Location: Mena
Top Things to do in Mena
What to do and see in Mena, United States: The Best Places and Tips
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 187 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 Travelmore501 - Edmond, Oklahoma
Once we were down near the bottom of the mountains the fog cleared and we could see ok it was a great relief as I was concerned about the idiots who were actually passing cars when you could not see very far in front of you.
2. Wolf Pen Gap Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By RWJ_4 - Dalhart, Texas, United States
Nice big area to park and unload, views are amazing. Outhouse available and okay for where it is located out in nowhere.
3. Mena Kansas City Southern Depot
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By JasShreveport_LA - Shreveport, LA
Beautifully preserved, judging from the outside.
Museum was closed, so we missed out. However, it is just across the tracks from the highway, and one block from the road leading up Rich Mountain to Wilhelmina State Park, so it is not out of the way for visitors to Mena.
Closed, or not, it is across the street from a good place to eat, the Branding Iron.
4. Mena Antique Mall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By mitravelingteacher - Canton, Michigan
We were in Mena walking around town on a Monday. We found out that not much is open on a Monday, except for the Antique stores, the pet store and 2 restaurants. We went to the Mena Antique Mall, even though we are not antique enthusiats. We enjoyed finding items from our own past and were amazed at many items they had. There was a peddle go cart and even a saddle. Fun reminesing!
5. Mena Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Mena Art Gallery has monthly art shows. We also have a store with gallery member's work for sale.
Reviewed By JenniferOS89 - Fort Smith, Arkansas
The more pragmatic Mena is coming around more and more to the necessity of culture and, aside from the local community theater, the gallery was a great pioneer for this and still is. Different galleries are displayed through-out the year with local artists all having an opportunity to display their talent.
6. Board Camp Crystal Mine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Dig your own CRYSTALS in a REAL quartz mine! DAILY 9 am, 11 am or 1 pm until 3 pm! Enjoy your day with Nature in the Ouachita (pronounced 'wash-it-taw') Mountains! • NO tailings • KEEP what you FIND! • Crystals are EVERYWHERE! • Mine in woods - SHADY in summer! • EASY access for limited mobility! • Dog-friendly! • Family-friendly! • KIDS UNDER AGE 16 DIG FREE! and: Experience the "UnXplained" Tours! What is the source of the Strange Phenomena at Board Camp Crystal Mine? • Is it ET? • Crystal Energy? • Supernatural? • Paranormal? • Fringe Science? • BCCM was featured on Josh Gates’ Expedition Unknown! • Come on a tour and see for yourself! • Easy access! • Day Tours 3 to 5 pm: Age 12 and up. • Saturday Night Tours 6 to 10 pm: Age 18 and up.
Reviewed By Tim C - Texas
This was the perfect day, wish I could give it 10 stars. The warmest & friendliest owners I have ever met. You are instant family. The crystal digging in their natural state is an amateur & professional rockhounds dream. Very high quality crystals! Treasures. If you are any where within 250 miles of this place, make the trip!
7. Janssen Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By jesse o - Jackson, Wyoming
When my children were very young, their grandmother brought them here to play in the sandbox. Two weeks ago I ran through with my now 17 year old daughter who was positively charmed by the bridge and the waterfowl. The 1851 Shelton cabin is a triumph of preservation in a community where vacant lots and shuttered buildings give testimonial to apparent loss of American dreams and structures associated with them. A big screen movie starring Tom Cruise called "American Made," set in Mena, is slated to open next year recalling a time of drug running and graft centered on this fair town and tainting its memory. I insist this is hometown America, appealing, struggling and worthy of celebrating and preserving. And this park with its markers and monuments and Christmas light display is at the heart of it.
Janssen Park is a quiet joy to discover.
8. Rich Mountain Firetower
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By tnanna - TN
We were passing through this area - driving along the Talimena Scenic Highway and I saw the sign for the Rich Mountain Fire Tower! We made the short drive up tower road and were rewarded with a small parking area and a historic fire tower. It looks like a good spot for a picnic - although it was too cold the day we stopped by. It is a 42’ steel tower with a metal cab that was constructed in 1952 and used for fire detection until 1975. At this time of year, the tower was not accessible - a locked fence surrounded the tower. According to other on-line reports, it is open (weather permitting) Memorial Day through Veterans Day. Regardless, this was a great historic relic to admire!
9. Hawks Overlook
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Pramod M
We rented 2 ATVs from this place. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable. Their machines were in good shape and the staff's knowledge of the trails was also good. Overall, we had a blast with these machines on day that was raining lightly. My only concern: They did not have any helmets.
10. The Mercantile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Bill B - Hot Springs, Arkansas
A really interesting store in the downtown area, next door to Skyline Cafe. Many unique items and some very nice antiques. Some items from local craftsmen and a very pleasant shopping experience!! Great way to spend time while in town!!Thank you for your wonderful review of the Mercantile. I hope you stop by again when ever you are in Mena.
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