Day Trips

Photo by Gerald E. Mcleod

Famous Water Company has brought back the mineral baths that made Mineral Wells famous. It is not on the grand scale that the baths were once offered, but it's a start.

In the days before modern pills cured the ill and afflicted, folks took the cure at mineral springs and spas around the state. The days of taking the waters in Mineral Wells lasted almost a century until the luxury, 14-story Baker Hotel closed in 1972.

At the Crazy Water peak, there were nearly 100 companies offering water and baths in Mineral Wells. The Famous Mineral Water Company is the sole survivor. The company opened in 1904, and the current owners pump mineral water from the original two wells next to their red brick building.

The new "soak and sip" room is off the main room where visitors can drink fresh mineral water or eat ice cream. The spa room is filled with a large claw-foot bathtub, chair, and sink. A TV hangs on the wall for entertainment while visitors enjoy the 40-minute soaking for $28. The hot and cold bath water comes from the well with the highest concentration of 11 essential minerals.

Famous Water Company is open Monday through Saturday at 209 N.W. Sixth St. off of US 281. Call 940/325-8870 to reserve your time in Texas' newest mineral bath or just stop by to sample the water.

1,121th in a series. Collect them all. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of "Day Trips," is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.