When the temperatures drop and the leaves start to turn, it’s time to unwind in lovely, inviting Mineral Wells, TX. Located just one hour from the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex, this charming destination welcomes visitors searching for natural beauty and soul-fulfilling things to do. Feel the spirit of autumn at Clark Gardens where the seasonal leaf change explodes into a rainbow of color. Tap into your inner paleontologist by digging for fossils at the whimsical Mineral Wells Fossil Park. Top your stay off with a mineral bath and massage at Crazy Water Bath House & Spa, where the city’s long history as a wellness hub comes to life.
Stroll at Clark Gardens
Lower your blood pressure among fields of flowers, stunning water features, a serene labyrinth, and much more at famed Clark Gardens Botanical Park, a 50-acre horticultural wonderland tucked along a rugged Texas hillside. This multi-faceted attraction features a variety of experiences, from bucolic walkways to shady picnic spots. A seasonal model train brings out the kid in you as it meanders through dreamy garden paths. Stroll along the Historic Tree Trail, home to 86 examples of well-known trees along with interpretive displays. Breathe deeply at the Labyrinth, a stone path that invites prayerful reflection and meditation. Get your heart rate up along one of the bike trails. And sit back and witness the fall leaf change, which unfolds dramatically among Clark Gardens’ abundant foliage.
Relax at Mineral wells fossil Park
There’s something simultaneously relaxing and exhilarating about digging in the dirt, especially when it’s for ancient fossils at Mineral Wells Fossil Park. Fall is a great time to lose yourself in this free attraction. It’s chock-full of well-preserved and easy to find fossils dating back 300 million years to the Pennsylvanian Period. Fossil hunters of all ages delight in the sheer abundance of finds, which can be taken home (for personal use only). The site holds ancient crinoids (sea lilies), echinoids (urchins), brachiopods, corals, trilobites, and even primitive sharks. Bring along a hat, some collecting equipment, and a water bottle as you spend the day soaking up sunshine and fresh air at this favorite low-key spot.
soak at the Crazy Water Bath House & Spa
Tap into Mineral Wells’ long history of healing water and therapeutic treatments with a visit to Crazy Water Bath House & Spa in downtown Mineral Wells. Quaint yet modern, the spa offers private mineral baths in microbubble tubs, just what the doctor ordered for destressing and rejuvenating. Following a 20-minute soak, enjoy a hot towel wrap that soothes the body and leaves the skin feeling silky soft and refreshed. The cherry on top is a relaxing massage that eases any remaining trouble spots. Set in a renovated historic building, the spa also offers reflexology foot massage, hot stone massage, facials, and more.
slow down with small town comforts
Within a few minutes of arriving in Mineral Wells, big city stress exits the scene, replaced by cozy comforts, friendly people, and a long history of rejuvenation. Start by strolling through downtown’s local boutiques, coffee shops, cafes, and antique stores. Enjoy the crisp fall air as you walk past more than 20 murals and public art installations that demonstrate this charming city’s joie de vivre. Snap a pic of the Flying Pig sculpture at Cocktails & Coffee @76067, where craft cocktails, specialty coffee drinks, and a boutique menu provide tasty refreshment. Sample a sumptuous meal with locally-driven ingredients at Second Bar + Kitchen. Its innovative menu features all sorts of allergy-free and vegan options.
One of Mineral Wells’ most popular fall activities is its annual Crazy Water Festival, a lively extravaganza of art, food, music, history, and other fun held the second weekend in October. Enjoy live bands, a car show, children’s area, street art, a 5K run, and more than 100 vendors and 20 food vendors.
Mineral Wells has long been known as a place to go for rest and rejuvenation, and that’s still the case today. A range of comfortable and relaxing accommodations, including the impeccably restored Crazy Water Hotel add to the charm. You’ll also find lofts, brand hotels, RV parks and even a barn-dominium. Plan your visit to Mineral Wells today and see why it’s the right place for a relaxing fall getaway.
