General-
Discovery of medicinal qualities in waters
made the city nationally famous in late 19th - early 20th Centuries. It was said
that the waters of the Crazy Well (discovered in 1885) could cure mental illness and a
long list of other maladies. Today modern health seekers, conventioneers, retired
persons, hunters and fishermen enjoy the mild climate and surrounding Palo Pinto
Mountains. Several outfitters proved canoe rentals and trips on the nearby Brazos
River. A walking tour encompasses historic downtown area.
Crazy Water Well-
Historical marker at the intersection of US 281/180 marks the site
of the first mineral-water well in the county. Several other historical landmarks in
the county detail the area's history.
Famous Water Company-
Founded in 1913 by Edward P. Dismuke, this bottling company is the
only mineral water well in operation today. Some of Dismuke's products were Dismuke's
Pronto-lax, Dismuke's Famous Mineral Crystals, Dismuke's Eye Bath, and Dismukes residuum.
Building includes historical marker. The drinking pavilion, well, and
bottling plant are at 209 NW 6th St. Open Tues - Sat, 8 am - 1pm. For
information, call 940/325-3853.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway-
2,853 acres of post-oak woodlands and grassy meadows surround
673-acre Lake Mineral Wells; there are extensive day-use picnic facilities on the south
side of the lake, and overnight facilities are located on the north side. Abundant
wildlife includes white-tailed deer and wild turkey. Tent and RV sites with
electricity and water, screened shelters, recreation hall, rest rooms, showers, dump
station, boat ramp, 10-mile equestrian and hiking trail leads to primitive camp area.
Horses not provided. Fishing and swimming in lake allowed. Three
miles east on US 180. Admission.
There is also a 22-mile hiking, biking, and equestrian trail that
links Mineral Wells and Weatherford to Lake Mineral Wells State Park. Visitors
can access the trail near Cartwright Park in Weatherford, in Mineral Wells, and at the
state park. Admission.
Lakes-
Palo Pinto, Mineral Wells, and Possum Kingdom.
Palo Pinto Museum-
Old jail and log cabin, contains area history and artifacts.
Open weekend afternoons in the summertime. Located one block south of the courthouse
in Palo Pinto, 12 miles west, US 180.
Scenic Drives-
Texas 4 (12 miles west of Mineral Wells at Palo Pinto) south to I-20
offers spectacular bluffs and scenery through the Palo Pinto Mountains. US 281 north
from I-20 snakes throughout the Brazos River valley offering views of the valley floor
from bluffs above.
Visitor Information-
Details and free literature about Mineral Wells and Palo Pinto Co,
historic sites, campgrounds, accommodations and current events available at the chamber of
commerce, 511 E. Hubbard. Open Mon - Fri, 8:30 pm to 5 pm. Call in TX
& US 1-800-252-MWTX, or 817/325-2557.
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