Mena, Arkansas & Area Resources
Looking for things to do in Mena, AR? You picked a good spot. Mena sits in the Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas, where the outdoors is the main event and a slow afternoon in town is its own kind of fun. Below is our own list of favorite trails, parks, and local spots to help you plan the trip.
Mena, Arkansas is located in Polk County and is surrounded by the beautiful Ouachita Mountains in western Arkansas. Mena and the surrounding areas boast some of the most beautiful scenery and offer outdoor activities including ATV riding, fishing, hiking, hunting and river rafting, as well as local “small town” cultural experiences and events.
Below Is A Collection Of Our Favorite Resources
For a current list of upcoming events
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Wolf Pen Gap Trails
The Epic 50+ mile trail system closes periodically in the winter, but there are over 200 miles of trails open year-round and accessible, right from your campsite.
Ouachita National Forest - Wolf Pen Gap
Official website providing area information including area status, current conditions, and map of the Wolf Pen Gap trail system.
Wolf Pen Gap Trail Complex | RiderPlanet USA
Free trail maps, driving directions, regulations, fees and camping information for Wolf Pen Gap Trail Complex in Arkansas. (AR trails and MX tracks)
ATV Rental
Be sure your vacation is full of fun and adventure. Check out an ATV rental service for your on-road or off-road trail experience.
DLR Offroad Rentals
DLR OFFROAD RENTALS is dedicated to providing your family with a great off-road experience. We provide your family with top of the line UTVs that have been kept in exceptional running order.
Little Wolf ATV Rentals, LLC
Whether it’s your first time on an OHV or a seasoned rider, Little Wolf ATV Rentals, LLC provides safe and exhilarating fun for all levels. Guides will teach beginners the basics and ensure you are comfortable on an OHV before taking to the trails.
Ridge Riders Rentals
At Ridge Riders Rentals, we believe that the best memories are made off the beaten path.
Located deep in the heart of Mena Arkansas, we specialize in providing top-quality UTV rentals that help you conquer rugged trails, explore breathtaking landscapes, and experience the thrill of adventure like never before.
Wolf Pen Gap ATV Rentals
ATV Rentals and Guided Tours for Wolf Pen Gap Riding Trails Ouachita Mountains Mena Arkansas.
Gen. Area Information
Our small town atmosphere offers many events and attractions that are scheduled throughout the year. To acquire about activities through the year contact the Mena/Polk county Chamber of Commerce. (479) 394-2912
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission handles habitat management, fish stocking, hunting and fishing regulations, and a host of other programs.
Arkansas State Parks
Visit Arkansas’s state parks and experience our unique blend of outdoor adventure. Find a state park near you and discover trails, events, lodging and activities.
City of Mena, AR - Official Site
Mena, Arkansas is home to picturesque fall colors, outdoor destinations attracting tourists from all over the world, antique shops, and a friendly hometown feeling.
Mena Area Weather
Weather alerts, real-time weather conditions, accurate hourly forecasts & 10-day forecasts, over a dozen weather maps including Doppler radar, satellite, lightning alerts, precipitation, local temperature, local pressure, local radar, wind chill, heat index, humid, wind, pollen, UV and much more!
Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce
The Mena Polk County Chamber of Commerce is the oldest & largest business organization in Polk County. Business directory, tourism information, calendar of events.
The Polk County Pulse
Distributing 8,000 copies each Wednesday, The Polk County Pulse (print edition) is the county’s largest news publication as it accurately reflects “The Heartbeat of Our Community.” Through the support of advertisers, The Polk County Pulse is a FREE publication. The on-line publication, MyPulseNews.com, was launched July 31, 2013. While similar in content, each offer their own unique features.
USDA - Ouachita National Forest Information
The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. Enjoy camping, hiking, biking, scenic driving, trail riding, water recreation, fishing, hunting, and more!
Visit Mena
We may not be the ‘big city’, but our hospitality is big and our land, forest and mountain range is known as God’s Country for a reason.
Area Attractions
Mena and the surrounding area are probably best known for its Outdoor Recreation… but we are also home to some very distinct attractions.
Board Camp Campground and Crystal Mine
Dig your very own all natural quartz crystals right from the actual earth of the mine! No tailings piles! We show you how! You WILL find crystals! And experience the UnXplained Tours! What is the cause of the continuing strange lights and phenomena happening at the Crystal Mine?
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
This park-natural area extends for 12 miles along the National Wild and Scenic Cossatot River. The river forms Cossatot Falls, a rocky canyon with Class IV rapids for experienced kayakers and canoeists when local rainfall increases the watershed. Brushy Creek Recreation Area offers picnic sites, restrooms, and river access. Tent sites (no hookups) are located at the Cossatot Falls Area (six sites), Sandbar Area (15 sites), and Ed Banks Area (two sites).
Mena Art Gallery
Mena Art Gallery is located in the small town of Mena, Arkansas, in the Ouachita Mountains. We support individual and community involvement in the creative arts.
Ouachita Axe and Ale House
We are an axe throwing venue/entertainment establishment serving Mena AR, and the surrounding area! So much fun! Even if you have never thrown an axe, or are not athletic at all… you can do this!!
Ouachita Little Theater
We are the performing arts organization in the town of Mena, Polk County, in the Western Frontier of Arkansas. OLT encourages the development and showcasing of local talent in children and adults and provides the venue for their talent to be spotlighted in its theater at 610 Mena Street in downtown Mena.
Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Located atop Rich Mountain, Arkansas’s second highest peak, Queen Wilhelmina offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state from the fully renovated lodge. Travel the Talimena National Scenic Byway to this park and its lofty setting. This site is as rich in history as it is in scenery. The original lodge was built in the late 1800s as a Victorian resort named Wilhelmina Inn to honor the young Queen of the Netherlands. Two inns followed the original “Castle in the Sky.” The latest inn is today’s park lodge, the crowning attraction at Queen Wilhelmina State Park.
Talimena National Scenic Byway
Come explore the Talimena Scenic Drive as it stretches across the very top of the Ouachita Mountains in Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas. The Byway offers 54 miles of spectacular views and incredible scenery.
The Blue; Zip Line and Farm
Zipline canopy tour located on a historic farm outside of Mena, Arkansas in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains. We’re autism friendly, hence the name “Blue”.
Area Restaurants
Mena has a number of casual dining and fast food restaurants to choose from. Here are a few of our favorites.
American Artisans Eatery & Gallery
A unique handcrafted gift gallery and bistro style restaurant owned by Rick and Donna Chrisman. A cozy sandwich shop offering vegetarian options, plus artwork for sale and tables that are works of art themselves.
Big Fork Mall
A small country general store and cafe with some groceries, souvenirs, adult beverages, gas and diesel.
China Buffet
We pick ingredients carefully and use only the freshest and natural ones to prepare every dish, and have been trying to cook them in a healthier way to provide the most nutritious food.
Chiquita's Mexican Restaurant
A fantastic local alternative to Taco Bell. Mexican fast food. Tacos, burritos, platters, fajitas, and even desserts. The food is a must try and the service is fast and friendly.
Chopping Block Steakhouse
We have our freshly cut meat on display with the option to choose your own steak, a warm and inviting atmoshere, perfect for a drink after work or dinner with friends and family. Also enjoy the owners artwork by William Rainey on display in our beautiful real log cabin.
La Villa Mexican Restaurant
La Villa is a family owned restaurant that strives to provide your family and friends with a delightful eating experience. Thank you for making us your choice for authentic Mexican food.
Little Italy II
The menu is diverse offering a taste of Italy for everyone. The pizza dough is made from scratch daily as are the various sauces used in our dishes. The restaurant features a beautiful, large patio with a stage and features live entertainment on many weekends when weather permits, there’s nothing like it in Mena. Please come join us, we love to have fun!
Myers Cruizzers Drive-In
This restaurant is a very cute 50’s style, old school, drive in that plays old school music & only accepts cash. They have a all America menu with mostly burgers, sandwiches, fries, homemade onion rings, ice cream, shakes etc.
Papa's Cafe
Located in the heart of Mena, Arkansas is Papa’s Mexican Cafe, offering fine Mexican dining with fresh appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts and more! Papa’s is a family restaurant, owned and operated by the Sanchez family since 1999. Bring your family for lunch or dinner, and be treated like one of our family!
Skyline Cafe
If your looking for a friendly and casual dining experience, the Skyline Cafe is the place to be. While chowing down on some goood ole’ fashion homestlye cookin, you’lll surely feel like your part of the Skyline family. Established in 1922, the Skyline has gone through various owners.
The Ouachitas
It’s our desire to inspire this community to drink more coffee, adventure, and pursue what they love. Come visit our coffee bar and experience the welcoming and inspiring atmosphere that will leave counting the minutes until your next coffee break.
Thibodeaux's Country Store
Thibodeaux’s is your place for fuel, ice, grocery, snacks, hot food, cold drinks, soft serve ice cream, snow cones, souvenirs, home-cooked plate lunches, and more. Stop in and see us when you’re on the trail riding or make a special trip out for one of our Friday and Saturday lunch specials.
Seasonal Events
Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival
The Lum & Abner Festival is an annual festival that takes place the first weekend of June. The festival includes activities for all ages, live music, free concerts, arts and crafts, great food, fishing derbies, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, 5K run, classic car show, baby crawlin’ contest, Kiddie Korner with inflatables, and much more!
Mena's Falling Leaves Festival
Mena’s Falling Leaves Festival is an annual autumn community event featuring local food trucks, handmade craft vendors, and family activities. Free entry, with small fees for specific activities like bounce house wristbands ($5).
Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run: Car Show
The Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run, 42 years running, in downtown Mena, Arkansas and atop beautiful Rich Mountain draws car enthusiasts from all over.
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learn moreThings to do in Mena, AR: planning your visit
A few things are worth knowing before you come. Most of the hiking and riding is a short drive from wherever you are staying, so you do not have to pick a cabin based on trail access alone. Spring and fall are the busiest seasons, with mild weather and the best color, but summer evenings on a porch are hard to beat, and winter is quiet if you want the place to yourself. The Talimena Scenic Drive is worth doing at least once, especially near sunset.
Cell service can be spotty once you are up in the forest, so download your maps before you head out and let someone know your plan for the day. Town has the basics: groceries, gas, and a few good places to eat. Still, it is smaller than you might expect, so stock the cabin when you arrive rather than counting on a late-night run. However you spend your days here, from a full weekend on the trails to an easy drive along the ridgelines, there is more to do around Mena than most people expect. If you want a local take on where to start, just ask us when you book.