From the famous Baker Hotel to our scenic Palo Pinto Mountains, Mineral Wells is teeming with stunning landscapes, legendary history, and colorful murals…all perfect backdrops for those “I was there” selfies. Grab your selfie stick (those are still a thing, right?) and your cellphone and snap Mineral Wells’ most iconic, Instagram-able photo spots.
We love to see your Mineral Wells experiences, so make sure to hashtag it #VisitMineralWells when you post them on your socials. We might even feature them!
Happy snapping!
The “Greetings from Mineral Wells” mural
At the eastbound intersection of Hwy 180 and Hwy 281, passersby are greeted with a bold, blue mural depicting the historic “Greetings from Mineral Wells” postcard.
Want a t-shirt and ballcap to complete the Instagram selfie look? Stop by the Mineral Wells Visitor Center just two blocks away. We also have the story behind the postcard, if you’re curious.
PENITENTIARY HOLLOW at Lake Mineral Wells State Park (or anywhere at the state park)
Lake Mineral Wells State Park has too many beautiful photo-worthy spots to list, but the Penitentiary Hollow Canyon is certainly at the top of the list.
Hole in the Wall Bier Garten with the Baker Hotel in the Background
When the weather turns nice, the patio behind Brazos Market and Bistro becomes an evening gathering spot for live music and right-off-the-grill eats you can’t get any other time of the year.
And having a great view of the Baker Hotel is certainly a bonus.
The Historic Little Girl Saluting Mural
As you near downtown Mineral Wells on Hwy 281 from the south, you’ll notice the whole side of a building painted with an American flag and a slightly larger-than-life 4-year-old Shirley Mixon.
The idea came from a photo of the days when her parents owned a cafe inside this very building. Her “job” was to stand on the sidewalk, salute, and greet the soldiers as they stepped off the train, just across the street. It’s a super fun and heart-warming story that you can read here.
The Famous Water Pavilion in front of the Dismuke Water Bottle Statue
This 10-foot laxative…well, a statue of a laxative is #5 on the 15 Crazy, Weird, and Unusual Things to See in Mineral Wells where you can read the full story. But folks always giggle a little when they snap their selfie in front of this iconic spot. You can find it in front of the Famous Water Pavilion and you’ll want to pop in for a refreshing bottle of Crazy Water while you’re there.
Anywhere at Clark Gardens Botanical Park
Clark Gardens is another of those places that is Instagram-worthy at every turn. It’s also a great place to slow down, soak up the beauty of nature, and find a little peace in your soul. If you’re looking for a full wellness weekend, check out this blog post.
Natty Flats Smokehouse in front of the World’s Largest Cedar Rocking Chair
Standing a full 25 ft. 10.5 inches tall and weighing 5,672 pounds, this big ol’ chair holds the Guinness Book of World Records for the World’s Largest Cedar Rocking Chair! It’s a bit of a drive from Mineral Wells, but it’s well worth the stop. While you’re there, you can pop into Natty Flat Smokehouse for some award-winning barbecue, sweets from the bakery, and a bit of shopping.
By the way, the rocking chair is also on the 15 Crazy, Weird, and Unusual Things to See in Mineral Wells list.
The red caboose at the Mineral Wells Trailhead of the Lake Mineral Wells State Park Trailway
Though the Weatherford, Mineral Wells, and Northwestern Railroad is no longer an active railroad, the red caboose still brings a smile to faces every day. Car #13831 no longer carries passengers between Mineral Wells and Weatherford, but the tracks still host hikers, bikers and horseback riders on the 20-mile Lake Mineral Wells State Trailway as part of their rails-to-trails project. The bright red caboose is there to greet all who make their way to the Mineral Wells Trailhead on South Highway 281.
The new “Welcome to Mineral Wells, Home of Crazy” Sign in downtown
If you spend any time in downtown Mineral Wells, you can’t miss this sign. It spans the entirety of Highway 180 (the old Bankhead Highway) between Coffee & Cocktails @ 76067 and Poston’s Square (the new home to the Mineral Wells Visitor Center).
You can check the story behind this sign here.
The Crazy Water peddler at the Crazy Coffee & Water Bar inside the Crazy Water Hotel
This one is just plain FUN! A saddle on the seat of a tricycle with a box of Crazy Water inside. It’s simply irresistible. And since it’s right in front of the Crazy Coffee & Water Bar, you can belly-up for some actual Crazy Water or coffees and teas made from the mineral-rich waters.
By the way, you’ll find this fun instagram-able spot on the first floor of the Crazy Water Hotel in the Pavilion along with several shops. You never know what other fun selfie props you’ll find because these shops are always putting out the best displays. A carousel, a Crazy Water train running overhead, a turquoise couch filled with colorful pillows. Trust us, you have to go check it out.
