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Mena, Arkansas

Mena was founded in 1896 as a railroad town at the eastern foot of Arkansas's second highest peak, Rich Mountain (elev. 2,681). It is the eastern terminus of the Talimena Scenic Drive, a 54-mile byway that travels the crests of Rich and Winding Stair mountains between Mena and Talihina, Okla. Thirteen miles northwest of Mena, the drive passes through Queen Wilhelmina State Park, which offers visitors a 38-room lodge, a restaurant, campsites and hiking trails. The byway and park provide impressive vistas of the Ouachita Mountains.

The Mena Depot Center, located in a restored 1920 railroad depot, greets the town's visitors with tourism information, art and local history exhibits and railroad memorabilia. In Janssen Park, stands an 1851 log cabin still on its original site. Located east of Mena in the Pine Ridge community, the Lum & Abner Jot 'Em Down Store & Museum houses memorabilia related to the popular 1940s radio comedy team of Lum and Abner. The late Norris Goff of Mena portrayed Abner.

Among numerous outdoor recreational opportunities in the Mena area are fishing on Lake Wilhelmina and area streams; challenging whitewater in the Cossatot River State Park/Natural Area and more peaceful float trips on the Ouachita River; hiking on the Ouachita National Recreation Trail; and riding on the Wolf Pen Gap ATV Trail. Among the many recreational assets of the Ouachita National Forest is the popular Shady Lake Recreation Area.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Shady Lake

Food Service/Picnic Area Available Directions: Five miles southwest of Glenwood on U.S. 70; west 23 miles on Hwy. 84 to Athens, then 2 miles west on Hwy. 246. Then north at sign for 3 miles on Forest Road 38. A 25

Mena, AR Recreation

Talimena Scenic Byway

The Talimena Scenic Drive became in 2005 Arkansas's third and newest national scenic byway. The 54-mile route on Ark. 88 and Okla. 1 rides the ridges of Rich and Winding Stair mountains through the Ouachita (pronounced Wash-i-tah)

Mena, AR Scenic Byways

Janssen Park

Features an 1800

Mena, AR Parks

Wolf Pen Gap ATV Trails

Directions: From U.S. 71 at Mena, take Ark. 8 east for one mile to Ark 375; turn onto Ark. 375 and go for eight miles; trail head will be near County Road 277 For all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes, more than 40 miles of loop trails at varied levels of difficulty in the Ouachita National Forest;

Mena, AR Trails

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

Food Service/Picnic Area Available # of Units/Rooms: 38 Non-Smoking Rooms Available Restaurant on site/nearby Recreation Directions: 13 miles east of Mena on Hwy 88 Thirty-eight room lodge; two Queen's Rooms with fireplaces; two Regent's Rooms with whirlpool tubs, multi-spray showers;

Mena, AR State Parks

Things to do near Mena, AR

Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center

The restored Fordyce Bathhouse now serves as visitor center for Hot Springs National Park and museum for the thermal bathing ...

Elberta Arts Center

Exhibits the works of local artists as well as artists from all over the state. ...

Turkey Track Park

Bluegrass and gospel music, jamming session, arts, crafts, food vendors, hog roast, potluck supper; feature several bands, gu...

Hot Springs Trolleys/Transportation Depot

This restored train depot is the hub for trolleys that transport visitors through the city's historic downtown; sandwich shop...

Magic Springs Theme Park & Crystal Falls Water Park

Directions: On U.S. 70, two miles east of Hot Springs; take Magic Springs Drive Exit off U.S. 70 Two parks for the price o...