Who, What, & Where Age levels: All ages Activities: Fishing, canoeing, camping, scuba diving, picnicking Hours from Dallas: 2

Possum Kingdom Lake near Mineral Wells is a real oasis, rated by the Texas Almanac as the best and clearest man-made lake in Texas. The lake includes some 65 miles of shoreline and is suitable for almost any water-sport activity.

Hell's Gate, overlooking
Possum Kingdom Lake

The pristine water makes Possum Kingdom a favorite destination for area scuba divers. Paddlers are drawn to the Brazos River below Possum Kingdom Dam, and the big live oaks lining the riverbank provide perfect picnicking shade. Kids can dabble their toes in the cold current cascading through floodgates.

Canoe rentals and shuttles are available, and the clear tailrace waters are stocked with trout in the winter. You'll find ample camping and modern accommodations, too, but the real draw during a blistering Dallas summer is the cold water of the Brazos below the dam.

Go Guide: Possum Kingdom Lake Getting there: Take Interstate 20 west to the Weatherford exit, then US 180 to Mineral Wells. Continue on US 180 to Hwy 16 north, then about 15 miles to Possum Kingdom Dam. Reference: Texas Rivers and Rapids by Bob Narramore and Ben Nolen. To find out how to acquire a copy, write them at: 3610 Marquis Drive, Garland, Texas 75042. Added value: On bright and sunny winter days, take the kids and flip a fly at a waiting rainbow trout in the pools above and around Hwy 16 bridge. Contact: Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce, (888) 779-8330, or visit www.possumkingdomlake.com. Maps are available at www.brazos.org.

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