Find Mena at the foot of Arkansas’ second-highest peak, Rich Mountain. Founded in 1896 as a railroad town, Mena has evolved into a bustling hub of the Ark-La-Tex region and the county seat of Polk County. Discover Mena’s many scenic attractions.
Begin or end your trip on the Talimena National Scenic Byway in town. The 54-mile (87-kilometer) byway stretches between Mena and Talihina, Oklahoma to the west. Enjoy stunning views as you drive over the peaks of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain.
Immerse yourself in nature in Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Spend the night in the park’s luxurious lodge. Trek along the Ouachita National Recreation Trail to explore the surrounding Ouachita National Forest, a sprawling wilderness that covers 1.8 million acres (730,000 hectares).
Discover the area’s history at the Mena Kansas City Southern Depot. Check out paintings, artifacts and even a restored Dodge police car from 1939.
Learn about Arkansas natives Chet Lauck and Tuffy Goff at Lum & Abner Jot 'Em Down Store & Museum in nearby Pine Ridge. The two were very popular radio personalities in America during the 1930s and 1940s. Check out their radio and movie memorabilia and browse the old-fashioned general store.
Dig for crystals at Board Camp Campground & Crystal Mine. Power through miles of wilderness trails at Wolf Pen Gap, a popular area for dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles.
Enjoy nature on a smaller scale at one of Mena’s many parks. Come to Janssen Park to check out the 1851 log cabin that is rumored to have been a hideout of notorious outlaw Jesse James. Play tennis or swim in the state-of-the-art McMillan Park. Toss a baseball around on one of the many sports fields in Aubrey D. Tapley Park.
From Mena, discover some of the most stunning tourist attractions in Arkansas. Whether you explore by car or on foot, stop in this small town to create some big memories.
