Welcome to Rails, Bales, and Bluebonnet Trails!
Hey y'all, welcome to Rails, Bales and Bluebonnet Trails, a free audio walking tour in historic downtown Ennis. This mobile phone tour takes you through some of our incredible history. You’ll explore our unique heritage at our most historic sites. Get ready to start your narrated journey on the numbered path! Enjoy art, culture, historic events, and real-life community stories to help connect you to our bluebonnet spirit.
STOP SEVENTEEN: 2013 Tornado
218 West Ennis Avenue
Welcome to Stop 17 of the Rails, Bales and Bluebonnet Trails historic downtown Ennis walking tour. On May 15, 2013, historic downtown Ennis was struck by an EF1 Tornado. Several buildings suffered serious damage, including buildings in the historic district. Many buildings suffered roof and structure damage and business owners and community members were devastated as the heart of historic downtown Ennis was greatly affected by the natural disaster. A strong hope for a better Ennis was awakened and the 2013 tornado became a catalyst for the revitalization of the city. The Downtown Master Plan in action paired with community bluebonnet spirit resulted in the beautiful historic downtown Ennis you see today.