Location: Mena
Top Things to do in Mena
Things to do in Mena, Arkansas (AR): The Best Nature & Parks
Mena (/miːnə/ MEE-nə) is a city in Polk County, Arkansas, United States. It is also the county seat of Polk County. The population was 5,637 as of 2000 census.
Restaurants in Mena
1. Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 255 reviews
Come experience a spectacular mountaintop setting with breathtaking panoramic scenery atop 2,681-foot Rich Mountain, Arkansas's second highest peak. Queen Wilhelmina State Park is one of the 52 state parks administered by the State Parks Division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. Queen Wilhelmina is one of the state park system's eight mountain state parks. Queen Wilhelmina State Park's Lodge is one of the four hotel-like lodges in the Arkansas state park system. The others are historic Mather Lodge at Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton, DeGray Lake Resort State Park Lodge near Arkadelphia, and The Lodge at Mount Magazine in Mount Magazine State Park near Paris. In addition to the lodge, the 460-acre park includes a campground with 41 campsites and a bathhouse; picnic areas; trails; and a seasonal miniature train and mini-golf course. Park interpretive programs highlight Rich Mountain’s fauna and unique flora. The park is on Ark. 88 (Talimena National Scenic Byway) 13 miles west of Mena. [For an alternate route from Mena or during inclement weather, go six miles north on U.S. 71, then travel nine miles west on U.S. 270, then go two miles south up Ark. 272.]
Reviewed By lizh857 - Austin, United States
We just spent 3 nights at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, part of our Arkansas Spring Break Trip from Austin, Texas. Disappointingly we only caught sight once of the amazing vistas from the State Park as we were constantly enveloped in the thickest fog I've ever seen (and I'm British). You could hardly see from one camp site to the next. The camping area itself was quite unusual. We were in site #27 and this was a reasonably good site. It was at least fairly parallel with our neighbors but some of the other sites almost overlap. Our fire pit was less than 3 feet away from the fire pit of site #28 (luckily these were our friends). Every site was pretty quirky. Google maps is great for really getting an idea of each site. The Lodge was nice but not as impressive as Mount Magazine Lodge which was grander. We did the Spring Trail and the Lovers Leap Loop Trail in the park and both were more interesting than you would think for short walks. We also did 2 hikes outside the park. The first day we hiked the Earthquake Ridge Trail. We did the 2.7 mile Northern Loop and then the Southern Loop, crossing the 88 and then back to the visitor center, about a 4 mile hike. This was a really nice hike in the woods with flowers and small waterfalls and ups and downs but nothing difficult. The second day we hiked the Black Fork Mountain trail, a more remote and adventurous trail. The first spur is on the Ouachita National Trail, you cross a bridge and the railroad and then you take the Black Fork Mountain trail, following the white paint markings. It was an interesting walk though rock boulder gardens and pretty forests with small waterfalls. We didn't make it to any particular milestone but we enjoyed the hike and saw some nice vistas and hiked just over 5 miles in total. The path did become sketchier and more overgrown the further we hiked. We'd like to come back, but perhaps not in the fog in March!
2. Wolf Pen Gap Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By cker21 - Tulsa, United States
This was our second trip and we love the miles and miles of ATV trails...love the spring fed creeks/rivers. People are friendly and helpful and the trails are well kept up.
3. Wolfpen ATV Campground, Inc.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By andrea_roberts024 - Baton Rouge, United States
We visit the Wolfpen Gap trails at least once per year. This has always been one of our favorite campgrounds because of it's proximity to the trails, the creek that runs through the property, and the general store that sells all essentials. The new owners, however, have really been making some great improvements. Among other things, they added RV spots right next to the creek, updated some cabins, and you can now do your own laundry. Highly recommend this campground!
4. Janssen Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By crystalt626
A beautiful location in the middle of town, that offers places to have birthday parties and weddings. With the ponds on one side of the park, that has ducks and geese and you may even see some gold fish in the ponds. With fountains in both ponds that just adds to the beauty. There is even a play area for the kids, of all ages and picnic tables to have a lunch at. An old cottage, clock and fountain in the middle of the park just give you a sense of history.
5. Fourche Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By barrysP7669KD
Secluded, clean with plenty of creek crossing and nothing way too dangerous. At one time I had a map with special interest places to find when riding. We never found those places but I would imagine they are there. Plenty of parking at the trail heads, unfortunately no vaulted toilet or any type of restrooms/showers. There is an information board with maps.
