Mineral Wells—officially designated the “Wellness Capital of Texas” by the Texas state legislature in June 2023—dates back to the late-1800s, and according to Rose Jordan, Director of Tourism for the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, it originally gained fame for its mineral-rich waters, which were believed to have healing properties.
She points out that the city’s wellness identity faded in the latter half of the 20th century but since being named Wellness Capital of Texas, “Mineral Wells is utilizing its natural resources and community spirit to build a sustainable wellness destination for those who value balance, nature and simple well-being.”
Located in north central Texas, about a 90-minute drive west of Dallas, the city is home to a nationally recognized historic district, its Downtown, with 100-plus century-old buildings still standing. One of these is The Crazy Water Hotel, originally opened in 1921 and recently restored. Another is the iconic Baker Hotel & Spa, which dates back to 1929; currently undergoing a renovation, it’s scheduled to reopen in spring 2027.
What Makes This Texas City So Special
- The area boasts three state parks, four lakes, the Brazos River and the only natural rock-climbing area in North Texas, making it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- A nationally recognized historic district, Mineral Wells takes pride in restoring and repurposing its historic structures, combining cultural heritage with modern amenities.
- The famous Crazy Water, with its high mineral content, is still bottled and distributed statewide.
For your wellness-minded clients, Mineral Wells offers a variety of options built around its renowned Crazy Water. For instance, serving customers for over a century, the Famous Mineral Water Company offers mineral baths, other spa services incorporating the local waters and a shop where guests can buy bottles of the mineral waters. For nature lovers, there are over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, plus access to kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing and other outdoor adventures. For those seeking personal growth, Mineral Wells offers a wide variety of classes including art and cooking classes, workshops such as flower arranging and community dance events.
As evidenced by its membership in Leave No Trace, a national organization that encourages travelers to minimize their environmental impact in the communities they visit, Mineral Wells is committed to sustainable and responsible tourism. The town also supports sustainability through its thriving farmers market, taking place the first and third Saturdays April to November. Many local restaurants have partnered with local farmers to source fresh, locally grown ingredients, reinforcing a farm-to-table ethos and supporting the local economy.
Types of visitors drawn to this iconic destination are mostly solos, couples and groups of women seeking to spend time participating in nature activities, simply relaxing amidst the peace and quiet or enjoying the local history.
The best time to visit Mineral Wells is said to be during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild, pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. On a final note, Jordan says, “As a rural, outdoor destination, Mineral Wells naturally provides an escape from the noise, pollution and crowds of larger cities. This makes it an ideal spot for travelers seeking a more relaxed, open-air environment. We focus on promoting these open spaces and quieter experiences, making it a destination where people can find peace and well-being in nature without the stresses of urban life.”
For more information, visit visitmineralwells.org.
Recommend magazine has partnered with the Wellness Tourism Association (WTA) to bring you articles to help travel advisors sell wellness travel. For more information on the WTA, visit wellnesstourismassociation.org.
