WELLNESS
Wellness means different things to different people, but in Mineral Wells, we believe wellness is all about actively engaging in activities, making choices, and embracing lifestyles that contribute to our overall well-being. It’s about seeking total well-being, body, mind, and spirit.
As members of the Wellness Tourism Association, we’re working to meet their 9 Criteria for being a wellness destination.
PILLARS OF WELLNESS
- A safe and secure environment
- A clean and sanitary infrastructure
- A quality of life for locals that benefits from tourism
- Natural Assets
- Sustainability Policies and Practices
- Diverse Range of Wellness Professionals and Practitioners
- Healthful Cuisine with Locally Grown/Produced Food
- Plenty of fitness-based activities and tours
- Respite From the Noise and Chaos of Modern-Day Life
In a nutshell, a wellness destination ticks all these boxes and more, providing a haven for relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being.
WELLNESS HISTORY IN MINERAL WELLS
Mineral Wells, once renowned as the “South’s Greatest Health Resort” and the city “Where America drinks its way to Health,” has a fascinating history. In 1880, the early settlers of the region drilled the first well, relieving themselves of the four-mile trek to the Brazos River for water. Despite initial concerns about its peculiar taste, the settlers observed no harm to their livestock when they consumed the water. Encouraged by this, they began partaking in the water themselves and soon discovered its healing properties.
Word spread about the magical waters, and people started flocking to Mineral Wells to experience it for themselves. Bathhouses, drinking pavilions, and spas flourished as more wells were drilled. The arrival of trains further amplified the city’s reputation, facilitating the distribution of mineral water beyond the local area.
Ingenious entrepreneurs capitalized on the water’s popularity by selling its minerals in crystal form. Customers could purchase these crystals and infuse them into their own water, instantly transforming it into Mineral Wells mineral water.
At one time, there were over 100 operating wells in Mineral Wells. Today, the Famous Mineral Water Company, which bottles Crazy Water, is the only water company still in business. This iconic drinking pavilion has faithfully served customers for over a century, and Crazy Water, synonymous with the spirit of Mineral Wells, now reaches across Texas.
BECOMING THE WELLNESS CAPITAL OF TEXAS
In June 2023, Mineral Wells received the official designation of Wellness Capital of Texas when Governor Greg Abbott signed HCR 4. But our journey didn’t start there.
It all started with a group of passionate locals who deeply care about both Mineral Wells and the well-being of our community. They formed an organization called Healthy Mineral Wells, with one clear mission in mind: to make healthy choices easy for both residents and visitors. The team is working to spread the message of wellness and inspire healthier lifestyles in every corner of our town.
That group later became Healthy Mineral Wells and they were singular in purpose, “making the healthy choice the easy choice for locals and tourists.” They’re on a mission to communicate, educate, and inspire wellness throughout the community.
In addition to the official designation from the state, Mineral Wells is working to become a designated wellness destination by the Wellness Tourism Association, the organization responsible for developing global standards for those seeking to market themselves as a wellness destination.
WHY MINERAL WELLS IS THE WELLNESS CAPITAL OF TEXAS
With its very beginnings rooted in water and wellness, it’s only natural that Mineral Wells would retain that core identity. In addition to its amazing mineral water and rich history, Mineral Wells is a top destination for incredible opportunities to get out and connect with nature. In fact, we were recently named the Best Destination for Outdoor Adventure by the Texas Travel Awards (along with a few other awards).
- Explore three incredible state parks.
- Enjoy one of our four lakes or the Mighty Brazos River.
- Hit the trails. We have more than 30 miles of hiking and biking trails, showcasing unique terrains rarely found in North Texas.
- Challenge yourself at the only natural rock-climbing area in the region.
- Immerse yourself in the beauty of the botanical gardens at Clark Gardens and the National Vietnam War Museum Gardens, both featuring captivating labyrinths.
- Engage in outdoor yoga sessions amidst the picturesque surroundings.
- Discover the joy of kayaking or canoeing along scenic trails.
And we’re just getting started. The return of spas at The Crazy Water Hotel and the iconic Baker Hotel, along with the constant influx of new wellness businesses, means your options for a revitalizing weekend keep expanding. Mineral Wells is the place to be for a wellness getaway that will leave you feeling rejuvenated, and we’re only getting better.
THE WELLNESS CAPITAL OF TEXAS LOGO
Wondering why we chose a dandelion for our official Wellness Capital of Texas logo? Well, the dandelion is a symbol of hope, resilience and well-being, the perfect image to share Mineral Wells’ wellness story.
REJUVENATION– The bright yellow dandelion bursts with life after a cold winter – a powerful reminder that no matter how hard things get, there’s always a chance for growth and rejuvenation. It shows us that we have the strength within us to overcome challenges and embrace a healthier lifestyle and a stronger community.
HOPES & DREAMS– Have you ever blown on a dandelion’s fluffy seed heads, making a wish as the tiny seeds scatter in the wind? This act is a beautiful metaphor for hope, wishes, dreams, and optimism. The dandelion reminds us that positive change is possible and that we can reach for the stars!
HEALING– Oh, and did you know that the dandelion is not just beautiful but also useful? Yep, you can actually eat it and use it as an herbal medicine. By including the dandelion in our logo, we’re showing how important it is to nourish our bodies and explore natural remedies. It’s a friendly nudge to embrace a holistic approach to wellness.
