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Arkansas
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Arkansas State Parks

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USA Parks
Arkansas
Ouachitas Region
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Queen Wilhelmina State Park © Michael Barera / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Dierks Forest Service ALCO 4-6-0 No. 360 at Queen Wilhelmina State Park on the Talimena National Scenic Byway in Arkansas United States.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park © Michael Barera / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A view from Queen Wilhelmina State Park on the Talimena National Scenic Byway in Arkansas United States.
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QUEEN WILHELMINA STATE PARK
QUEEN WILHELMINA STATE PARK
3877 Arkansas 88
Mena, Arkansas   71953
(lat:34.6856 lon:-94.3704) map location

Phone: 479-394-2863
Toll Free: 800-264-2477
Reservations: 479-394-2863
Email: park email button icon
High atop Arkansas's second tallest peak, this cloud-capped hideaway reigns above the Ouachita Mountains. Located on the Talimena Scenic Drive, the park is as rich in history as in scenery. In the late 1800s, a resort hostelry named Queen Wilhelmina Inn in honor of the Queen of the Netherlands was built on Rich Mountain by the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad. Two inns have replaced the original "Castle in the Sky"--the latest is this park's focal point. The lodge offers 38 guest rooms including two Queen's Rooms with wood-burning fireplaces, two Regent's Rooms with spa tubs, and the Stilwell Room with a king-size bed and sitting area. Enjoy shopping in the Queen's Treasury gift shop and dining on delicious Southern cuisine in the Queen's Restaurant.

History of the Area
Located in Arkansas, the park was established in 1957. It's named after Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands for her investment into a local railway company during late 19th century.

The original "Castle on The Clouds" lodge built to honor her visit burned down before she arrived and was rebuilt twice - once in 1963 and again in 1975 due to fire damage.

Today it offers various recreational activities such as hiking trails, picnic areas, camping sites along with its iconic lodging facility offering panoramic views of Ouachita Mountains.

Camping
The park offers 41 campsites including Preferred B, Standard B and Tent sites), picnic areas, hiking trails and interpretive programs.

Lodge
Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, Arkansas's "Castle in the Clouds," offers you breathtaking scenery of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains, peace and quiet, delicious food and delightful park trails to explore. Open year-round, the lodge offers 38 guest rooms including two "Queen's Rooms" with woodburning fireplaces, and two "Regent's Rooms" with spa baths. You'll enjoy fine Southern fare in Queen's Restaurant, and delightful shopping in the Queen's Treasury gift shop. A meeting room that can accommodate up to 55 persons is available upon advance request. Private dining can be arranged for groups up to 60 persons.

No pets are allowed in the lodge except service animals.


Location
Queen Wilhelmina State Park is located near Mena

Trails
LOVER'S LEAP TRAIL : Length: 1.3 miles : time: 3/4 hour : Difficulty: Mo derate

Description: Rich Mountain offers superlative views of the Ouachita Mountains. This windblown mountaintop often looks like the high reaches of the Smoky Mountains, with heavy fog and stunted, contorted hardwood trees.

Location: Park location is 13 miles west of Mena on Hwy. 88. During inclement weather, travel 6 miles north from Mena on U.S. 71, then 9 miles on U.S. 270, then 2 miles on Hwy. 272.

OUACHITA TRAILL : Length: 225 miles : Time: Varies with weather : Physical ability, total hiking distance, specific distance, etc. Difficulty: Easy - Moderate - Strenuous

Description: The OT is an east-west corridor which extends from Pinnacle Mountain State Park near Little Rock to Talimena State Park near Talihina, Oklahoma. This mountain trail offers the hiker a wide range of opportunities from scenic vistas, upland hardwood and pine forests to clear streams, high ridges and wide valleys.

Location: Western Terminus: Talimena State Park, Oklahoma. Eastern terminus: Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitor Center, 15 miles west of Little Rock off Hwy. 10, north on Hwy. 300 and east on Pinnacle Valley Road.

RESERVOIR TRAIL : Length: 2/3 mile round trip : Time: 3/4 hour : Difficulty: Moderate

Description: This trail begins south of the lodge at the stairs, and continues 1/3 of a mile down the hill to a stone reservoir. The reservoir was part of the water system for the 1898 hotel. Just up the hill from the reservoir is an excellent spring that was said to have curative powers.

Location: Park location is 13 miles west of Mena on Hwy. 88. During inclement weather, travel 6 miles north from Mena on U.S. 71, then 9 miles on U.S. 270, then 2 miles on Hwy. 272.


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 1 loved it for many,many yrs.since1960
park review stars; one to five
April 30 A Great Place by Oakleyjim
park review stars; one to five went to the park while visiting the area. Views are outstanding,even saw a black bear near the Eagleton Overlook
February 18 Fabulous!!! You have to go! by Kathy
park review stars; one to five We have been here 4 times and loved each time. We stayed in the lodge and ate in the restaurant. The food was very good. If you are looking for a relaxing, fun atmosphere this is it.
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Directions
From Little Rock, Arkansas:
1. Start by getting onto I:630 W from Woodlane St.
2. Follow I:430 N and US-71 S to AR-88 W in Y City.
3. Continue on AR:88 W until you reach Queen Wilhelmina State Park.

From Fort Smith, Arkansas:
1. Get onto I 540:S/US:271S towards Poteau.
2. Take exit 14 for US:59 toward Heavener/Panama.
3. Turn left at the fork following signs for Mena/Waldron then continue straight into park.

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Arkansas
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Arkansas State Parks

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