Overview
Mena is a town in Arkansas. A railroad town, Mena grew to a population of over 3,000 people within a few years of its founding in 1897. It was also touted for its health spa amenities. But soon after, the town's vitality diminished when rail facilities were moved to a nearby locale. Mena also had this troubling tendency of unabashed racial mistreatment towards African Americans that endured through much of the 20th century.
Today it attracts tourists with its picturesque location among the Ouachita National Forest and Mountains.
2 sights · 4 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Mena
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
The highlight here is the "Castle in the Sky" lodge at the top of Rich Mountain along the Talimena Scenic Drive (i.e. Skyline Drive or Hwy 88), affording some grand views. It is also traversed by the 235 Ouachita [hiking…
Janssen Park
This town centerpiece with fountains and pools, along with the town itself, is named after the wife of the friend of Arthur Edward Stillwell, who brought the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad to town. He called he…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 31°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Apr and May. (climate data from nearby Little Rock)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- FSM Fort Smith Regional Airport, Fort Smith — 53 mi away. Directions
- HOT Memorial Field Airport, Hot Springs — 65 mi away. Directions
- TUL Tulsa International Airport, Tulsa — 145 mi away (major hub). Directions
There is a Greyhound bus stop at the Exxon at 901 N U.S. 71. If driving, try to have a map or GPS, because Mena is tucked into one of the more isolated parts of the state.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Queen Wilhelmina State Park
- Lunch Chopping Block Steakhouse
- Afternoon Janssen Park
- Dinner Cruizzer's Drive-In
- Evening American Artisans Eatery & Gallery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
There is a Greyhound bus stop at the Exxon at 901 N U.S. 71. If driving, try to have a map or GPS, because Mena is tucked into one of the more isolated parts of the state.
See
Eat
- Chiquita's, 703 US-71, part of Northside Shopping Center. Open M-Sa 10AM-9PM. This family owned restaurant has been in Mena for almost two decades.
Eat Chopping Block Steakhouse
This two-story log cabin seats up to 200 people and serves steak, burgers, and seafood.
Eat Cruizzer's Drive-In
This is a 50s themed dive-in.
Eat Papa's Mexican Cafe
Tel: +1 479 394-6521 or +1 479 394-6461. Open M-Th 10AM-10PM; Su 10AM-3PM. Has over 30 30 authentic Mexican dishes.
Drink
Drink American Artisans Eatery & Gallery
Art store and cafe.
Sleep
Go next
- Talimena Drive from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas 54 Mile scenic drive in Oklahoma and Arkansas along the ridge of the Ouachita Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest. The drive has frequent turnouts so you can enjoy the scenery. Convenient access to the drive near the mid-point can be accessed from Heavener by taking Hwy 59 south.
Nearby
Heavener
City / town · 2 listings · 30 mi away
Muse
City / town · 1 listings · 30 mi away
Mount Ida
City / town · 1 listings · 34 mi away
Wister
City / town · 2 listings · 38 mi away
Poteau
City / town · 14 listings · 40 mi away
Greenwood
City / town · 44 mi away
Pocola
City / town · 2 listings · 47 mi away
Talihina
City / town · 16 listings · 47 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.