Things to Do in Waxahachie, TX (Courthouse to Gingerbread Houses)

Waxahachie sits close enough to Ennis that I end up there more than most people would guess for a Slingshot operator. Here's what's actually worth the drive, organized by what's open year-round versus what only happens on a specific weekend.

Downtown & the 1897 Ellis County Courthouse

The Romanesque Revival courthouse is the visual anchor of the whole downtown square, and it's worth the stop on its own. The square around it is genuinely walkable — park once and cover the whole downtown on foot.

Parks & Outdoors

Getzendaner Park and Railyard Park both give you an easy, free add-on if you want to break up a downtown walk with some green space.

Historic Homes & the Gingerbread Trail

Waxahachie's Victorian homes are a genuinely different draw than anything Ennis offers — we've got wildflowers, they've got architecture. The Gingerbread Trail Home Tour runs the first weekend of June most years; confirm the current date with the sponsoring organization before you plan around it.

Scarborough Renaissance Festival

This is the single highest-volume search term anywhere near this region — a 35-acre festival grounds with roughly 200 shoppes, running weekends from April through May plus Memorial Day. If you're near Waxahachie during that window, it's worth building a day around.

Food & Shopping Downtown

Downtown Waxahachie has a real local food and shopping scene around the square — specific storefronts turn over, so check what's currently open before you make a special trip for any one place.

Museums & Local Culture

A rainy-day backup if the weather doesn't cooperate — check current local museum hours before you go.

15 Minutes Further: Ennis

If you're already this far south of Dallas, Ennis is a short drive past Waxahachie — the Bluebonnet Trails in April, Texas Motorplex race weekends in the fall, and our own 2-hour Slingshot experience through the trails when it's in season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Waxahachie?

The courthouse square, the Gingerbread Trail homes, and Scarborough Renaissance Festival if the timing lines up — see the sections above.

What is Waxahachie known for?

Its 1897 courthouse, Victorian "Gingerbread" homes, and hosting the Scarborough Renaissance Festival.

Is Waxahachie worth visiting?

Yes, especially paired with a stop in Ennis — the two towns are close enough to make one trip.

Make It a Full Weekend

See everything to do in Ennis, or check more Ellis County fall picks.

This post is tagged Needs Attention: specific downtown restaurant/shop names, current hours, and 2027 Gingerbread Trail/Scarborough dates all need reconfirming before publishing, since retail turnover and annual scheduling both make named specifics go stale.