Waxahachie – A Place in Your Heart, Texas
Gingerbread City Charm
Just 30 miles south of Dallas, Waxahachie offers visitors a quintessential Texas getaway with historic charm, locally owned shopping and dining, arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and events year-round.
With its convenient location along I-35E and U.S. 287, Waxahachie is an easy destination for a weekend getaway or a home base for exploring North Texas.
Historic Downtown
At the heart of Waxahachie is its Historic Downtown District, centered around the legendary 1895 Ellis County Courthouse. Once part of the historic Shawnee Trail, today’s downtown is a walkable destination filled with beautifully preserved architecture, antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, galleries, and specialty stores. Visitors can also step into the Ellis County Museum to learn more about the area’s history and heritage.
History & Architecture
Waxahachie’s historic neighborhoods are filled with Victorian-era homes and intricate architectural details that earned the community its nickname, “The Gingerbread City.” The city’s heritage can be explored through historic sites, museums, walking tours, and annual events such as the Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes.
Waxahachie was also designated the Crape Myrtle Capital of Texas in 1997, with colorful blooms lining historic streets each summer.
Explore Historic Sites & Museum
Arts, Culture & Entertainment
Waxahachie’s historic backdrop is complemented by a growing creative scene. Visitors can discover public art and murals, the Hachie Hearts Trail, Webb Gallery, Waxahachie Community Theatre, live music, and events throughout the year.
The restored Texas Theater on the courthouse square also provides a unique setting for live entertainment and performances.
Shopping & Dining
Downtown Waxahachie makes it easy to spend an afternoon browsing antiques, boutiques, art, home décor, gifts, and specialty shops, followed by a meal at one of the area’s locally owned restaurants. From classic Texas comfort food and Tex-Mex to Italian, seafood, coffee, desserts, breweries, and upscale dining, there is something for every appetite.
The Waxahachie Farmers Market adds another local experience, offering fresh produce, handmade goods, food, and more throughout the year.
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Outdoor Recreation & Sports
For visitors looking to get outside, Waxahachie offers parks, trails, recreational facilities, and plenty of opportunities for family fun. Getzendaner Park and its historic Chautauqua Auditorium provide a scenic place to explore, while the community’s trail system and recreational facilities offer options for walking, cycling, sports, and fitness.
For motorsports fans, Texas Motorplex is where speed was born and is a destination all its own. The iconic all-concrete drag racing facility hosts major racing events, car shows, concerts, and festivals throughout the year including the Stampede of Speed every October – the fastest 10 days in Texas.
Explore Sports | Explore Recreation
Events
There’s always something happening in Waxahachie. The community’s calendar ranges from farmers’ markets and live music to historic home tours, festivals, car shows, performing arts, and major sporting events.
Signature events include the Gingerbread Trail Tour of Homes, Crape Myrtle Festival, Stampede of Speed, Crossroads of Texas GO TEXAN Country Festival, holiday celebrations, and more. The annual Crossroads of Texas GO TEXAN Country Festival brings Texas-made products, food, arts, crafts, music, and more to historic downtown.
Places to Stay
Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended stay, Waxahachie offers a variety of hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, short-term rentals, and RV accommodations.
Visitors can choose from familiar hotel brands or stay closer to the historic district in unique properties such as The Chaska House & Cottages or The English Merchant’s Inn.
Getting Around
Waxahachie’s location makes it an easy destination from throughout North Texas. Located at the intersection of I-35E and U.S. 287, the city is approximately 30 miles south of Dallas and within easy reach of both Dallas and Fort Worth.
Once in Waxahachie, many of the city’s most popular historic attractions, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues are concentrated around the downtown square, making the area easy to explore on foot.
Come Find Your Place in Waxahachie
With its historic architecture, locally owned businesses, creative culture, diverse dining, outdoor recreation, and calendar full of events, Waxahachie offers the best of small-town Texas hospitality just minutes from the Metroplex.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway, a day of shopping and dining, a family adventure, or a place to stay while exploring North Texas, Waxahachie is ready to welcome you.
Waxahachie — A Place in Your Heart, Texas.