By Lauren Strait
I never understood the hype about bluebonnets until I saw them in their raw form painting the sides of highways, train tracks and ranches in the springtime. Usually in bloom in early April, we have already begun to see these beauties pop up all around Texas due to the unseasonably warm weather.
Before we get into the top 5 places to see these beauties, let’s talk more about some bluebonnet facts.
Fact 1: Did you know there is a Texas Department of Transportation Wildflower Hotline to call for the latest updates on where to find bluebonnets Just call 800-452-9292.
Fact 2: Bluebonnets were adopted as the Texas State flower in 1901. Named for its color and, it is said, the resemblance of its petal to a woman’s sunbonnet
Fact 3: Bluebonnets are NOT illegal to pick. There is no state law that refrains you from picking bluebonnets, however it is said to be bad Texas karma. Be careful when snapping a photo for bluebonnets are also home to bees, snakes and fire ants that can be harmful to humans.
5 Places to Find Bluebonnets (in no particular order)
Brenham
You don’t have to trek off the beaten path – or even drive off the main roads – to find a bounty of Bluebonnets in Brenham. Beautiful blooms can be found behind the Walmart, La Quinta Inn & Suites, and Home Depot on Wood Ridge Boulevard, by Highway 290 near Las Fuentes Restaurant and Knights Inn or Highway 290 near The Church of Christ, even between the local Dollar Tree and Whataburger.
Blessington Farms
This is a farm with strawberry picking and fun farm activities. You pay to get in, but if you are there, there is a small hill with bluebonnets and wildflowers that is good for photos.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Bluebonnets can be found just east of the Jackson Hill Bridge, The Dunlavy, and Lost Lake on the South bank of Buffalo Bayou. Patches are small, but good enough for a cute photo with little ones!
Big Bend National Park
As if you need a reason to visit Big Bend, there are bluebonnets in full bloom there, right now. They aren’t exactly the same bluebonnets we see in Central Texas. They tend to grow more sparse and much taller, but if you can’t wait until Spring to see bluebonnets, make the drive out west.
Ennis
This is home of the “Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail” and was designated the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas.”. From April 1-30, Ennis showcases over 40 miles of mapped driving Bluebonnet Trails sponsored by the Ennis Garden Club. These trails are the oldest such trails known in the state, and tens of thousands of visitors make the short trek to Ennis to view this wonderful wildflower show. The Ennis Garden Club will drive the trails to check the bloom status each week starting in April. Each year, the bluebonnets will appear on different trails as these are natural to the area.
