Recently, I took off on a two-day adventure to Mineral Wells, Texas, on the recommendation of my friend Diane. Her enthusiasm for the Clark Gardens piqued my curiosity, so I set off with a sense of excitement and a loose agenda.
A Stop in Cool, TX
My first stop was the small town (if you can even call it that) of Cool, Texas. I had heard the name and was intrigued, hoping to find a quirky little spot with unique sights. However, as I drove through, I quickly realized that Cool was, well, quite the opposite of its name. There wasn’t much to see or do—just a quiet, unassuming Texas town. I didn’t let this deter me, though, and at least I will no longer wonder! With Mineral Wells just a short drive away, I continued my journey.
Clark Gardens
Diane had raved about Clark Gardens, so I made it my first major stop. GPS took me through the back gates that were marked ‘No Entry,’ but I entered anyway since I couldn’t figure it out. It was a wise move, and I wasn’t the first, nor will I be the last, to do so. Once I figured out where I was going, I was immediately captivated by the beauty that surrounded me. The gardens span 50 acres, offering a serene escape filled with vibrant flowers, tranquil water features, and meticulously maintained landscapes. I spent hours wandering through the themed gardens, taking way too many pictures of flowers. On the Historic Tree Trail, I discovered the Johnny Appleseed tree, which was exciting because my mom recently discovered that we are actually related to ol’ Johnny! The park had a memorial to Houdini, one of the park’s swans, and I like the way they obviously connect with the animals of the park. They also had a beautiful chapel and a miniature train exhibit…a surprising delight!
Exploring Downtown Mineral Wells
Next, I ventured into the heart of Mineral Wells. The downtown area has a charming, historic vibe, with old buildings that tell stories of the town’s past. Mineral Wells has quite a colorful history. It began in 1877 when James and Amanda Lynch left their hometown looking for drier weather to help their rheumatism. For $240, Mr. Lynch bought eighty acres in Palo Pinto County. Three years later, they drilled their first well, and it was then that they noticed something peculiar – their rheumatism was cured, and their entire family reported feeling better! Word of the water’s healing powers spread quickly, and before they knew it, 3,000 people at a time were camping on their property. Mr. Lynch sold the water for 5 cents a quart. In 1881, the town of “Mineral Wells” was officially born, Mr. Lynch serving as the town’s first mayor.
Mineral Wells had many wells, but its most famous was the “Crazy Water” well, originally called the “Crazy Lady” well. As the story goes, this well was named after an elderly woman with dementia who would sit by the well day in and day out and ask passers-by to draw her up a pail. After seeing the positive effects of the water on “the crazy lady’s” health, many others began lining up at the well to reap the benefits of this water. This well was one of the deeper wells, and the deeper the well, the more minerals are in the water, including lithium.
I strolled along the streets, taking plenty of pictures of all the cool murals in this town. Two of my favorite stops were the Crazy Water Hotel and the Famous Mineral Water Company. The Crazy Water Hotel is a beautiful hotel with a mini-museum inside showcasing artifacts from the town’s history. It also has a Crazy Coffee and Water Bar that serves – you guessed it! – drinks made with Crazy Water. I tried the Blueberry Hibiscus Infusion, and it was exquisite. The Famous Mineral Water Company’s store is filled with nostalgic memorabilia and products made from the town’s famous mineral water.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
To soak in some natural beauty, I headed to Lake Mineral Wells State Park. The park is known for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor activities. Actually, when this park was designed in the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration used local materials to build rustic facilities. Throughout the park, you’ll see sandstone picnic benches and tables and sandstone firepits. Penitentiary Hollow, an overlook with a view of the lake as well as the rock climbing site, also has stone steps and rails. I just love that they kept nature natural! I was short on time, so I opted for a very short hike along part of the trailway that runs between Mineral Wells and Weatherford over a total of 20 miles. I also drove around to take in more of the park’s sights and was delighted to find a lake that you can swim in! Note to self, if I return somewhere nearby, this is where I can get my water fix.
Crazy Water Tour
One of the most unique experiences of my trip was the tour with Crazy Water. The tour provided fascinating insights into the history of Crazy Water and its impact on the town. I learned about the different types of mineral water and got to taste all of them. Each type has a distinct flavor due to its unique mineral content. We walked by the “Crazy Water” well, as well as Dr. Norwood’s hospital, where Dr. Norwood made use of the town’s water to heal people. This hospital is currently being renovated and made into a museum. The tour was both informative and entertaining, and it left me with a newfound appreciation for this unique aspect of Mineral Wells.
A Relaxing Mineral Water Bath
A highlight of my trip was taking a mineral water bath at the Crazy Water Bathhouse. Known for its therapeutic properties, the mineral water in Mineral Wells is believed to have healing and rejuvenating effects. As I soaked in the warm, mineral-rich, micro-bubbling water, I felt an incredible sense of relaxation. What I didn’t expect was to step out of the tub to find my knee pain and swelling completely gone – how amazing!! The healing effects of this water are no joke. It was an indulgent experience that left me feeling refreshed, invigorated, and pain-free just in time to hit the road again.
Wrapping Up the Trip
Mineral Wells proved to be a charming destination with a rich history and plenty of natural beauty. From the enchanting Clark Gardens to the historic downtown, the relaxing mineral water bath, and the unique Crazy Water tour, every moment was filled with enjoyment. Diane’s recommendation was spot on, and I left with fond memories and a hope to return someday to explore even more of what this gem of a town has to offer. If I’m lucky enough, I’ll even get to do an assignment here.
