County.  Located at 201 S. College, 972-937-0681. Museum hours are: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, and Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm.

Getzendaner Memorial Park is a peaceful place for your next family picnic, or to use as an escape to nature after a hectic business meeting. The Chautauqua Auditorium is also part of the grounds.  Located 2 blocks south of Business 287 (W. Main Street) and Grand Avenue.

Historic Rogers Street Bridge is perhaps the most unique engineering feature in the historic district.  Manufactured by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company in Canton, Ohio, it was shipped by rail to Waxahachie and assembled on the site.  Today, it is a connected piece of the Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail.

Joshua Chapel AME Church, located at 110 Aiken, is a prominent architectural, social and religious landmark. This building was designed in 1917 by noted black architect William Sidney Pittman.

Lake Waxahachie is located 2 miles south of Waxahachie off FM 877. Bring your family, boat and jet skis. Excellent source of fishing for crappie, white bass, largemouth bass and channel catfish.

Movies at Buffalo Creek offers fun for the whole family. Located in the Northgate Plaza at 507 North Highway 77, 972-938-5463.

Munster Mansion, private residence located at 3636 FM 813, is a recreation of the 60's TV sitcom The Munsters.  The Victorian Style Mansion is complete with the ascending signature staircase, coffin phone, suit of armor, and Grandpa's electric chair.

Old Brickyard Golf Course, 605 N IH 45, Ferris.  972-842-8700.

Red Oak Valley Golf Club, 800 S. I-35E, Red Oak.  972-617-3249

Scarborough Renaissance Festival, a recreated 16th century English Village in the time of King Henry VIII. Thrill to the thunder of hooves and the crash of lance on shield at the joust. Watch in amazement as birds of prey swoop and dive to the command of the Royal Falconer only inches above your head. 20 stages of entertainment, 200 shoppes featuring handcrafted, one-of-a-kind merchandise, games of skill and human powered rides, and a wide variety of food and beverage.  Open Saturdays and Sundays starting the second Saturday of April through Memorial Day, 10 am-7pm.  Located at I-35E South, exit 399A, 972-938-3247.

Screams Halloween Theme Park is the world’s largest Halloween theme park. Open Friday and Saturday nights, October 1-31. Gates open at 7 p.m. I-35E South, exit 399A, 972-938-3247.

Sims Library is an excellent example of Neoclassical Building and is a popular stop on the Waxahachie driving tour.  Located at 515 W. Main, 972-937-2671.33

Southwestern Assemblies of God University is located in historic buildings once occupied by Trinity University, and an example of the Jacobean Revival architectural style. Located at 1200 Sycamore, 972-937-4010.

Texas Motorplex is a world renowned NHRA Drag Racing facility and multi-purpose venue hosting racing events, concerts, and more. Located on U.S. 287 between Waxahachie and Ennis, 972-878-2641.

Waxahachie Community Theatre provides family entertainment at its best including comedy, drama and musical performances throughout the year. For more information, call 972-723-6976.

Waxahachie Country Club is open to the public for golf Tuesday-Friday. Located at 1920 W. Highway 287 Business, 972-938-9292.

Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail, Walk or ride along the beautiful, curvy path of the Waxahachie Creek and scenic woods. The linear trail stretches from Getzendaner Park, through the city's historic cemetery to Lions Park for 4 miles.

Waxahachie Downtown Farmers Market, Fresh produce available on the historic courthouse square every Saturday starting May - October.

Waxahachie Historic Cemeteries, Many with Historic Markers, are located throughout the area.

Waxahachie Symphony Association brings high caliber classical and jazz performances to Waxahachie throughout the year, 972-923-9766. 

Webb Gallery is located at 209-211 W. Franklin.  The gallery houses a huge collection of self-taught art, old fraternal lodge objects, and vintage-anonymous art.  Events are also hosted, including films, special exhibits, musical performances, speakers, and socials.  Open Saturday-Sunday from 1 pm - 5pm.  972-938-8085.

Wyatt Street Shotgun House Historic District, located on the east side of the 300 block of Wyatt Street, this district contains a row of small, single-family shotgun dwellings built around 1918.

Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce

102 YMCA Drive | Waxahachie, TX 75165

Phone: 972- 937-2390 | Fax: 972-938-9827 | Send Email


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