Texas Towns to Love: Waxahachie

Waxahachie, a town of about 40,000 just south of Dallas, isn’t quite sure how its name came to be. It is believed that the name means cow or buffalo in an unidentified Native American language. Some say it shares its name with Waxahatchee Creek, which translates roughly to Cow Creek, in modern-day Alabama. Regardless of the name’s roots, the town’s origins date back to the 1850s, when the area was settled by an Alabama native.

Today, Waxahachie is a unique small town on the outskirts of the DFW metroplex. It is widely known as being the host of the Scarborough Renaissance Festival each spring, which attracts thousands of visitors from all over Texas and beyond. The same fairgrounds become a popular haunted attraction each fall called Screams, attracting visitors from far and wide, as well. But Waxahachie is a fun spot to visit year round, where visitors can engage in all kinds of activities, from boating to museum tours and everything in between.

Unique ways to enjoy Waxahachie

• Stroll through downtown Waxahachie. The historic downtown area is the perfect spot to meander, taking in the quaint shops and eateries. Don’t skip a peek at the Ellis County Courthouse, featuring Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. It is one of the 100 most photographed buildings in Texas.

• Visit the Munster Mansion. Whether or not you love (or have even seen!) the 1960s sitcom dedicated to a spooky, kooky family, you’ll appreciate the dedication that went into recreating the famous Munster Mansion for all to enjoy. Tour this spot daily Tuesday through Saturday.

• Snap a few photos along the Hachie Hearts Trail. Explore 21 unique spots in Waxahachie when you search for (and find!) 21 hearts painted and sponsored by local businesses and artisans from around the city. Each heart has a unique design and makes for a beautiful photo. What a fun way to explore this unique Texas town.

• See what you can catch while fishing at Lake Waxahachie. Popular catches at this lake include channel catfish and largemouth bass, among others. Enjoy a peaceful day at the lake, enjoying the Texas sun and seeing what you can scrounge up for supper. Boating is also popular on this lake. 

• Unwind at Railyard Park. This open space features a splash pad, green fields, an amphitheater and more. The park frequently hosts community events in the warmer months, check their social channels for updates. Bring your own food to enjoy a picnic or grab something from an on-site food truck and enjoy the sunshine and great outdoors. 

Waxahachie area lodging

When planning a Waxahachie weekend, consider staying at Ennis Luxury RV Resort near Ennis. Located about 20 minutes from Waxahachie, Ennis Luxury RV has everything you need for a comfortable and relaxing stay in the Lone Star State. Conveniently situated right by Buc Cee’s, Ennis Luxury RV has free WiFi, clean showers, a dog park and more to help you enjoy a great getaway with the ones you love. Happy travels!