Things to Do in Mineral Wells

Mineral Wells and wider Palo Pinto County offer some of the most unique fun you’ll find west of the Mississippi. Whether you’re maneuvering the rapids of one of the longest rivers in Texas, climbing a 90-foot peak to gaze down on one of its most beautiful lakes, or searching for some of its oldest treasures, you’ll be glad you visited this exciting place. Take a look at some of the coolest things to do in Mineral Wells and start planning your trip today.

Take Home a 300 million-Year-Old Souvenir

What’s better than finding an ancient fossil? How about taking it home with you? That’s exactly what you can do at Mineral Wells Fossil Park, a place unlike any fossil site you’ve ever visited.

Explore the park and you’re likely to get closer to a real prehistoric organism than you would by putting your face up to a glass in a museum. Corals, brachiopods, echinoids, and other remains from the Pennsylvanian Period are easy to find here.

If you find any, you can take them home with you. Finder’s keepers, after all.

Go Nuts over the Crazy Water

Over 100 years ago, folks discovered the healing properties of the mineral waters flowing from the springs that gave Mineral Wells its name. Today, you too can taste this magical elixir with a visit to the Famous Mineral Water Company, where Crazy Water No. 4 is the most potent alkaline water to be had. Naturally infused with minerals that provide a wide range of purported health benefits, the water is said to neutralize acid in the human body, strengthen the immune system, improve health of skin and hair, and more. Sample the three varieties of Crazy Water, then bring a gallon home with you (for a fee, of course).

Tee Off on Two Lovely Courses

Mineral Wells boasts a pair of excellent golf courses that will challenge your skills while stunning you with a wealth of natural beauty. The championship course at The Cliffs Resort poses some of the most difficult holes in the state and some breathtaking views as a reward for those who tackle it. Semi-private Holiday Hills Country Club offers 18 holes of play on a unique mix of tree-lined holes and well-maintained bentgrass greens. At just 6,169 yards, the course is short in distance but long in fun.

Stop and Smell the Roses in Clark Gardens

No matter the time of year, Clark Gardens Botanical Park offers a relaxing escape from the fast pace of everyday life.

Enjoy babbling waterfalls, swan-graced ponds, strutting peacocks, and acres upon acres of seasonal blooms from daffodils in February to holly berries in November.

Tours can be self-guided or guided, with the latter recommended for garden clubs, families, field trips, and other groups.

Explore the Brazos River

To find true solitude out in nature, load up your canoe or kayak and head northwest of town. The section of the Brazos River between Highway 16 and FM 4 is one of the prettiest stretches in Texas and offers a moderately difficult paddling experience, as well as opportunities for fishing and camping. Rochelle’s Canoe Rental in Graford offers one- and two-person canoe and kayak rentals and shuttle service. Don’t have enough time to hit the river? Drive north on State Highway 16 from Brad and you’ll reach the beautiful and historic Possum Kingdom Masonry Arch Bridge that crosses the Brazos River. Built between 1940 and 1942 from limestone, the bridge is the longest of its kind in Texas.

Grab a Bite at Mary’s Cafe

Treating yourself to a massive chicken fried steak at this quaint eatery in Strawn is the perfect way to end a fun-filled day in Mineral Wells. Pair it with homemade gravy and smashed potatoes, and finish with some pie. If chicken fried steak is not quite your thing, Mary’s Café also serves Texas-sized burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Arrive during peak hours and you may have a bit of a wait on your hands, so try to time your visit for the best experience.

Hike Your Heart Out

Once you see all the rocks and outcroppings found in this part of the state, you’ll have one thought on your mind: hiking. Mineral Wells offers several places to do just that, including Possum Kingdom State Park and Lake Mineral Wells State Park. The former has three main trails ranging from moderate to challenging that take you through woodlands and prairies and offer views of Possum Kingdom Lake. Speaking of, there are numerous trails to explore around the lake itself, from the quarter-mile nature trail at Westside Park to the 16-mile hike-and-bike trail off of LaVilla Road. Meanwhile, Lake Mineral Wells State Park is home to Penitentiary Hollow, one of the closest rock-climbing spots to the Dallas and Fort Worth Metroplex and a 20-mile Trailway constructed using a reclaimed railroad bed.

Go On a Scenic Drive

The 20-minute trip down FM 4 from Palo Pinto to Santo takes you past rolling hills, creek-cut ravines, and flat grasslands. You can do the entire loop from Mineral Wells on US 180 and back on US 281 in less than an hour. With so much to see along the way, you may want to take the trip again. This is, of course, one of many scenic drives in Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto County. In fact, with so many winding roads and highways, just about any route will give you something to remember.

Honor Vets at The National Vietnam War Museum

This memorial and museum in Mineral Wells pays tribute to the men and women who served - and those who died - in Vietnam. Marvel at the replicas of the famous memorial wall in Washington, D.C., and the Camp Holloway Memorial Wall that was located on the post in Pleiku, South Vietnam. During your visit you’ll also get an up-close look at military vehicles, including tanks and a helicopter, as well as displays of uniforms and other memorabilia. Interesting side note: the visitor center building was once located on President George W. Bush’s ranch and was the headquarters for the White House staff during his stays in Texas.

Jump into Possum Kingdom Lake

Some of the clearest blue water in the Lone Star State is waiting to cool you off at the 17,000-acre Possum Kingdom Lake. Fish, boat, swim, scuba dive, snorkel, kayak, canoe, camp, or dig in to a picnic ... there’s no wrong way to enjoy this gorgeous part of Palo Pinto County.