What:
Queen Wilhelmina is located in one of the most scenic parts of the state. Even the drive up is breathtaking. So much so, that a lodge was built in this location in 1897 for passengers of the railway that went through the area. It became known as the “Castle in the Sky,” but was named after Holland’s Queen Wilhelmina. That lodge fell into ruins quite quickly, but the area was acquired by the parks system in 1957.
Today’s lodge is much more modern than the 1957 lodge but bears the same name and the same great view.
The lodge is located nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, at the highest point in the park.
Where:
Queen Wilhelmina State Park is located close to Mena, Arkansas in the western part of the state. It’s located on the Talimena Scenic Drive (Ark. 88). It’s about three hours from Little Rock. Google Map
Camping and lodge:
Queen Wilhelmina Lodge is called Arkansas’ “Castle in the Clouds.” It sits atop Rich Mountain and has a great view of the Ouachita Mountain Range. The lodge has 38 guest rooms and a restaurant. Rates range from $70-120 a night, depending on the season and room.
The park also has 35 “Class B” campsites ($17) with water and electricity, and five “Tent” sites ($13) with water hookups available at each site. In addition, the campground offers one “Walk-in” site for tents ($10). The campground includes a modern bathhouse with hot showers and a trailer dump station.
Amenities:
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, a miniature train called the Southern Belle is available for rides. They also have miniature golf.
The lodge has a restaurant with a breakfast buffet. It’s opened for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.. Read the menu.
There’s no scenic water in the park, but the Ouachita National Forest and Cossatot River are within a few hours drive. Lake Wilhelmina is also nearby. Lake Wilhelmina is an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission facility. It’s 300 acres in size and is known as one of the best bluegill and red ear lakes.
Meeting rooms are available in the lodge.
Contact:
3877 Highway 88 West
Mena, AR 71953
Lodge Reservations: 1-800-264-2477
Campsite Reservations: 479-394-2863 or 479-394-2864
Website
