Famous Water Co

The Famous Water Company is a unique historical landmark in the city of Mineral Wells that transports guests back to the atmosphere of the early 20th century. As the oldest and only surviving drinking pavilion out of dozens that flourished here over a century ago, it stands today as a living testament to the "golden age" of health tourism in the USA.

Visitors come here not just for drinks, but to touch authentic history. In a setting that feels just like the early 1900s, you can try the legendary "Crazy Water," which once made this region famous nationwide. It is a cultural monument where the past meets the present, preserving traditions of hospitality.

For modern travelers, the pavilion serves as a window into an era when thousands of people flocked to Texas in search of healing. Here, you can not only quench your thirst but also listen to the friendly staff tell stories of how the local springs gained their fame and why this place remains a point of attraction a century later.

You can contact representatives of the Famous Mineral Water Company or clarify visit details through their official channels. The pavilion is conveniently located in the city and is easy to find by its historic building.

The main reason to visit the Famous Mineral Water Company is to taste the legendary Crazy Water. Visitors are invited to try water with different levels of mineralization, allowing you to clearly taste the difference in its flavor and properties. You can purchase bottled water, put together your own gift set with samples, or even fill your own containers right on-site.

For those who prefer something more unique, the pavilion prepares original drinks: sparkling Crazy Fizz, as well as Crazy Soda and cream sodas with various flavors made to order. This is a great way to enjoy the historic brand in a modern and delicious format.

In addition to the tasting, be sure to take some time to explore the history. The pavilion staff specializes in stories about local legends and the city's role in the development of American health tourism. This place is perfect for anyone interested in history, geology, and the legacy of classic resorts.

The attraction is located in the heart of the city at 209 NW 6th St, Mineral Wells. The easiest way to get here is by car, following the main Texas state highways. For navigation, it is convenient to use the exact GPS coordinates: 32.81361° N and -98.114303° W.

While the city was a major railroad hub in the past, which provided the main flow of tourists, the most comfortable way to get around now is by personal vehicle or a taxi from the central part of town. Parking near the pavilion is usually available for visitors.

The history of this place began in 1877, when James Alvis Lynch discovered a well on his property with water that had an unusual taste and healing properties. News of the miraculous cure spread instantly: within a month, hundreds of people were camping out at the farm. Thanks to these events, the city of Mineral Wells was officially founded in 1881, and Lynch himself became its first mayor.

One of the most famous legends is that of the "Crazy Well," drilled in 1885. It got its name from the story of an elderly woman with a mental disorder who was allegedly completely cured by drinking the water twice a day. Later, a scientific explanation was found: the local water is rich in lithium—an element still used in medicine today to stabilize emotional states.

In 1904, entrepreneur Ed Dismuke, whose life was saved by the healing water after a serious illness, founded the Famous Mineral Water Company. He introduced an innovative delivery method for the time—selling mineral crystals (Dismuke's Famous Crystals), which allowed people from other regions to enjoy the healthy drink simply by dissolving them in ordinary water.

During its heyday, the city hosted up to 150,000 guests annually, with over 125 wells and dozens of hotels in operation. Although most water companies closed by the mid-20th century, Dismuke's legacy lives on. Today, it is the only enterprise of that era that has remained in operation, standing as a living monument to the great spa-resort past.

Usually, 1–2 hours is enough for a full experience at the Famous Mineral Water Company. This time allows you to leisurely try different types of mineral water, choose your favorite drinks, and explore the range of the souvenir shop.

If you decide to stay longer to listen to fascinating historical insights from the staff or discuss the healing properties of the springs in detail, your visit might last a bit longer. The place encourages a calm and unhurried pace, so there is no need to rush.

The pavilion operates on a steady schedule throughout the week, except for Sundays. On Monday, the doors are open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and from Tuesday to Friday, visitors are welcome from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. On Saturday, the working day is slightly shorter—until 5:00 PM.

As the schedule may change during holidays, it is recommended to check the official Famous Water website before your visit to plan your trip as conveniently as possible.

A visit to the Famous Water pavilion can be complemented by a stroll to other iconic city landmarks. The surrounding area is rich in historical markers and architectural monuments that help you soak up the atmosphere of old Texas.

Nearby, you will find cozy coffee shops as well as grand structures like the famous Baker Hotel, which still impresses with its sheer scale. Exploring these locations will give you a complete picture of what the city was like during its peak prosperity.