Area Information

Mena was named after the wife of a Dutch coffee broker, Jan DeGoeigen, who furnished financial assistance needed by builder Arthur Stilwell to construct the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad (later known as Kansas City Southern). Extending from Kansas City to Port Arthur, Texas, Mena was known as the "division town", or the halfway point between the two cities. The Depot serves as the focal point of Mena and greets any visitor who passes through on U.S. Highway 71 or State Highway 88.

6 public schools and 2 private schools provide education to local students. Those seeking higher education can attend Rich Mountain Community College, located right in town. Or they can check out Westark College, Henderson State University, Arkansas Tech University or the University of Arkansas' main campus, all of which are located within a 90-minute drive. Mena Medical Center, which was completely renovated, updated and expanded in 2005, serves the area's health care needs. Medical facilities provided by Wilhelmina Medical Center with a 51-bed capacity, emergency room and outpatient services. The population of Mena has been rising steadily along with its economy. 5,475 people call Mena home and 17,347 in Polk County. Economic development was spurred by the railroad in the early 1900s and is prospering to this day. Many industries call Mena home such as timber and forestry products, motor manufacturing, aircraft painting, spring water suppliers, aluminum casting, clothing and furniture manufacturers. Agriculture thrives with an abundance of poultry, beef and dairy farms. Religion is prevalent in the community with over 12 different denominations. Ten motels/hotels offer a total of 327 units for visiting relatives or tourists. Many other businesses provide the community with all conveniences of the city and the quietness of a small town. The Ouachita Mountains provide the people of Mena with many splendid recreational distractions. Canoeing and rafting enthusiasts enjoy the scenery of the Ouachita River, offering rapids for the adventurous and calm stretches for others. The Cossatot River State Park Natural Area is one of the most rugged and spectacular river corridors in the United States, encompassing over 4,200 acres. This stream's rapids are definitely only for the daring... and not beginners. The Ouachita National Forest consists of 1.5 million acres and is the South's oldest and largest National Forest. Visitors can enjoy 32 recreational areas by picnicking, camping, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, hunting and boating. Queen Wilhelmina State Park, situated along Talimena Scenic Drive atop Rich Mountain, stands out as a vacation land for visitors and locals alike. The Wilhelmina Inn attracts thousands of visitors to Polk County each year. It features 36 guest rooms plus 2 "Queen's Rooms" with woodburning fireplaces. Mena provides other activities as well, including a public 9-hole golf course, community theatre, bowling alley and many stores and antique shops.

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