Things to Do at Queen Wilhelmina
As you travel the Talimena National Scenic Byway to Queen Wilhelmina State Park, you'll understand why this 54-mile route along east-west trending ridge tops of Arkansas' Ouachita and Oklahoma's Winding Stair mountains connecting Mena, Arkansas, to Talihina, Oklahoma, is a national scenic byway. Choose your favorite season and enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery. You'll find many roadside overlooks along the way that are perfect for photo opportunities in these east-west trending mountains – just one of the popular things to do in western Arkansas. While visiting Queen Wilhelmina State Park, join the programs and guided hikes led by the park interpreter and learn about the geology, fauna, and unique flora found here. Explore the fascinating history of this site that the state park graces on 2,681-foot Rich Mountain. Discover the trees that grow here, and find out how weather affects them in this upland environment. See the variety of wildflowers and learn about their unique characteristics. The kids will enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities abound here since the Ouachita Mountains are home to raccoons, deer, skunks, rabbits, and American black bear. This is a special place for birdwatching enthusiasts, too.
Explore the three trails within the park. Visit Lover's Leap and take in the sweeping view from this legendary overlook.
The park is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, so more hiking and outdoor adventures can be enjoyed within the national forest. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which can be accessed from the park, is a major attraction that stretches 223 miles through the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas and the Winding Stair Mountains in Oklahoma. This premier trail location is enjoyed by hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and hunters. It is a non-motorized, singletrack trail open to foot traffic, with only partial mountain bike opportunities. The trail is primarily within the Ouachita National Forest which is administered by the U.S. Forest Service. Shelters for camping are spaced along the trail.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park includes a small playground for children and offers a volleyball court.
See the rustic Wonder House. The house is so named because it houses nine levels within what appears to be a normal, two-story rock house. This house was built in the 1930s by Carlos Hill and his brother-in-law after Hill married and settled on Rich Mountain in the 1930s.
The four seasons each have their own distinctive beauty, so the landscape here on the mountain is ever changing as one season leads to another. The park hosts special events including the Butterfly Count, Hamfest (Annual Amateur Radio Festival), Rod Run (Classic & Antique Car Festival), Pioneer Day, Peak to Peak, and Christmas on the Mountain. Join the fun at these fantastic things to do in western Arkansas and take home special memories of your time spent here.
The City of Mena, Ark., located just 13 miles east of the park, boasts a city park with two spring-fed ponds, a historic cabin, and a block away is the old Kansas City Southern depot that features a train museum and the Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce. If you like antiquing, downtown Mena has several shops. Near Mena are Lum & Abner's Jot-Em-Down Store, the Little Missouri Falls, Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, and other attractions.
Whether you want to visit for a week or a weekend, call Queen Wilhelmina State Park today to book your visit!