For Texans, sightings of the first bluebonnets signal the arrival of spring. Bluebonnets were declared the Texas state flower in 1901. And, thanks to the modern-day Texas Department of Transportation’s Wildflower Program which scatters seeds along state highways, our beautiful blue blooms can be seen all across the state. Rural landowners, too, spread wildflower seeds in yards and fields for a colorful, pastoral effect. Each year, motorcycle riders and drivers make the pilgrimage to areas carpeted with fields of blue in search of the coveted photo opportunity with children, dogs – even motorcycles – framed by flowers.
As of mid-March, the first reports of bluebonnets in Brenham have posted to social media. For timely reports, see the Facebook groups Texas Bluebonnets and Wildflowers as well as Bluebonnets of Texas. If looking for a driving map of the area, you can also check out the Wildflower Watch page: https://visitbrenhamtexas.com/things/wildflower-watch.
Typically, bluebonnets start popping as early as February. But experts, such as the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center, forecast that, due to limited rain this year, bluebonnets will emerge later in the month of March and into April. West Texas is likely to have a sparse showing.
In addition to Washington County, regions traditionally known for their bluebonnet displays encompass the Highland Lakes area (including Burnet, Ennis, and Marble Falls) as well as Llano, Fredericksburg, and Mineral Wells.
The most fruitful areas for Texas bluebonnet excursions this year may be found farther north and east of Central Texas. Those searching for blooms in the Fredericksburg area may find disappointment, as nearly 9,000 acres in Gillespie County were burned in the Crabapple fire that started on March 15. 2025. Affected areas include a portion of the area near Willow City Loop.
April brings several celebratory bluebonnet events, such as the:
- Bluebonnet Festival of Texas in Burnet, April 10-13, 2025. https://bluebonnetfestival.org
- Bluebonnet Trails Festival in Ennis, April 11-13, 2025. https://www.bluebonnettrail.org
- Bluebonnet Festival in Chappell Hill, April 12-13, 2025. https://chappellhillhistoricalsociety.com/bluebonnet-festival
- Bluebonnet Festival of Texas in Brenham on April 12 – 13, 2025. https://visitbrenhamtexas.com/events/official-bluebonnet-festival-of-texas
Friendly tip: Always respect private property and, as tempting as it may be, do not drive your motorcycle off-road (crushing the flowers) to get a photo.
