Press RELEASE
MINERAL WELLS DESIGNATED OFFICIAL WELLNESS CAPITAL OF TEXAS
A history of wellness brings a small Texas town big visions for modern models of health and tourism
MINERAL WELLS, TX June 19, 2023: Mineral Wells, Texas was officially designated as the “Wellness Capital of Texas” today by the Texas state legislature. The state governing body assigns these “place designations” to destinations that provide historical or cultural significance. Mineral Wells, with its distinct historic nature, confluence of natural bounty, and earnest desire to elevate the lives of its community as well as attract like-minded visitors, is uniquely suited to the title.
“We are thrilled to be named the “Wellness Capital of Texas,’” said Rose Jordan, director of tourism for the Mineral Wells Area Chamber of Commerce. “Since our founding days, Mineral Wells has been built upon the most fundamental of elements – water. The mineral-rich water that springs from our wells is healthful, healing, and pure. But beyond the water, Mineral Wells has so much to offer the wellness-minded visitor. We aim to use the foundation of our natural bounty – mineral water, lakes, rivers, parks and more, to build a healthful future for the people of Mineral Wells, and Texas.”
From its founding days, Mineral Wells has been associated with wellness. In 1881 settlers flocked to the area to partake in what were considered healing waters. Mineral water drawn from local wells had, and still has, some of the highest mineral content in the world. While several companies drilled and marketed the waters, it was the brand Crazy Water that stuck and is still today a key player in Mineral Wells’ identity and community. Crazy Water is consumed statewide and a favorite of athletes for its recuperative benefits.
With this new wellness designation, Mineral Wells is set to restore the city’s core identity and shine the spotlight on the Texas wellness industry by bringing increased visibility, attracting wellness tourism, and boosting the local economy.
“Mineral Wells is a small city with big ambitions,” said Mineral Wells Mayor Regan Wallace Johnson. “We know that we have a treasure in our hands with our geography and natural resources, but what is most exciting is the energy our community is putting into evolving and embracing a new fruitful and healthful future. This designation from the state is the first major step of many we have mapped out.”
These steps are established by the city to improve the well-being of its residents and build an identity to reach potential travelers seeking a wellness destination. Healthy Mineral Wells, a local wellness committee consisting of business owners and residents, set their sights on achieving criteria associated with the Wellness Tourism Association. The committee is focused on improved access to healthy food and mental health care, wellness education, promoting outdoor activities, increasing lodging options, and the encouragement of modalities such as mineral baths and spas.
A key driver of wellness tourism is experiences in nature, and Mineral Wells provides an abundance of outdoor offerings. In addition to the mineral-rich water for drinking and bathing, Mineral Wells is home to three state parks, four lakes, and the widest stretch of the Brazos River for kayaking and canoeing. Plus, more than thirty miles of hiking/biking trails, the only natural rock-climbing area in North Texas, botanical gardens at Clark Gardens, and the National Vietnam War Museum – and both have labyrinths!
In addition to becoming the “Wellness Capital of Texas,” Mineral Wells has exciting news in business developments, tourism infrastructure, community events, and more. The recently renovated historic Crazy Water Hotel reopened in the heart of town with 54 rooms, event space, retail, and more. Soon to join it will be the landmark Baker Hotel & Spa, a 14-story Spanish Colonial Revival tower coming back to life with 165 guest rooms as well as a spa with mineral baths, convention and business facilities, event ballrooms, and a restaurant, coffee shop, and retail options. The Baker Hotel is scheduled to open in 2025.
Additionally, Visit Mineral Wells along with its tourism and wellness committees recently launched Crazy Wellness Retreats – a community collaboration with Palo Pinto General Hospital, Clark Gardens, Crazy Water, and Lake Mineral Wells State Park to organize quarterly wellness retreats that showcase local restaurants, activities, wellness practitioners and more.
Further edifying Mineral Wells’ positioning is its recent slate of Texas Travel Awards. The Texas Travel awards recognizes and celebrates top travel destinations and attractions across the Lone Star State. Mineral Well is proud to be recognized in the following categories: Best Visitor Center and Best Under the Radar Activity for the Mineral Wells Fossil Park (by population); Best Revitalization of Downtown (statewide); and Best Destination for Outdoor Adventure (People’s Choice.)
About Mineral Wells, Texas
Mineral Wells is located in North Central Texas’ Palo Pinto and Parker counties. Named for wells initially dug in 1881, the town became a wellness destination when the water’s high mineral content was associated with curative benefits. Today Mineral Wells, “Where Texas Runs Deep,” is again on the rise as a wellness destination luring visitors with its mineral baths, parks, rivers and gardens, new hotels and rich community spirit. For more information on Mineral Wells tourism attributes visit www.mineralwells.org.