MINERAL WELLS

Population 15,478

Altitude 925

General

Discovery of medicinal qualities in waters made city nationally famous in late 19th-early 20th Centuries. Was said that waters of the Crazy Well (discovered in 1885) could cure mental illness and a long list of other maladies. Today modern health seekers, conventioneers, retired persons, hunters and fishermen enjoy mild climate and surrounding Palo Pinto Mountains. Several outfitters provide canoe rentals and trips on nearby Brazos River. a walking tour encompasses historic downtown area. (See Visitor Information below.)

Attractions

• CRAZY WATER WELL-Historical marker at intersection of U.S. 281/180 marks site of first mineral-water well in county. Several other historical markers in county detail area history.
• FAMOUS WATER COMPANY-Founded in 1913 by Edward P. Dismuke, this bottling company is the only mineral water well in operation today. Some of Dismuke's products were Dismuke's Pronto-lax, Dismuke's Famous Mineral Crystals, Dismuke's Eye Bath, and Dismuke's Residuum. Building includes historical marker. The drinking pavilion, well, and bottling plant are at 209 N.W. 6th St. Open Mon., Wed., Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. 9 a.m. - noon.
• LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK-2,853 acres of post-oak woodlands and grassy meadows surround 673-acre Lake Mineral Wells; extensive day-use picnic facilities on south side of lake, overnight facilities on north side. Abundant wildlife includes white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Tent and RV sites with electricity and water, screened shelters, recreation hall, rest rooms, showers, dump station, boat ramp, 10-mile equestrian and hiking trail leads to primitive camp area. (Horses not provided.) Fishing and swimming in lake. Three miles east on U.S. 180. Admission.
• PALO PINTO MUSEUM-Old jail and log cabin, area history and artifacts. Open weekend afternoons in summer. One block south of courthouse in Palo Pinto, 12 miles west, U.S. 180.
• SCENIC DRIVES-Texas 4 (12 miles west of Mineral Wells at Palo Pinto) south to I-20 offers spectacular bluffs and scenery through the Palo Pinto mountains. U.S. 281 north from I-20 snakes through the Brazos River valley offering views of he valley floor from bluffs above.
• VISITOR INFORMATION-Details and free literature about Mineral wells and Palo Pinto Co. historic sites, campgrounds, accommodations and current events available at chamber of commerce, 511 E. Hubbard. Open Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call in TX & US 1-800-252-MWTX or 817/325-2557.

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