Mineral Wells Texas Driveby Destinations

Crazy Water

The town of Mineral Wells sets at the intersection of Texas State Highways 180 and 281. Highway 180, previously U.S. Highway 80, crosses the whole state of Texas, east to west. State Highway 281 crosses nearly the whole state north to south, running from Wichita Falls to San Antonio. Before the Interstate Highway System, Mineral Wells sat at the intersection of two major routes of travel. Today, Mineral Wells sets at the intersection of two major routes of road trip travel.

Mineral Wells State Park

Here you will find camping, a nice lake, hiking trails, rock climbing and one of the largest stands of undisturbed cross timbers forest in the area. Rock climbing is a popular activity in the Penitentiary Hollow area of the park.

Penitentiary Hollow at Mineral Wells State Park

Click image above for larger version.  Click here for a larger zoom-able image.

The Baker Hotel

A fine hotel of 14 floors and 450 rooms, constructed during the 1920’s to take advantage of the town’s famed mineral wells. The Baker reigned as one of the countries most glamorous hotels for 25 years. It remained open until the late 1960’s when changing travel preferences and other social and cultural changes caused a decline in business.

Downtown

Today the Baker stands as a landmark for downtown Mineral Wells. The old commercial district along State Highway 281 (North Oak Ave.) is occupied by a wide variety of shops today. Get out to walk and shop in the shadow of the old Baker Hotel.

Famous Mineral Water Company

Crazy Water gets it’s name from the Crazy woman believed to have been cured by the mineral waters. The Famous Mineral Water Company was founded by Ed Dismuke, a pharmacist from Waco, in 1904. Today they operate the only publicly accessible wells in Mineral Wells. The Pavilion on West 6th Street, built in 1914, is an interesting stop. They stay busy selling mineral water, refreshments, and other goods. Their also good source of travel information for the area, and I recommend you visit their Crazy Water Web Site. They also tell a great version of the history of Mineral Wells Texas.

Gallery

Copyright © 2008 by Sam Fenstermacher
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