Queen Wilhelmina State Park

The View from Lovers Leap
The park sits 3,000 feet up in the
Ouachita Mountains. A short trail
leads to the Lovers Leap
overlook where visitors can take
in a spectacular view of Rich
Mountain and the valley beyond.

The original lodge at Queen
Wilhelmina State Park was built in
1897 by the Kansas City, Pittsburg &
Gulf Railroad, which hoped to make
the mountaintop resort an overnight
destination for passengers on its line.

Since the railroad was largely
financed by Dutch investors, the lodge
was named Queen Wilhelmina for the
Queen of Holland. The venture failed,
however, and the resort closed in only
three years.

In 1957, Queen Wilhelmina regained
its splendor when the site was
acquired by the State of Arkansas.
The original lodge was reconstructed,
but unfortunately was destroyed by
fire in 1973. It has since been
replaced by a modern facility and
restaurant.

The park also includes other historic
attractions, including a preserved
steam locomotive and Crystal Spring,
once a popular gathering spot for the
families who lived on the mountain.

Queen WIlhelmina State Park is located on
the Talimena Scenic Drive thirteen miles
west of Mena, Arkansas. It can be accessed
either via the drive or from nearby Arkansas
Highways 272 and 270.

The lodge often books up months in
advance, so check availability by calling
1-800-264-2477. The park also offers
camping, picnicking, hiking, a restaurant,
interpretive programs and even rides on a
miniature train.