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The Baker Hotel, located in Mineral Wells, Texas, is the town’s most famous landmark. It’s been abandoned for decades due to the decline in profits. Developers have been working on renovations in recent years and plan to reopen the hotel in 2024.
In the meantime, visitors can enjoy a walking tour along the street that surrounds the hotel. For lovers of ghost stories and haunted buildings, the town’s ghost walk begins at night, right in front of The Baker Hotel.
About The Baker Hotel
The Baker Hotel was built to earn profits from the visitors who came for the community’s famous healing mineral water. The town sought after T.B. Baker, an already prominent hotel owner and entrepreneur, to build and manage the new project. Construction on The Baker Hotel took three years, but it was finally finished in 1929.
In the 1930s, The Baker Hotel became a temporary home for many celebrities, such as Clark Gable and Judy Garland, as well as U.S. Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Ronald Reagan. It’s even rumored that infamous bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde have stayed at the hotel.
The iconic building has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982.
How to Visit The Baker Hotel?
Because The Baker Hotel has been closed since 1972, there’s still no way to enter the building and book a room.
Visitors can go on a self-guided walking tour around the perimeter of the hotel. There are informational signs about its history as well as the town’s other attractions. There are a couple of acrylic windows as well, so people can still have a sneak peek of the hotel lobby.
Where is The Baker Hotel?
You can find The Baker Hotel in downtown Mineral Wells, Texas. Its exact address is 200 E. Hubbard St. It’ll be easy to spot as it stands at a towering 14 floors.
Nearby Locations
- Haunted Hill House
- The Market at 76067
- You Maka Me HOT Coffee Roasting Company
- Community National Bank & Trust of Texas
The Baker Hotel is located along the main street, near plenty of shops and restaurants. It won’t be difficult to find it and stop by during your stay at Mineral Wells.
The Layout of The Baker Hotel
As mentioned above, the hotel is 14 stories tall, dominating the town’s skyline. When it first opened, the hotel had over 450 guest rooms, two ballrooms, two spas, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and other amenities.
The current renovation is working on modernizing the hotel for future visitors, aiming for 165 guest rooms and more public spaces. According to The Baker Hotel website, the developers plan on “Blending historic architectural design with new technology”.
How to Get to The Baker Hotel
You can easily drive over to downtown Mineral Wells. Still, there are other transportation options if you don’t have your own car.
On Foot
Experience the small-town charm of Mineral Wells by taking a stroll through its streets. The sidewalks are lined with historic buildings that’ll make you feel like you’ve just traveled back in time.
The Baker Hotel is within walking distance of many unique shops and restaurants. You can also stop to take photos in front of the many murals decorating Mineral Wells.
Public Transportation
If you’re coming from other cities in Texas, you can take the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) train.
There’s no station in Mineral Wells but you can stop at Fort Worth Intermodal Transit Center and then take a Greyhound bus to Weatherford. Weatherford is only 25 minutes away from Mineral Wells by taxi.
Alternatively, if Greyhound offers a direct trip from your city to Weatherford, you can take that instead to lessen your transfers.
Driving
It’s probably easiest to get to Mineral Wells by car. Route 180 passes straight through the town and you’ll find The Baker Hotel just along the street.
You can park your car beside the sidewalks in the designated parking spots and start your walking tour from there.
What to Do at The Baker Hotel and Mineral Wells
The walking tour around The Baker Hotel probably won’t take you more than an hour, so check out these other places to visit as well as activities to try in Mineral Wells.
The Baker Hotel Ghost Walk
After visiting The Baker Hotel during the day, come back for a whole new experience at night. Angela Morgan takes a large crowd through a guided tour of Mineral Wells’ most haunted locations.
Aside from the ghost stories, you’ll also learn about the history of the town all in a 10-block walk. To learn more about the tour, you can check out their Facebook page or call them at +1 817-629-8127.
Downtown Boutiques and Antique Shops
Shops like The Market at 76067, Brazos Market & Bistro, and Merrimac & North offer unique items from various vendors. Stop by, and maybe you’ll find an interesting trinket or two.
Famous Mineral Water Company and Crazy Bath House
Take a sip of the water that gave Mineral Wells its name at the Famous Mineral Water Company—the only one in town that’s still in business. You can also take a dip in the healing water at the Crazy Bath House.
Lake Mineral Wells State Park and Trailway
For more outdoor activities, visit this state park to have a picnic or go camping. You can go swimming, fishing, and boating at the lake too. The trail is perfect for those who want to go hiking or cycling.
Where to Eat
- Mesquite Pit – Find all your favorite American classics in one place.
- Natty Flat Smokehouse – Enjoy authentic Texas barbecue and sides.
- You Maka Me HOT Coffee Roasting Company – A cozy coffee shop that’s right across from The Baker Hotel.
- Brazos Market and Bistro – You’ll find various food, drinks, and even houseware here.
Where to Stay
- Best Western Club House Inn & Suites – The hotel has plenty of amenities and is close to most Mineral Wells attractions.
- Crazy Water Plaza – Another historic hotel that’s already been fully renovated.
- Haunted Hill House – This is your chance to stay at a real haunted house, just a few feet away from The Baker Hotel.
References:
- hotel layout and quote from developers: thebakerhotelandspa.com
- Baker Hotel Ghost Walk information: facebook.com
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Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.
