Where to Find the Best Bluebonnet Fields and Trails Near Dallas-Fort Worth
The spring season brings an array of sunshine, warmer weather, and beautiful blooms. Across Texas, spring has sprung when bluebonnets begin to appear. The bluebonnet season typically begins in March with blooms along the sides of highways and roads. Full bloom occurs at its peak in April across vast fields in Texas.
Bluebonnets are not native to Texas (except the Lupinus Texensic and Lupinus Subcarnosis species), but they are mostly associated with the state since it’s the official state flower of Texas. Bluebonnets in Texas are easy to view as they grow along highways, grassy areas, and the side of the road. One of the top things to do during the spring is to find the best areas of these colorful wildflowers.
Plan a scenic drive through fields of bluebonnets and beautiful wildflowers this spring season in Texas.
Best Areas Near Dallas-Fort Worth to View Bluebonnets
Ennis, Texas
Known as the Official Bluebonnet City of Texas, the city of Ennis tops the list for the best place to see bluebonnets near DFW. There are over 40 miles of trails open for scenic drives throughout April. The Official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas displays spectacular wildflowers along miles of rolling hills and pastures.
The bluebonnets bloom along various trails so a trail map is available online and at the Ennis Welcome Center noting the best spots. Additionally, the city has an annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival with live music, food, and kids’ activities in downtown Ennis. The 2024 Ennis Bluebonnet Festival occurs April 19th through 21st. View the schedule for a list of the daily events and activities.
Ennis is one of the best places to view bluebonnets in Texas. Check out this small town for an amazing adventure outdoors with spectacular viewing opportunities of these colorful wildflowers.
Local Parks and Trails
Throughout many parks and hiking trails near DFW are bluebonnets and other wildflowers. Here are a few amazing opportunities for strolls amongst the flowers and beautiful photo opportunities for these spring blooms.
- Native Texas Park: This 15-acre park is on the grounds of the George W Bush Presidential Center. The park is free and visitors can walk the one-mile trail to see various Texas native plants throughout the year.
- Arbor Hills Nature Preserve: Plano has several areas to view bluebonnets. The Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts with miles of hiking, walking, and biking trails. It’s a great place for outdoor activities and nearby is the Bluebonnet Trail Greenbelt for more trail options.
- Cedar Hill State Park: located less than 30 minutes from downtown Dallas, this state park is a great outdoor space. Hike along the 4 trails, camp, bike, and enjoy the fresh air away from the city. There are many picnic areas to rest and enjoy the scenery around.
- Irving/Las Colinas: Here is a bluebonnet viewing guide for the Irving and Las Colinas area.
Fort Worth
In general, there are small fields throughout neighboring areas of Forth Worth that have patches of bluebonnets. Below are examples of places to see bluebonnets, and other wildflowers, and places to spend the day in nature.
- Tandy Hills Natural Area: A great spot for hiking with the Fort Worth skyline photo opportunities in the background. Walk along the trails and experience native wildflowers and plants native to the Fort Worth area.
- Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge: with over 3,000 acres and 20 miles of hiking trails, this is a popular spot in Fort Worth to enjoy nature through self-guided or guided hikes.
- Longhorn Park: located in Benbrook typically has patches of bluebonnets throughout the park. Plan a day at the park with a picnic or go fishing, and enjoy the day outdoors.
- Clark Gardens: less than an hour from Forth Worth, located in Weatherford, the Clark Gardens showcases various blooms in the spring season, including bluebonnets “by the thousands” according to their site. Group tours are offered or take a casual walk throughout the gardens to enjoy spring’s beautiful sights and smells.
There are endless viewing opportunities for beautiful bluebonnets throughout the Lone Star State, especially in north Texas. This list provides suggested areas of bluebonnet fields and viewing opportunities for these picturesque blooms. If you’re looking for a weekend road trip, the Texas Hill Country has phenomenal opportunities to view bluebonnets. Check our Wildseed Farms and Willow City Loop near Fredericksburg, Marble Falls, or Burnet (the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas). Depending on weather conditions, late March through April is the best time to capture an iconic bluebonnet photo throughout the state. It’s one of the best sights to see in the spring season!