If you are looking for some fun things to do in Waxahachie, Texas, you’ve come to the right place. The town of Waxahachie is the county seat of Ellis County, Texas. As of 2020, its population was estimated to be 41140. In addition to the downtown area, you can explore the area’s Lake Waxahachie and Screams Halloween Theme Park. If you’re looking for a drink, you can check out Railport Brewing Company or the historic downtown district.
Historic downtown district
If you are looking for an active downtown district in Waxahachie, you’re in luck. The city is actively promoting downtown revitalization and has adopted a master plan that focuses on preservation of the city’s historic structures. The city’s courthouse square is also receiving significant improvements. In addition, Waxahachie has been designated as a Preserve America Community.
Visitors can tour the town’s historic downtown district and enjoy a variety of attractions. The city’s Ellis County Courthouse, built in Romanesque Revival style, is among the most photographed buildings in the state. The courthouse square also contains some of the best examples of 19th-century commercial architecture in the state. The town is also known as the “Gingerbread City,” and sponsors an annual Gingerbread Tour of Homes.
Nearby, the Ellis County Museum, which was built in 1889, is a must-see. This nonprofit, historic institution tells the history of Ellis County. Visitors can also check out the “Waxahachie Timeline” at the museum. The museum also has a replica Victorian home and an extensive collection of antique vehicles.
The city also has a wide variety of fun events. The annual Gingerbread Trail Festival is a great time to explore the area with the whole family. The festival includes crafts and outdoor vendors, and includes a tour of some of the area’s oldest homes. The town has even had two movies filmed here, Places of the Heart and Tender Mercies.
The town’s downtown district is home to the Richardsonian Romanesque courthouse, which many consider the state’s most beautiful courthouse. It was designed by renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson, who also designed many other buildings in the U.S.
In the early twentieth century, Waxahachie’s social institutions got in on the construction boom. The Chautauqua Auditorium, built in 1902, was listed on the National Register in 1974. The building was the site of Chautauqua movement events. It may be the last Chautauqua building in the state.
The arrival of the railroad was another major factor in the growth of the city. The railroad provided cheap transportation for goods from other cities and gave the merchants access to supplies that had previously been unavailable. The railroad also helped develop the city’s adjacent areas into industrial and shipping centers. The city was first served by the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. Later, the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad arrived in the city.
Lake Waxahachie
If you’re looking for the best places to go in Texas, Lake Waxahachie is a good place to start. The community has plenty of things to do for the entire family. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, and splash pads at the nearby park, Fritz Park. Also, there’s an 18-hole disc golf course and a petting zoo. Another popular spot for families is the George Brown Plaza, which is located in downtown Waxahachie. For food and shopping, there’s the Waxahachie Farmers Market, which is open on Saturdays from April to October.
The city’s Historic Downtown district is home to unique shops, antiques, and 19th century architecture. Another popular attraction is Lake Waxahachie, a scenic recreational lake that has some of the best fishing in North Texas. Boat ramps are also available at three public access areas.
Another reason to visit Waxahachie is the nearby Ellis County Courthouse, one of the most photographed courthouses in Texas. Visitors to the city can enjoy the courthouse and other historic sites in the area. There are also a variety of annual festivals held in the area.
Waxahachie is also home to a variety of historic homes. These homes can be seen in individual neighborhoods or on guided tours. There’s even a Candlelight Home Tour. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or just a relaxing retreat, Lake Waxahachie is one of Texas’ best places to visit.
The town is also home to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, which takes place in early April and runs until late May. The festival features period-style buildings and shops where people can purchase items from medieval times. During this festival, visitors can also see jousting and see birds of prey demonstrations.
In addition to the Lake Waxahachie Historic Downtown District, the city is also home to Waxahachie Stadium, which was built in 1972 and is the town’s main stadium. It has hosted American football games and Indian soccer games and is large enough for other recreational activities.
Screams Halloween Theme Park
If you’re in the mood for some Halloween spookiness, Screams Halloween Theme Park is the place for you. The park includes five haunted houses and a number of other attractions. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera; this is not a place for the young at heart.
While visiting Screams, you can enjoy a great selection of food and drinks at the food court. There are three pubs on site, serving alcoholic beverages to guests over 21. You can also enjoy the Full Moon Cafe, where you can order a variety of carnival-themed dishes. In the midst of the scares, you can even sample Screams’ signature treats like Wax Hands.
Railport Brewing Co.
Located in Waxahachie, Texas, Railport Brewing Co. is making craft beer in a small scale at the moment. They are brewing on a pilot system, and plan to eventually grow to a larger brewhouse. The brewery is open on Saturdays from two to six p.m., and Womack says he hopes to offer more varieties in the future.
The brewery is the first brewpub in the City of Waxahachie, and it is the first of its kind in Ellis County. It is housed in a 1940’s-era building near the downtown square. The property is less than an acre, but it offers a large outdoor seating area, including a food truck.