ENNIS
 
 

Population 14,569

Alt. 548
 
 

General – Established 1871 when railroad reached town; named for Cornelius Ennis, director of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad. Original railroad community is today a small city featuring diversified industry in metropolitan area; large cotton production area.
 
 

As a Main Street Project city, Ennis has preserved many buildings in historic downtown area, some of which are 60 years or older. Each April, Garden Club and chamber of commerce sponsor Bluebonnet Trails, one of the oldest wildflower events in Texas, featuring 40 miles of well-marked trails.
 
 

For information on dining, accommodations, and events, visit the Ennis Convention & Visitors Bureau Information Center at 002 East Ennis Ave., or call 972-878-4748.
 
 

Lake – Bardwell
 
 

Railroad and Cultural Heritage Museum – Houses memorabilia from days Ennis was hub for Houston and Texas Central Railroad. Mementos include an 1897 edition of the Book of Rules for train operators, photographs of trains that stopped in town, and miniature replicas of the train station in its heyday. Open April. – Aug. Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 1 – 5 p.m.; weekends Sept. – Apr. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 1 – 5 p.m. 105 Main Street. Admission. 972-875-1901
 
 

Texas Motorplex – Built in 1986, racetr4ack presents amateur and professional drag racing throughout year. Attracts top names in racing; Chief National every Oct. Seats 39,000 at racing facilities on U.S., 287, between I-45 & I-35 E. For racing information, call 972-875-2641