In a recent issue of the state’s monthly publication, Mineral Wells — known as the “Wellness Capital of Texas” — is ranked No. 9 on the list, with more “outdoorsy” Texas towns set to be revealed monthly.
Located in Palo Pinto County, about 80 miles west of Dallas-Fort Worth, Mineral Wells has a long history of bringing people together through nature.
Mineral Wells, a small town of approximately 15,000 residents, offers access to several major state park areas, including the freshly unveiled Palo Pinto State Park, the first in North Texas in more than 25 years.
There’s also Lake Mineral Wells and Possum Kingdom — home to two expansive state parks and a 16,000-plus-acre fishing destination stocked year-round with white and striped bass, according to the magazine. From cycling and trail riding along the Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway to scaling 30-foot cliffs and exploring caves across more than 80 climbing routes, the article notes that the small town is quickly emerging as one of the Lone Star State’s “most exciting outdoor destinations.”
According to the city’s website, settlers first began drilling wells there in the late 1800s and discovered that the water seemed to have a healing effect on people.
“Many of the water wells in Mineral Wells contain a notable concentration of lithium,” the website reads.
It soon sparked an industry of wellness-tourism, with people flocking to the area to use its bathhouses, drinking pavilions and spas. The magazine says it was the start of what has become the story of the town’s “legendary healing waters.”
The iconic Texas brand Crazy Water traces its roots to Mineral Wells, where it began at the “Crazy Well.” According to the city, the name comes from a local legend about an elderly woman believed to be mentally unstable. She reportedly drank from the well twice a day and, over time, made a full recovery.
The small town has hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, boating, fishing, paddling and more.