Mineral Wells State Park
Lake Mineral Wells State Park, located east of Mineral Wells in
Parker County, consists of 3267.5 acres, encompassing Lake Mineral Wells. The City of
Mineral Wells donated 1095 land acres and the 646-acre lake to Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department in 1975. Some of the remaining acreage was transferred from Fort Wolters Army
Post by the U.S. Government to the State of Texas for use as park land. The park was
opened in July 1981. A 22-mile abandoned railroad was acquired in 1996 and will be opened
as a multi-use recreational trail in 1997 or 1998.
The Park's History:
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway is located along Rock Creek, a large tributary
of the Brazos River. This area was an early home to several Native American tribes
including the Comanche.
White settlers began arriving in the early 1850s, and intermittent warfare occurred until
the late 1870s. Rugged terrain and lush native grasses attracted many early-day ranchers
to this area, such as Charles Goodnight, Oliver Loving, and C. C. Slaughter, who ran large
herds of Longhorn cattle. Ranching continues to be an economic mainstay of this area.
In 1885, Mineral Wells began its tumultuous affair with water and quickly became a world
renowned health resort. The purported curative effects of the local well water brought
people from all walks of life to bathe and take "the cure."
In 1925, Fort Wolters was established as an Infantry Replacement Training Center, training
some 20,000 troops. On September 26, 1956, Fort Wolters became the Army's Primary
Helicopter School. The school became a vital part of the Army's training program during
the Viet NAM War due to the importance of helicopters in that war. The end of the Viet NAM
War also brought the end of Fort Wolters.
In 1929, the city of Mineral Wells built a dam across Rock Creek and created Lake Mineral
Wells to serve the needs of the town and Fort Wolters.
Park Activities:
Activities include camping; lake swimming (unsupervised); fishing; boating (boat, canoe,
paddle boat rental - no skiing, jet skis, or tubing permitted); rock climbing (climbers
and rappelers must check in at headquarters); mountain biking; equestrian camping;
horseback riding; and hiking.
The Park's Facilities:
Facilities include restrooms with showers; picnic sites (tables, grills, water faucets,
and lake access by trails); backpack campsites (primitive 2.5-mile trail; no ground fires;
no sanitary facilities; no water); campsites with water (equestrian use permitted);
campsites (back-in) with water and electricity; screened shelters; a park store; a boat
ramp; fishing piers; and a trailer dump station. Horseback riding hiking, and is permitted
on the main trail (12 miles round trip); hiking trails (lake trail 5 miles) and
backpacking/hiking trail (2.5 miles) do not allow horses or bikes; and mountain bikes
allowed on 8 miles. (There is a total of 13.5 miles of trails.) Premium sites are
available. Special rates are available.
Flora/Fauna:
The terrain consists of hilly, varied soils broken by Brazos and Trinity tributaries.
Wildlife observation includes white-tailed deer, turkeys, raccoons, ducks, birds, and
squirrels. Popular fish include bass, catfish, crappie, and perch.
Directions:
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway is located 4 miles east of Mineral Wells on US
Highway 180 or 14 miles west of Weatherford on US Highway 180.
Elevation, Weather, and Schedule Information:
Elevation: Elevations ranges from 718 ft to 966 ft. Weather: July average high is 98
degrees, January average low is 32 degrees. April/May are wettest months; first/last
freeze; November 15/ March 20. Open: 7 days a week year-round. The gate is open 6 a.m. to
10 p.m. Busy Season: Mid-March through mid-November.
Area Attractions:
Nearby points of interest include Possum Kingdom State Park and Fort Richardson State
Historical Park; the City of Mineral Wells, offering entertainment such as the Pro Rodeo
in May, Crazy Water Festival in June, Air Fair in September, and the Crystal Christmas in
December; and the City of Weatherford, offering the Peach Festival in July, Trades Day,
Horse Races, and the Texas Opry.
Camping fees vary; entrance fee. For reservations, call 512/389-8900. For more details,
call the park or Park Information at 1-800-792-1112.