7 Great Places Near Dallas to Spot Wildflowers This Year
by Gabby Cullen
With April right around the corner, we’ll be seeing warmer temps soon. And with warmer weather comes wildflowers! From the beloved Bluebonnet to the Indian Paintbrush and the Texas Lantana, there are dozens of wildflowers that bring color to our prairies and open spaces. We made a list of where you can find and enjoy wildflowers this year, and all these spots are within a two-hour drive, so keep reading and go!
Ennis, TX
One of the best spots to see bluebonnets in North Texas is in Ennis. Just over an hour away from the metroplex, there are over 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails, which you can explore from Apr. 1 - Apr. 31, 2021. The bluebonnets are usually in peak bloom the third week of April, which is when Ennis holds its annual Bluebonnet Trails Festival (Apr. 8-10. 2002). Be sure the check the website for updates.
If you head northeast out of Dallas, in 135 miles you’ll hit the towns of Avinger, Hughes Springs and Linden. This is where, along state highways 11, 49 and 155, you’ll be treated to the bright hues of red, yellow and oranges of Indian paintbrushes, red buckeye and coreopsis.
One of the best nature preserves in DFW, there are over 20 miles of trails in the 3000+-acre open space, making it one of the biggest city-owned nature centers in the country. It's easy to spend a day spotting wildflowers on the beautifully maintained trails. You must register for admission on the weekends and holidays.
This 1,400-acre meadow is protected and maintained by The Nature Conservancy and contains some of the largest sections of the Blackland Prairie, the most endangered ecosystem in North America. The Nature Conservancy usually offers wildflower tours with a guide in the spring, but COVID may prevent that this year. Check the calendar of events to check.
The 43rd president's library is based in Dallas, and it boasts a 15-acre urban park. The Texas Native Park has a one-mile trail that takes visitors through native Texas habitats, including the Blackland Prarie and the Cross Timbers Forest. You’ll see wildflowers among the native grasses, and of course, bluebonnets in the spring.
One of the best places for real hiking in DFW (imagine that on the prairie!), there is a nice mix of flat trails and elevated trails that come with stunning views. One of the best trails for spotting wildflowers is the Cedar Brake Trail via the Cattail Pond Trail.
There are both paved and unpaved trails in this 200-acre nature preserve, and a lot of it wanders through protected Blackland prairie habitat. Be sure to get there early, as this is a very popular place for families, dog owners and even horseback riders. We recommend bringing a map to navigate the trailheads.
