Panhandle Plains
Healing Waters: New life in Mineral Wells, the classic resort town
By June Naylor
Driving west from Fort Worth into the rolling, woodsy hills known as the Palo Pinto Mountains, visitors to Mineral Wells see the behemoth Baker Hotel well before entering the city limits. The 14-story building, made in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, has been a beacon since its opening in 1929. It hosted celebrity clientele during Mineral Wells’ glory days as a resort town from the ’30s to the ’50s, including Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Marlene Dietrich, and Lawrence Welk. They flocked to the Baker to drink the local well water and soak in mineral baths, which were thought to alleviate everything from rheumatism to dementia. The Baker hasn’t hosted a guest since it was shuttered in 1972, but an ongoing renovation has already inspired new economic activity downtown. While a dedicated group of investors works toward the debut of the restored 165-room resort and spa in 2026, visitors who come to see the grande dame’s overhaul will find plenty to witness.
STAY
Magpie Inn
This bed-and-breakfast was opened by Chef Magen Desnoyers and her husband, Jeremy, in a stately former boardinghouse in 2020. A mere three-minute walk from downtown, the inn (rooms with breakfast start at $125/night) boasts sweet and savory meals and an upstairs porch—shaded by aged oaks and pecans.
The Crazy Water Hotel
The 2018 renovation of this 120-year-old lodging with 62 rooms and suites (starting at $169/night) allows for an engaging mix of ground-floor retail. At Sensology, find colorful eyeglasses and organic skin products. The Uptown Man offers clothes and furnishings for men and Toytopia is a kids’ dream factory. Off the lobby, Rickhouse Brewing serves craft brews.
Texas State Parks
FORT RICHARDSON STATE HISTORIC SITE
Explore the rich history and natural beauty of this North Texas destination, once an active military outpost. The site offers a glimpse into the past with well-preserved buildings and engaging exhibits. Hike or bike on scenic trails, fish in nearby lakes, and camp under the stars or reserve a cabin. With its blend of historical significance and outdoor activities, this site is perfect for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.
“My favorite things about Fort Richardson State Park are the quiet places under the shady trees along the Lost Creek. I love to listen to the birds singing, the wind blowing through the leaves, and watching the squirrels chase each other.” —Jennifer Jenkins, Fort Richardson office manager since 2008
MORE PANHANDLE PLAINS STATE PARKS
Abilene State Park
Big Spring State Park
Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway
Copper Breaks State Park
Lake Arrowhead State Park
Lake Colorado City State Park
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Possum Kingdom State Park
San Angelo State Park
For more information, directions, and amenities, get your free mobile guide to all 80-plus state parks: texasstateparks.org
SHOP
Crazy Water Bath House and Spa
“Making folks feel good inside and out since 1881” is the tagline of Famous Mineral Water Co., which bottles the local healing waters. At the source, guests also enjoy soothing mineral baths and massage treatments in a restored century-old building. The pavilion next door sells bottled Crazy Water and signature soaps, lotions, and oils.
The Market at 76067
Peruse housewares and décor from 100-plus vendors in a cavernous showroom occupying a former grocery store. Under the same roof, Coffee and Cocktails serves stylish drinks (try the Crazy Cosmo) to accompany panini, pizza, and pie.
Downtown Crafting DIY Studio
A downtown storefront houses this studio, which invites creative spirits to paint pottery and canvases, make wooden signs for the home, pour candles, craft holiday gifts, and sign up for one- and two-day art classes. A splash paint room—a big hit with kids and families—can be reserved in advance. All supplies and tutorials are provided.
SEE
Downtown Murals
Pick up a map at the visitor center or online for a self-guided tour of some two dozen massive murals painted by local artists on brick buildings. See images such as a vintage postcard, a cowboy watering his horse on a creek, and a 1920s flapper.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
Five miles east of town, the park showcases the western Cross Timbers landscape that characterizes the Palo Pinto Mountains. Climbers scale sandstone rock formations on the eastern edge of Lake Mineral Wells. Along with boating and fishing, the park also offers 13 miles of trails that link to a 20-mile trailway running between Mineral Wells and Weatherford.
EAT & DRINK
Bankhead Texas Wine Bar
Servers pour varietals from Texas wineries. The corner hangout also specializes in charcuterie boards filled with prosciutto, crackers, pickles, olives, and cheeses. Both the tasting room and the sprawling patio shaded by live oaks are dog-friendly.
EVENT
Merry Wells
The annual holiday celebration begins Thanksgiving week with a festival and lighted parade and an outdoor ice- skating rink. Local shops are decorated to make revelers feel like they’ve landed in a Hallmark Christmas movie.
RV INFO
Camping options at the 2,905-acre Lake Mineral Wells State Park include several RV sites on the lakeshore. Developed campsites include hookups, wheelchair accessibility, picnic tables, and grills, with nearby restrooms and showers. The park also has primitive and equestrian camping. tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-mineral-wells
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