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Menace to Society: The Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit in Mena, Arkansas

Book the hard things first, because they are the ones that need the daylight. Iron Mountain runs 8.8. The Womble Trail runs 37 and the Earthquake Ridge Loop runs 4.5. Wolf Pen Gap has over 100 miles of trail across it and takes horses and ATVs as well as boots, which is more than most of us will manage. Queen Wilhelmina Lodge sits on top of Rich Mountain, which is the entire point of it. Everything else in Mena fits around whatever your legs have left at the end of it.

Are you planning a trip to Mena, Arkansas and wondering what to do and where to go? Mena is a town in the Ouachita Mountains and it runs a genuine range of activities, from the outdoors through to art. In this article we work through the fun things to do in Mena, Arkansas, and the places to visit to get the most out of the trip.

Tickling Your Funny Bone in Mena Mena is home to several comedy clubs and theaters running entertainment for all ages. You can catch a show at the Ouachita Little Theatre or attend a stand-up comedy night at the Mena Mountain Resort. If you want an experience you will not get elsewhere, head to the Chortle Portal Comedy Club for a night of laughs and good food.

The Great Outdoors: Parks and Trails Mena is surrounded by open country and runs several parks and trails for anybody who wants to be outdoors. Visit the Queen Wilhelmina State Park for the Ouachita Mountains from above, or take a hike in the Ouachita National Forest. If you want a harder adventure, head to the Iron Mountain Trail for an 8.8-mile hike with the country opening out around you.

Key Takeaways

• Mena, Arkansas offers a variety of activities for everyone, from comedy clubs to outdoor adventures.
• The Queen Wilhelmina State Park and the Ouachita National Forest are must-visit destinations for nature lovers.
• Mena’s downtown area is home to several unique shops and art galleries, perfect for a day of shopping and culture.

Tickling Your Funny Bone in Mena

Mena, Arkansas is not only outdoor adventures and scenery. The town also runs plenty of chances to tickle your funny bone. Here are the ways to get some humor into your Mena itinerary:

Join the Tickle My Funny Bone Facebook Group

Looking for a quick laugh? Join the Tickle My Funny Bone Facebook group and scroll through the jokes, memes and funny photos shared by members. You might even come away with an idea for your next Mena adventure.

Visit the Mena Art Gallery

The Mena Art Gallery is not only a place to look at good work, because it is also a place to find humor. The gallery regularly hosts exhibits running whimsical and humorous pieces, including caricatures and cartoons.

Attend a Comedy Show

Keep an eye out for comedy shows happening in Mena. Local venues sometimes host stand-up comedy nights or improv performances. Check the Mena events calendar or ask around to see if anything is coming up during your visit.

Make Your Own Fun

Sometimes the way to tickle your funny bone is to make your own humor. Take a walk through Mena’s small downtown area and come up with your own silly captions for the storefronts and signs. Or grab some friends and put together your own impromptu comedy sketch.

Attend the Annual Lum & Abner Festival

For a weekend full of laughter, plan your visit to land on the annual Lum & Abner Festival. The festival marks the legacy of the popular radio show, which was set in Mena. You get live music, food vendors and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.

Mena may be a small town, but it carries a large sense of humor. A quick laugh or a weekend full of comedy, there are plenty of ways to tickle your funny bone in Mena.

The Great Outdoors: Parks and Trails

Looking for adventure in Mena? The outdoors is the answer. With its open country and its wildlife, Mena is where anybody who wants to be outside ends up. Here are the parks and trails to work through in the area.

Hiking Trails: Not for the Faint-Hearted

If you are up for a challenge, Mena runs some of the harder hiking trails in the state. The Ouachita Mountains offer rugged terrain that will put your endurance to the test. The Ouachita National Forest has miles of trails that wind through the mountains, with the landscape opening out around you. The Eagle Rock Loop is a popular trail that takes you through some of the finer country in the forest. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and wear sturdy hiking boots.

Mountain Biking: Pedal Power

If you would rather work the outdoors on two wheels, Mena runs plenty of mountain biking trails to choose from. The Womble Trail is a 37-mile trail that runs a hard ride through the Ouachita Mountains. The trail is well-maintained and the views along it are the reason people ride it. If you want a shorter ride, the Earthquake Ridge Trail is a 4.5-mile loop that runs fast and fun through the forest.

Horseback Riding: Saddle Up!

For a more leisurely pace, work the outdoors on horseback. The Ouachita River runs some of the finer trails in the area. The Wolfpen Campground has miles of trails that wind through the forest and along the river. The trails are well-marked and there are plenty of chances to see wildlife. If you do not have your own horse, there are several stables in the area running guided trail rides.

Picnic Area: Sandwiches in the Scenery

After a long day of walking, there is nothing better than a picnic. Mena runs several picnic areas with the country laid out in front of them. The Irons Fork Picnic Area is a popular spot with picnic tables, grills and plenty of shade. The area sits near the Irons Fork Trail, so you can work up an appetite before you eat. Bring plenty of food and drinks, and do not forget the bug spray.

A seasoned adventurer or a complete newcomer to the outdoors, Mena takes you either way. So grab your hiking boots, saddle up your horse, or get on your bike, and work through the outdoors here.

Crystal Clear Fun at Board Camp Crystal Mine

Looking for an adventure in Mena, Arkansas that you will not get elsewhere? Board Camp Crystal Mine is the answer. This family-friendly attraction runs a one-of-a-kind experience that has you digging for crystals and learning about geology while you do it.

Digging for Crystals: A Sparkling Adventure

Grab your pickaxe and get ready to unearth something. At Board Camp Crystal Mine, you dig for your own quartz crystals in a real quartz mine. No tailings here, because you are guaranteed to find crystals. And do not worry if you are a beginner, because the friendly staff will show you how to dig and how to identify what you find.

The mine sits among shady trees, which keeps it cool and comfortable even in the summer. And if you have limited mobility, do not worry, because the mine runs easy access. The mine is also dog-friendly, so bring your furry friend along for the day.

Workshops: Get Your Hands Dirty

Want to learn more about the science behind crystals? Board Camp Crystal Mine runs workshops where you learn about geology and how crystals form. You even get to make your own crystal jewelry to take home as a souvenir.

The workshops are led by guides who know the material and enjoy teaching it, which makes the whole thing both fun and educational. And do not worry if you are not a science expert, because the workshops are built for all ages and skill levels.

So what are you waiting for? Head to Board Camp Crystal Mine for an adventure that stays with you.

Shop Till You Drop in Downtown Mena

Looking for a shopping experience that is both different and fun? Downtown Mena is the answer. This small area is home to a range of shops, markets and antique stores that will hold even the most particular shopper. Here are the destinations in Downtown Mena worth the walk:

The Mercantile: Old World Charm

Step into The Mercantile and you feel like you have gone back in time. This historic building is filled with old-world character, from the creaky wooden floors to the vintage display cases. But do not let the antique atmosphere fool you, because this shop is packed with modern finds. Browse the selection of gifts, home decor and fashion accessories, and you will come away with something.

Mena Flea Market: One Man’s Trash…

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and nowhere is that clearer than at the Mena Flea Market. This sprawling market is home to dozens of vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts to antique furniture. You never know what you will find at the Mena Flea Market, and that is part of the appeal. Spend an afternoon on the stalls and you will come away with a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your wallet and head down to Downtown Mena for a shopping experience that stays with you.

The Ouachitas do not hand anything over. The hiking here is rugged, and the trails wind rather than climb straight, which is harder on the legs than it sounds. Bring water, snacks and boots that have already been broken in. The crystal mine is the exception, because you dig your own quartz and the ground there is level and shaded. Everything else you earn on the way up.

Art and Culture: More Than Just a Pretty Picture

When you think of Mena, Arkansas, art and culture might not be the first things that come to mind. But do not be fooled by this small town’s unassuming exterior. Mena is home to a working arts scene that will leave you feeling inspired and creatively energized.

Mena Art Gallery: A Feast for the Eyes

If you follow art galleries, do not miss the Mena Art Gallery. This space sits in the heart of downtown Mena and runs a rotating collection of paintings, sculptures and pottery pieces. With works from both local and national artists, there is always something new to see at the Mena Art Gallery.

But the Mena Art Gallery is not only a place to look at good work. It is also a hub for the local arts community, hosting regular events and exhibitions that bring artists and art lovers together. A seasoned collector or somebody dipping a toe into the world of art, the Mena Art Gallery is where to start.

Seminars and Art Classes: Unleash Your Inner Picasso

If the work at the Mena Art Gallery has left you inspired, take it further with a seminar or an art class. The Mena Art Gallery runs a range of classes and workshops for artists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.

Painting, sculpture or pottery, there is a class for you at the Mena Art Gallery. And with experienced instructors who care about their craft, you will pick up new skills and techniques that take your own work further.

So if you want a creative way to spend your time in Mena, the town’s arts scene is the answer. With the Mena Art Gallery and a range of classes and workshops to choose from, you will find something that unleashes your inner Picasso.

Historical Haunts: Time Travel in Mena

If you are a history buff, Mena, Arkansas is the destination for you. The town carries a real local history and runs several museums and historic sites that take you back in time. Here are two historical haunts in Mena worth the walk:

Railroad Station: All Aboard the History Express

If you are a train enthusiast, you will get on with the Mena Railroad Station. Built in 1910, the station is a fine example of early 20th-century architecture. It served as a hub for the Kansas City Southern Railroad for many years, and it now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the railroad in Mena.

Inside the museum you find exhibits covering the many different types of trains that passed through Mena over the years. You also learn about the part the railroad played in the town’s development. And if the timing is right, you might get to climb aboard a real train car.

National Register of Historic Places: A Blast from the Past

Mena is home to several buildings recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. These buildings have been carefully preserved to hold their original character.

One of them is the Mena Post Office, built in 1935 as part of the New Deal program. The post office is a fine example of Art Deco architecture, with its sleek lines and geometric shapes. Inside, you find a mural by artist Kenneth Evett that covers the history of the town.

The other historic site to make time for is the Janssen Park Historic District. This area of town is home to several buildings dating back to the early 1900s, including the Mena City Hall and the Polk County Courthouse. Take a stroll through the district and take in the architecture of these historic buildings.

So a history buff or somebody simply after a good afternoon, Mena has plenty of historical haunts to work through. All aboard the history express.

Lodging in Mena: Sleep Like a Log (Cabin)

Are you tired of the same old hotels? Want the outdoors without giving up comfort? Mena, Arkansas is the answer. With its open country and its range of activities, Mena is where to stay in a cabin.

Wolf Pen Gap: Camping with a Twist

For the adventurous types, Wolf Pen Gap is where to pitch your tent. With over 100 miles of trails, you can hike, bike and ride horses through the Ouachita Mountains. But why rough it in a tent when you can sleep in a cabin? Wolf Pen Creek Cabins run fully furnished cabins with all the amenities you need. From fireplaces to hot tubs, you will feel at home in the middle of the forest.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge: Royal Treatment

If you want a more regal experience, Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge is the place for you. Perched atop Rich Mountain, the lodge gives you the forest laid out below it. Have a proper meal at the Queen’s Restaurant, or take a massage at the Mountain Harbour Spa. And the lodge runs comfortable rooms with all the amenities you need to feel like royalty.

Whatever your lodging preference, Mena has it. So why settle for a dull hotel when you can sleep like a log in a cabin?

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to explore Mena, Arkansas without getting lost?

The way to work through Mena, Arkansas is on a guided tour. There are many strong tours available that take you through the city and show you the sights worth seeing. And you will not have to worry about getting lost or walking past something.

Are there any secret hideouts or cool spots in Mena, Arkansas that only locals know about?

Of course. Mena, Arkansas is full of places that only locals know about. But we cannot spill all the beans here, can we? You will have to come and find them for yourself.

What’s the wildest adventure you can have in Mena, Arkansas?

If you want a wild adventure, Wolf Pen Gap ATV Rentals is the answer. You can rent an ATV and hit the trails for an adrenaline-pumping ride through the forest. Just hold on tight.

What’s the most unique thing to do in Mena, Arkansas?

The thing to do in Mena, Arkansas that you will not get elsewhere is visit the Queen Wilhelmina State Park. The country opens out beneath you up there, and it is also home to the historic Queen Wilhelmina Lodge. You can stay overnight in one of the lodge’s rooms.

Is there a castle in Mena, Arkansas? Can I be the king or queen for a day?

Sorry to disappoint, but there is no castle in Mena, Arkansas. You can still feel like royalty by visiting the historic Mena Street Inn. This bed and breakfast will have you feeling like you are living in a fairytale.

Are there any bars in Mena, Arkansas where I can get a drink and hear some good stories?

The Skyline Cafe and Pub is a local favorite for strong drinks and better stories. And the room itself is the part people mention. You will feel like you are out with old friends.

Frequently asked questions about Mena, Arkansas

Which Mena trail is worth giving a whole day to?

The Womble Trail, which runs 37 miles through the Ouachita Mountains and stays well maintained the whole way along. The Earthquake Ridge Loop is 4.5 miles if you want a fast one. Iron Mountain runs 8.8. Eagle Rock Loop is the scenic one inside the national forest instead.

Which Mena park suits somebody who does not want to hike?

Queen Wilhelmina State Park, because the lodge sits on top of Rich Mountain and you can drive the whole way to the view. The Irons Fork Picnic Area has tables, grills and plenty of shade. Janssen Park Historic District is a flat walk through buildings dating from the early 1900s. Bring bug spray.

Which Mena museum or gallery is worth an hour of your time?

The Mena Art Gallery, which runs a rotating collection of paintings, sculpture and pottery from local and national artists, and teaches classes as well. The railroad station museum building went up in 1910 and covers the Kansas City Southern line through town. The Mena Post Office is from 1935 and has a mural by Kenneth Evett inside it. All are downtown.

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