Queen Wilhelmina State Park FEATURING ARKANSAS'S “CASTLE IN THE CLOUDS” History
Bookmark and Share
/ /

12
6/22/1898
See Details >>
With the construction of the Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and Gulf Railroad (now the Kansas City Southern) through the Ouachita Mountains of west-central Arkansas, railroad officials sought to increase passenger traffic by opening, on June 22, 1898, a thirty-five-room hostelry on Rich Mountain.



1/24/1957
See Details >>
Commission action to create the park.



2/21/1957
See Details >>
Act 76 signed to create the park.



3/21/1957
See Details >>
Queen Wilhelmina State Park was dedicated at the Louise Durham School in Mena, Arkansas. Gov. Orval Faubus and Winthrop Rockefeller were key-note speakers.



6/19/1957
See Details >>
Initial land acquired for the park.



6/2/1959
See Details >>
Work started on rebuilding 1898 lodge.



5/8/1960
See Details >>
Scenic railroad made its first run.



6/9/1961
See Details >>
Café at the State Park opened.



6/22/1963
See Details >>
Wilhelmina Inn formally reopened and dedicated.



1/13/1966
See Details >>
New scenic drive atop Winding Stair and Rich Mountains was officially named "Talimena Scenic Drive."



12
Visit Our Other Arkansas State Parks & Tourism Websites

3877 Highway 88 West • Mena, AR 71953
Lodge Reservations: 1-800-264-2477 • Campsite Reservations: (479) 394-2863
Email: queenwilhelmina@arkansas.com
Hours of Operation | Rates and Fees | Privacy | Site Map