Things to do at Queen Wilhelmina State Park
As you travel the Talimena Scenic Drive to Queen Wilhelmina State Park, you'll understand why this 55-mile route connecting Mena, Arkansas, to Talihina, Oklahoma, is a National Scenic Byway. Enjoy the dramatic mountain scenery and take the time to stop at the overlooks along the way. The Ouachita Mountains are Arkansas's southernmost mountain range; to the north lie the Ozarks. The Ouachitas are one of only two mountain regions in the U.S. that run east/west. While visiting Queen Wilhelmina State Park join the programs and guided hikes led by the park interpreter to learn more about this fascinating landscape. Learn about the trees and wildflowers that grow here. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Raccoons, deer, skunks, rabbits, and black bear live in these mountains. This is a special place for birdwatching enthusiasts, too.
Visit Lover's Leap and take in the breathtaking view from this legendary overlook.
The park is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, so more hiking adventures can be enjoyed in the national forest. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail can be accessed here at the park. Stretching 223 miles through the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and Oklahoma, this premier trail is enjoyed by hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and hunters. It is a non-motorized, single track trail open to foot traffic, with only partical mountain bike opportunites. The trail is primarily in the Ouachita National Forest that is administered by the USDA Forest Service. Shelters for camping are spaced along the trail.
Queen Wilhelmian State Park includes a small playground for children. The park als offers a volleyball court.
In the park, you can also ride the miniature train and play miniature golf at the Southern Belle Depot. Admission fees apply at these two attractions.
The City of Mena, just 13 miles east of the park, offers a city park with two spring-fed ponds to enjoy. In the heart of the park stands a historic cabin. A block from the city park is the old Kansas City Southern depot featuring a train museum and the offices of the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce. Several antique shops are located downtown. Near Mena are Lum & Abner's Jot-Em-Down Store, the Little Missouri Falls, Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, and other area attractions.
The park hosts a many special events including the Butterfly Festival, the Mountainfest craft show, and Christmas on the Mountain. Join the fun at the seasonal offerings hosted at Queen Wilhelmina State Park. With the park's panoramic mountain scenery, it's the perfect getaway to enjoy the seasonal natural beauty Arkansas, too.