Clark Gardens Botanical Park in Mineral Wells Texas

sam — Sat, 09 May 2009 01:38:31 +0000

Clark Gardens in Mineral Wells Texas began as a small private garden in 1972 but evolved into a 35 acre scenic and educational facility that opened to the public in 2000. Paths wind among 50 plus gardens embracing native and Texas adaptable plants displayed among lakes, ponds, and waterfalls.

Gallery

The gardens are planted to offer colorful displays during different times of the year. Their web site lists bloom dates so you can have an idea what to expect when you visit.

The rugged environment here dictates, to some extent, what and how they can grow what they grow. For example, on my first visit I couldn’t imagine why they had so many attractive water features. As I read the handout given to me at the gate, a reprint of the Southern Living article about Clark Gardens titled Creating a Prairie Garden, I realized the entire garden is self-sufficient for water. In a dry part of the state of Texas, they use water wisely and also for good aesthetic effect.

Personal Observations

Clark Gardens is big. Thirty five acres and 50 plus gardens is a lot of garden space. It’s kind of like the Dallas Arboretum in that if you want to see the whole place it will involve a considerable amount of walking. They offer tours by motorized cart, something to consider if you aren’t up to a long walk. I also noticed that all the paths and walkways were wide and even. Stairs are not used often. Overall I think Clark Gardens is very wheelchair friendly, maybe the most friendly botanic park in this area of the state. I also noticed they have special needs parking inside the garden area. Please realize I am just sharing an informal observation. Families with wheelchair accessibility questions should call Clark Gardens for details.

More information

http://www.clarkgardens.com/

County: Palo Pinto

map

Mineral Wells Texas Driveby Destinations

sam — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:17:06 +0000

Crazy Water

The town of Mineral Wells sits 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 sits 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.