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.
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. www.DowntownWaxahachie.com
First Lady's Texas Treasures Award: Waxahachie
LISTING OF LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
After Hours Improv Theater, featuring live, family-friendly improvisational and stand-up comedy every weekend. Also available are adult and children's classes, corporate entertainment, and theater facility rental for corporate meetings, weddings, and special events. Located in the Historic Downtown District at 100 N. College Street. For show times and tickets, call 972-937-9839 or visit www.AfterHoursImprov.com
“The Best Little Hollywood in Texas.” Filmmaking began here with Bonnie and Clyde, scripted by Waxahachie native Robert Benton, which was filmed in 1967. It reached its pinnacle in the early ‘80s when Benton returned to his former hometown to write and direct the Oscar-winning feature Places in the Heart, starring Sally Field. Two other Oscar-winners Tender Mercies, starring Robert Duvall and Tess Harper, and The Trip to Bountiful were shot principally in Waxahachie at that time, as well.
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.
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. www.waxahachiechautauqua.org
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.
DFW Summer Balloon Classic and AirFest is an Aviation Extravaganza featuring 40 magnificent Hot
Air Balloons. 4 beautiful mass ascensions followed by top ranked competitors flying their balloons in challenging competition. "Lite the Nite" balloon glow at sunset on Saturday evening fills the area with balloons on static display to light the sky with spectacular glow of color! Saturday afternoon exciting Air Show including the first Aerobatic Racing Challenge in the south! Aviation Extravaganza during the day features airplanes, helicopters, military aircraft, skydivers, powered parachutes, RC aircraft and more in flight and display. Some flights available to public. Attractions-Exhibits, Food, Arts & Crafts, Children’s Area and more! Something for all ages! Free admission ($10 parking) www.summerballoonclassic.com
Ellis County Art Museum showcases art from area residents. Located at 501 W. Main Street, (972) 937-3414. www.elliscountyart.net
Ellis County Courthouse, built in 1895, is listed in the top 100 most 
photographed structures in the State of Texas, featuring Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. The Courthouse is also celebrating its recent $15 million restoration. Visit the Courthouse downtown on the square. Photo by: Lynn Cromer
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.
Gingerbread Trail. Victorian, Gingerbread, Gothic Revival, and Queen Anne are a few architectural styles you'll see in Waxahachie. The 42nd Annual Gingerbread Trail celebrates this architecture on Saturday, June 5th and Sunday, June 6th, 10 AM to 4 PM. Tour our special selection of five private homes. Get the inside scoop on restoration triumphs and local ghost lore. Visit historically recognized buildings such as the newly restored Ellis County Courthouse, the Ellis County Museum, Sims Library, Ellis County Art Museum and view vintage automobiles parked around the downtown square. For more information: 972-937-0681 or visit http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~txecm/ginger.htm
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.
Munster Mansion, private residence located at 3636 FM 813, is a re-creation 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. www.munstermansion.com
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. www.scarboroughrenfest.com
Screams Halloween Theme Park is the world’s largest Halloween theme park scaring Ellis County and Metroplex residents for 14 years. The park has five haunted attractions: 3D Pirates of Peril Point , The Arcane Asylum, Castle of Darkness, Deathtrap Maze and Ghoulish Graveyard. Special effects designer, make-up artist and creature creator Allen Hopps is the Creative Director of the park. and his talents turn local residents into ghouls and monsters every night that the park is open. Open Friday and Saturday nights in October. Gates open at 7 p.m. I-35E South, exit 399A, 972-938-3247. www.screamspark.com
Sims Library is an excellent example of Neoclassical Building and is a popular stop on the Waxahachie driving tour. Located at 515 W. Main Street.
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. For more information call 972-878-2641or visit www.texasmotorplex.com
Texas Theater is located on the town square, celebrating 115 years of entertainment. From vaudeville and burlesques in 1895 to the singing cowboy movies of the 40's to today, where musical theater, live bands, movies and more are on the menu. For more information, call 972-937-1993 or visit www.texasmusictheater.com
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 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.
