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.The park offers 41
campsites including Preferred B, Standard B and Tent sites), picnic areas,
hiking trails and interpretive programs.
Open seasonally in the park are a native plant/wildlife center, miniature
train and miniature golf course. Admission fees to these attractoins apply.
The park is located high atop Rich Mountain on Ark. 88 (the Talimena Scenic
Drive) 13 miles west of Mena. [For an alternate route from Mena, travel six
miles north on U.S. 71, then nine miles west on U.S. 270, then two miles south
up the mountain on Ark. 272.]
To learn more about the Talimena Scenic Drive, the 54-mile National Scenic
Byway stretching from Mena, Arkansas to Talihina, Oklahoma, visit:
www.talimenascenicdrive.com.. Take the virtual tour and you'll understand why
this mountaintop route of abounding natural beauty and panoramic scenery was
given national scenic byway recognition as one of America's most outstanding
scenic drives.
Contact Information
3877 Highway 88 West
Mena, AR 71953
GPS: 34° 34’ 56.4” N / 94° 4’ 34.2” W
To reach the park office or make campsite reservations call (479) 394-2863.
To make lodge reservations call 1-800-264-2477 (V/TT).
www.queenwilhelmina.com
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