Queen Wilhelmina State Park

The Queen Wilhelmina Lodge sits regally atop Rich Mountain in Western Arkansas, majestically overseeing the beauty of the Ouachita Valley. As a scenic, historically rich destination, Queen Wilhelmina State Park is an excellent choice for the nature loving traveler. The more adventageous and recreation minded would do well take the scenic drive and continue on to one of Arkansas many oher parks that are more suited to your plans. Queen Wilhelmina offers history and beauty, but plenty of it!

The Park
At the park you'll find a small animal park, miniature golf course, store and laundry. Near the hotel is a great playground for the kids, and children and adults alike can enjoy a ride on the miniature scenic railroad that winds around the mountain offering some breathtaking views.
"Lover's Leap" is a hiking trail (beginner to intermediate) that offers another excellent view. The park offers camping facilities (35 class A and 5 tent) in addition to the hotel for lodging.

The Hotel
Commonly called the "Castle in the Sky", the Queen Wilhelmina Lodge was first built in 1897 by the Kansas City, Pittsburg & Gulf Railroad as a retreat for the passengers. Primarily financed by Dutch investors, the hotel was named for their queen and a royal suite was set aside in hopes of a visit that never came. The original Lodge burned down twice and has been rebuilt each time.
Today's Lodge features 36 guest rooms and two "royal suites". From the veranda or the dining room window the view stretches for miles and miles.
If you travel in October during the height of the fall foliage, expect to need a reservation at least six months in advance on weekends.

The Drive
Even if you have no plans to stay at the park, if you are anywhere near this area, the drive is well worth the detour. The Talimena scenic drive includes 54 miles between Talihina, Oklahoma and Mena, Arkansas and will take you through Winding Stair Mountain and Rich Mountain, providing frequent overlook turnouts with signs and historical markers. (If that sounds like too much driving with steep inclines and ribbon like curves, many people elect to drive the 13 miles from Mena up to the Park and back.)
Along the way are some other interesting things including:

The Dwarf Forests of Rich Mountain have trees, mostly Oaks that are over 80 years old, yet just a few feet tall. Their growth was stunted by ice storms and south winds that bring freezing rain and fog to the mountains. (between miles 21-28 going west).

Fire Tower Atop Rich Mountain is the Old Firetower, now a part-time observation tower for travelers. There are 360-degree views of the Ouachitas , and sometimes you can see Arkansas and Oklahoma merging with the horizon. It is open for travelers during late May and early November.

Pioneer Cemetery

Nature Center is located between the two mountains.

Wildlife - in addition to what you'd expect to find, it's not unheard of to see a Black Bear. Deer are often seen, even near the park, and in season Hummingbirds flock to the feeders hanging from the eaves of the Lodge.

The scenic drive during the fall foliage is remarkable. Often people find the sight so captivating that they try to come back every year. For me, it is equally beautiful in April when the white flowers of the Dogwood trees are in bloom.

If you love nature and getting high, visit Queen Wilhelmina State Park.
And if you travel on into Mena, the quaint little friendly town I was fortunate enough to have grown up in...say hi to my Mom for me.



Recommended: Yes