Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Mena, AR
A stone lodge atop Rich Mountain, one of the highest points in Arkansas, first built by Dutch-backed railroad investors in the 1890s. Stop for the view even if you are not staying.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park is a state park with a lodge on Rich Mountain in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas, northwest of Mena and just east of the Oklahoma border. The park sits at 2,516 feet (767 m), and the summit of Rich Mountain reaches 2,681 feet (817 m). It lies directly on the Talimena Scenic Drive.
The lodge has a turbulent history. In 1898 the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad opened a Victorian guest house. Many of its backers were Dutch, hence the name after Queen Wilhelmina, and the house was nicknamed the "Castle in the Sky". It fell into disrepair and closed for good in 1910. The park was created in 1957, a new lodge followed in 1963 and was destroyed by a kitchen fire in 1973, a replacement opened in 1975, and the refurbished lodge reopened in 2015.
Today the lodge has 40 guest rooms and a restaurant, plus a campground and hiking trails. It is the only lodge along the 235-mile (about 380 km) Ouachita Trail. Check hours and room availability in advance.
- Nearest town
- Mena, AR
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 34.6862, -94.3693
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Queen Wilhelmina State ParkMotorhome stopover0 mi from Queen Wilhelmina State ParkMotorhomes
- Camp PioneerCampsite11 mi from Queen Wilhelmina State Park
- Big Cedar RV Park & CabinsMotorhome stopover16 mi from Queen Wilhelmina State ParkMotorhomes
- Runestone RV ParkCampsite19 mi from Queen Wilhelmina State Park
- Mountain View RV ParkCampsite20 mi from Queen Wilhelmina State Park
- Ed Banks CampgroundCampsite25 mi from Queen Wilhelmina State ParkTents
All campsites in Arkansas · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Queen Wilhelmina State Park?
Queen Wilhelmina State Park is in Mena, AR, at GPS 34.6862, -94.3693. It is about 15 mi from Big Cedar.
Can you camp near Queen Wilhelmina State Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Queen Wilhelmina State Park, about 0 mi away; within 25 mi there are 13 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Queen Wilhelmina State Park?
Queen Wilhelmina State Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The Talimena Scenic Drive, Oklahoma to Arkansas and Bluffs, elk and hot springs – by camper through the Ozarks and Ouachitas of Arkansas.
What is there to see near Queen Wilhelmina State Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Talimena Scenic Drive (21 mi), Beavers Bend State Park (43 mi), Fort Smith National Historic Site (49 mi) and Mount Magazine State Park (53 mi).
When is the best time to visit Queen Wilhelmina State Park?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)