Day Trips: Lake Mineral Wells State Park & Trailway, Mineral Wells
North Texas state park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise
By Gerald E. McLeod, Fri., May 9, 2025
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway offers a diverse list of outdoor activities in a wooded setting.
In the hills of the Cross Timbers region outside of Mineral Wells, the 646-acre lake attracts anglers, boaters, and swimmers. Cliffs in the park challenge rock climbers. The park has hiking trails open to mountain bikers and horseback riders. The Trailway is a 20-mile hike-and-bike trail between Mineral Wells and Weatherford that is also open to equestrians.
Next year the park celebrates 45 years of making memories.
The lake was completed in 1920 as a municipal water supply when Mineral Wells was a popular resort town. In 1975, the city donated the lake and adjoining parkland to the state, and the federal government added acreage when Fort Wolters Army Post closed.
Many of the roads and trails in the park were originally built by the military for training exercises. The park’s 20- to 40-foot rock climbing walls, known as Penitentiary Hollow, were used by recruits.
Fishing is probably the most popular reason to visit Lake Mineral Wells. No fishing license is required in the park, and the rangers will loan rods and reels.
This natural playground has more than 16 miles of scenic trails through the wooded hills. Tucked away in the lakeside forest are four campgrounds, one open to horses and another with screened shelters.
The park opened in July 1981, and the Trailway was added in 1998. The rails-to-trails linear park originated in 1899 as a railroad carrying excursion trains to Mineral Wells’ mineral baths and resorts. The crushed limestone path runs 20 miles from downtown Mineral Wells to Garner near Weatherford.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park mixes the natural beauty of the landscape with lots of recreational opportunities. On the eastern edge of Mineral Wells, the park is about four hours north of Austin and a world away.
1,753rd in a series. Everywhere is a day trip from somewhere: Follow “Day Trips & Beyond,” a travel blog, at austinchronicle.com/daily/travel.
