The Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas! No other than, Waxahachie. Just a short distance from the Dallas Metroplex, this vibrant, authentic small town Texas community really stands out! From its captivating buildings, lively annual events, to thriving downtown area. 

The town also features many examples of Victorian architecture and Gingerbread-style homes, several of which have been converted into bed and breakfast inns. Sounds fantastic, right? So whether you are planning to move here or just planning to visit, it will be a great idea to do so. 

Here are some of the awesome places you should not forget to visit in Waxahachie:

Ellis County Courthouse

With its eye-catching columns, arches, rounded towers, and clock tower, it’s no wonder the Ellis County Courthouse is considered one of the prettiest buildings in Texas. Built with pink granite and sandstone in 1895, the courthouse is a fine example of the architectural flair common to the Richardsonian Romanesque style. Take photos of the architecture of the building and get a guided tour if you can! Then, go shopping on the square and grab a bite to eat.

101 West Main Street

Waxahachie, TX 75165

Ellis County Museum

Discover the fascinating history of this part of the Lone Star State at the Ellis County Museum, located on the southeastern side of the downtown square. Within the museum, housed in a structure built in 1889, you’ll find a variety of exhibits outlining the county’s history and heritage. The museum is open Monday through Saturday during standard business hours.

This 1897 building is known as “number eight” because of its rank on Texas’ list of outstanding architectural achievements. Fully restored in 2002, the pink marble, red sandstone, and red limestone building has a clock tower that rises nine stories. Stone carvings on the building’s four porches were carved by German artists and depict human and lion faces that are typical of Romanesque buildings.

201 South College Street

Waxahachie, TX 7516

Lake Waxahachie

Who loves fishing? Lake Waxahachie is the perfect getaway from the noise and the week’s routine.  Lake Waxahachie is a scenic recreational lake that provides some of the best fishing in North Texas. Catfish, largemouth bass, white bass, and crappie making it a popular fishing destination.. There are three public access areas to the lake, all of which have boat ramps and parking areas.

Two Miles South of Waxahachie off of FM 877

The Munster Mansion

Located in a newer area of Waxahachie, the McKees built the Munster Mansion as their primary residence after watching the show for hundreds of hours. The house was originally open for charity events which The Munsters cast members — Grandpa, Eddie, and Marilyn — attended. Now it is open for private tours.

Each room has been painstakingly re-created, right down to the dishes on the kitchen table. Sandra McKee has purchased pieces from the tv show’s set or found exact replicas. During a tour, you’ll see a life-sized Lily, Herman, Grandpa, and Eddie after you come face to face with Spot under the grand staircase.

Tours are by appointment only. The home is not ADA accessible.

3636 FM813, Waxahachie, TX 75165

The Money Museum

One of the most expansive collections of American currency in the country. This numismatic collection of exhibits and history features a $5,000 bill and a $10,000 bill on public display during the bank's lobby hours.

The museum, located in the bank’s lobby, displays Continental Currency printed in Philadelphia in 1776, Republic of Texas bills, and some of the most collectible paper notes — 1882 Brownbacks. Gold nuggets, and checks signed by the likes of Charles Dickens, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Ralph Waldo Emerson and Presidents McKinley and Garfield are also in the museum.

 200 N. Elm Waxahachie, TX 75165

The Waxahachie Love Lock Wall

No need to fly to New York, Paris, Seoul, or Moscow to leave a token of your love on public display. The Academy-award winning Places in the Heart, starring Sally Field, was filmed in historic Waxahachie in 1984. Movie directors are drawn to the areas scenery and to date more than 60 feature-length movies have filmed there. Playing off their connection to Places in the Heart, in 2016, the town adopted the slogan "Waxahachie: A Place in Your Heart, Texas," a move that landed them an award from Texas Downtown Association for Best Marketing Campaign and a People’s Choice Award.

The Waxahachie Love Lock Wall allows visitors to express their love for each other with a symbolic heart-shaped lock that they can purchase at the Ellis County Museum across the street, or they can bring their own. Many like to have them custom engraved.

201 South College Street Downtown Waxahachie, TX

 

Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail

Waxahachie is more than just the town – it’s also a great place to explore the outdoors! If you want to get out and explore the area’s abundant natural beauty, then the Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail is for you.

Walk or ride along the beautiful, curvy path of the Waxahachie Creek and scenic woods. The linear trail stretches for four miles from Getzendaner Park through the city’s historic cemetery to Lion Park. 

The trail winds through the beautiful Grapevine Creek Valley and provides hikers and bikers with over 18 miles of lightly trafficked trails. Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail The Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail is a great way to explore the natural beauty and enjoy the fresh air.

Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail, Waxahachie, TX 75165

Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park

The ultimate indoor adventure park and a destination for family fun. The park is open year-round and is a great place to spend time with the whole family. You can ride the trampolines, swing on the swing set, or explore the interactive exhibits. If you’re looking for something a little more active, you should try the climbing wall.

This is a great way to increase your heart rate and strengthen your strength. You can also challenge your friends to see who can do the most rope climbs. If you’re looking for a place to spend quality time with your friends and family, you should check out Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park.

507 US-77, Waxahachie, TX