Texas may not be known as a nature destination, but head just west of Dallas to Mineral Wells State Park and you’ll find unique hiking trails, a gorgeous lake for water activities, healing mineral water, and other outdoor amenities like a historic 20-mile Trailway!
Updated October 2022
MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK
Right in the heart of “Cattle Country”, Lake Mineral Wells is rich in history, with a unique landscape, and 12.8 miles of park trails! Most of the trails are open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders and range from flat grassland to steep and rocky, with views of wildlife, Lake Mineral Wells, or the old Fort Wolters. The park often reaches capacity so be sure to make reservations for both day use and overnight camping. Adult day passes are $7 and children under 12 years are free!
OUR FAV HIKE
Penitentiary Hollow is a 1.2-mile rocky trail that takes you past the lake and through tall sandstone formations that make you feel like you’re hiking through a cool shaded canyon. This also makes it the perfect place to rock climb as it’s one of the few natural climbing spots in North Texas! We saw tons of people of all ages rappelling, just be sure to register at headquarters before you go!
HEALING WATERS
In the late 1800’s the location where Mineral Wells State Park is today was home to a world-renowned health resort, a spot where people from all over would travel to heal from the curative powers of the local well water. Take a trip into town and visit the famous Mineral Water Company (est. in 1904), the only place left in Mineral Wells where you can sit and enjoy the healing water yourself!
