Welcome to Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Discover a sense of place at Queen Wilhelmina State Park, where the highest summit in the Ouachita Mountains is steeped in history and surrounded by striking scenery. Situated on the Talimena Scenic Drive in western Arkansas just 13 miles from Mena, Queen Wilhelmina State Park stands out as one of the state’s most scenic mountain getaways. The park is perched high atop rugged Rich Mountain, nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. The natural beauty of the mountain and the intriguing history of the park offer you a vacation experience never to be forgotten. The first lodge, built in 1898 by the Kansas City, Pittsburg & Gulf Railroad, was designed as a mountain resort retreat for passengers on the line. The three-story lodge became known as the "Castle in the Sky." Since the railroad was largely financed by Dutch interests, the new resort was named in honor of Holland’s young Queen Wilhelmina. A royal suite was set aside for her use in vain hopes she would pay an official visit to the area. Only three years later, the lodge was closed and eventually fell into ruin. In 1957, the area was acquired for development as an Arkansas state park. The construction of a state park lodge on the site of the original inn was completed in 1963. This lodge was a popular Arkansas State Parks attraction until it was destroyed by fire in 1973. To carry forward this lodging tradition on 2,681-foot Rich Mountain, a new lodge was constructed that opened in 1975. After operating for three decades, this lodge now features a new look and enhanced amenities following a major renovation that was completed in early summer 2015. Large windows frame the views of the panoramic mountain scenery. The lodge now includes 40 guest rooms, a new Hearth Room, expanded meeting space, and an elevator. The tradition of royal hospitality on Rich Mountain continues at Queen Wilhelmina Lodge, the crowning attraction of Queen Wilhelmina State Park.


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