Local Area Attractions Near Mena / Ouachita National Forest KOA Journey

Mena/Ouachita National Forest KOA makes the perfect base camp for all things OUTDOOR! Check out some of these family fun places and activities!

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

Rustic-chic lodge on historic grounds with panoramic views and a southern style resturant with epic hiking trials

Talimena Scenic Highway - 54 miles of heavenly mountain views!

Talimena Scenic Highway - 54 miles of heavenly mountain views!

What to know
Explore the Ouachita Mountains along the Talimena National Scenic Byway
From Mena, the Talimena Scenic Drive/Arkansas State Highway 88 Scenic Byway travels northwest and quickly enters the Ouachita National Forest, climbing Rich Mountain, Arkansas' second highest peak at 2,681 feet, and passing through Queen Wilhelmina State Park on its way to the Oklahoma border 18 miles to the west. The drive then continues along the Rich and Winding Stair mountains all the way to Talihina, OK. The route offers mountain vistas unsurpassed in mid-America of forested peaks and valleys, lakes and streams. The drive is especially picturesque when the surrounding mountains are clad in spring and autumn foliage and when it sits above clouds and fog in the lower valleys.

Beginning from U.S. 71 in Mena, the Talimena Scenic Drive follows Ark. 88 to Oklahoma and proceeds to Talihina, Oklahoma, as Oklahoma State Highway 1. Almost the entire Mena-Talihina route travels through the Ouachita National Forest. In September 2005, it became a national scenic byway. It had previously been designated a national forest scenic byway by the U.S. Forest Service and a state scenic byway.

Route: 54 miles total; Arkansas portion – 18 miles

Starting at the East End Visitor Information Station near Mena (34.601078, -94.243223), travel Arkansas State Highway 88 to the Arkansas/Oklahoma state line.


Things To Know:

  • This route can be combined with the West-Northwest Scenic Byway by continuing onto Highway 71 North in Mena.
  • A part of the drive runs parallel with the Ouachita National Recreation Trail.

Website

Cossatot River State Park and Nature Center

Cossatot River State Park and Nature Center

This park-natural area extends for 12 miles along the National Wild and Scenic Cossatot River.

1980 Highway 278 west

Wickes, AR 71973

870-385-2201

Website

Board Camp Crystal Mine

Board Camp Crystal Mine

Dig your own crystals in an all natural quartz mine! You will find crystals! We show you how! No tailings piles because we don't use heavy equipment. Dig right in the earth of this all natural mine!

110 Polk Rd 62

Mena, AR 71953

479-243-0771

Website

Shady Lake Recreation Area

Shady Lake Recreation Area

Scenic 25-acre lake in remote mountain setting. The Civilian Conservation Corps developed the Shady Lake Recreation Area in 1937. The Shady Lake Trail traverses Saline Creek and passes the historic Shady Lake Dam. It continues along the eastern edge of the campground. The trail is ideal for day hiking. Mountain bikers may also use the trail.

2902 Polk County Rd 64

Mena, AR 71953

479-394-2382

Website

Little MIssouri Falls

Little MIssouri Falls

The Little Missouri Falls is a sizable waterfall on the upper reaches of the Little Missouri River in southwest Arkansas in the Ouachita National Forest. It is a stairstep fall in a deep gorge.People really enjoy relaxing at the bottom of the falls in the crystal clear water.

AR-369

langley, AR 71952

870-867-2101

Website

Historic Jansenn Park

Historic Jansenn Park

This is no ordinary community park! This brilliant 10 acre park is host to an 1851 log cabin rumored to have been used as a hideout by the notorious Jesse James, besides being used as a hospital, post office, and city hall during its lifetime.

Website

Mena KSC Historic Train Depot

Mena KSC Historic Train Depot

The depot serves as a museum with much of the area's local history inside. There is also a room showcasing Lum n' Abner memorabilia and another area showcasing the Ouachita series, which once hung in the national rotunda, of local renowned artist Monta Black Philpot. It also boasts a completely restored 1939 Dodge police car. Mena residents are very proud of the depot which was completely restored in 1987 from donations and many volunteer hours.

Ouachita National Forest

Ouachita National Forest

Located in both Arkansas and Oklahoma, the Ouachita National Forest is home to rolling hills, pristine lakes, geological wonders and a vast array of adventures at every turn! Whether you want a challenge or a retreat, a vista or a valley, the Ouachitas have something for everyone!

Website

The Blue, Zipline and Farm

The Blue, Zipline and Farm

Come experience the thrill of this zip line canopy tour located just outside of Mena.

142 Polk Rd 185

Mena, AR 71953

479-216-8639

Website

Brushy Creek Recreation Area

Brushy Creek Recreation Area

Waterfront recreation spot, offering picnic tables, swimming, fishing and hiking trails.

Unnamed Road

Vandrervort, AR 71972

Website

Bard Springs Recreation Area

Bard Springs Recreation Area

Located next to a small scenic stream in a remote mountain setting, the Bard Springs Recreation Area offers five adirondake-type shelters for picnicking. A very small dam on the stream creates a pool of water that is popular with swimmers in the summertime. Once a small campground in the past, this area is now open for day-use only.

Website

Ward Lake Downhill Mountain Biking Trails: Mena: Intermittently closing for new construction

Ward Lake Downhill Mountain Biking Trails: Mena: Intermittently closing for new construction

4 beautiful trails 

  • Liberty Ridge (Blue): A 0.7-mile, two-way single track climbing trail to the downhill hub.
  • Stars and Stripes (Blue/Intermediate): A fun, flowy 0.5-mile downhill with smaller jumps and minimal rocks.
  • Patriot's Plunge (Black Diamond/Advanced): A half-mile technical downhill with big berms, jumps, and rocky exits.
  • American Made (Green/Beginner): A 1.2-mile aggregate perimeter loop around the lake, great for warm-ups or families. 

Website

Fine Art

Fine Art

North Mena Street is quickly becoming a hub for fine arts in the Ouachitas. browse the unique art at the Mena Art Gallery and American Artisans; create your own art at Chameleon Arts; and catch a show at the Ouachita Little Theatre

Mena Silver Screen

Mena Silver Screen

Comfortable and clean cinema screenings new releases, with friendly staff and remodeled interiors.

1200 Pine Ave

Mena, AR 71953

479-385-5063

Website

Ouachita Golf & Country Club

Ouachita Golf & Country Club

The main golf course in Mena, AR, Ouachita Country Club offers a 9-hole course that can be played twice for an 18-hole experience, featuring a par of 35 for the 9 holes. Visitors can play 18 holes at this public course, which provides both a driving range and practice area, welcoming players daily.

123 Country Club Lane

Mena, AR 71953

479-219-8644

Level Up - Family Fun Center

Level Up - Family Fun Center

Level Up - Family Fun Center is an arcade and entertainment venue located in Mena, Arkansas. It offers a variety of classic and modern games alongside family-oriented activities.

906 Gilham Ave

Mena, AR 71953

479-219-8862

Website

Acorn Shooting Range

Acorn Shooting Range

Shooting range in Polk County, Arkansas. Located within the Ouachita National Forest.

Polk County Rd 90

Mena, AR 71953

616-543-8813

Website

Mena Game Lounge

Mena Game Lounge

Laid-back fixture for buying and selling games, as well as hosting MTG tournaments.

1100 N U.S. 71 G

Mena, AR 71953

479-234-3556

Website

Farmers Market - Downtown Mena

Farmers Market - Downtown Mena

Market Details

  • Location: 524 Sherwood Ave, Mena, AR 71953 (near the historic train depot).
  • Seasonal Hours (approx. May – October):
  • [list]
  • Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
  • Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
  • Saturday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM.

  • Offerings: Seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, honey, handmade soaps, plants, and various local crafts. 
  • [/list]

    524 Sherwood Ave

    Mena, AR 71953

    Website

    Ouchita Little Theater

    Ouchita Little Theater

    Ouachita Little Theatre (OLT) is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the purpose of providing quality entertainment to citizens of the Ouachita Mountain region.  OLT's history began in 1979 under the leadership of its founder and first president, Leda Benson.  The Old Lyric Theatre, built as a movie house in 1923, became the permanent home for OLT in 1985.  Since that time, there have been countless theatrical presentations on the stage, primarily showcasing local talent in live performances.  OLT is well known across Arkansas for staging recognized Broadway musical shows, popular comedies, moving dramas, and even special performances from guest artists.  The foundation of the OLT theater season is based on four or five plays a year, including a musical.

    610 Mena S.

    Mena, AR 71953

    Website