Mena

Around Mena

Photo: Michael Barera · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Countryside and towns · Arkansas · 37k people

Mena

Locals say Ouachita Mountains · “Ouachitas”

Mountain air, crystal mines, and small-town warmth.

Deep green of the Ouachita National ForestBlue of the lakes and rivers, like Lake Ouachita and the Ouachita RiverEarthy brown of the mountains and soil

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Welcome to the Ouachita Mountains! Whether you're here for the crystal mines, the hiking trails, or just the peace and quiet, you'll find a friendly community and plenty of wide-open spaces. Settle in, grab some sweet tea, and enjoy the view.

Clubs for Mena

No clubs for Mena yet.

The room

One room for everyone around Mena. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.

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All

A good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.

Coming up

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Marketplace

Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Mena. Sign in to sell something.

Things to do

  • Ouachita National Forest Vast forest covering most of the region, with hiking, camping, and hunting.
  • Queen Wilhelmina State Park Historic lodge and scenic overlooks on Rich Mountain.
  • Talimena Scenic Drive 54-mile drive along the Ouachita crest, starting near Mena.
  • Mena Depot Center Restored train depot with local history exhibits.
  • Mount Ida Quartz Crystal Mines Area known for digging quartz crystals.
  • Ouachita National Recreation Trail Long-distance trail through the forest.
  • Outdoors Hike the Ouachita Trail
  • Outdoors Canoe the Caddo River
  • With kids Visit Queen Wilhelmina State Park
  • With kids Dig for quartz crystals at local mines
  • Evenings Small-town bars
  • Evenings Live music at local venues
  • Locals love Hunting and fishing camps
  • Locals love Small-town diners

Through the year

  • Quartz Crystal Festival October Celebrates the area's crystal mining heritage.
  • Polk County Fair September Traditional county fair with livestock, rides, and food.
  • Scott County Fair August County fair featuring local agriculture and crafts.
  • Montgomery County Fair September County fair with exhibits and entertainment.
  • Waldron Watermelon Festival August Annual celebration of the watermelon harvest.

Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and cool, damp winters. The mountains are a few degrees cooler. Best: Spring and fall are the best times to be out, with mild temperatures and clear skies.

Talk like a local

“Wash-i-taw”
Local pronunciation of Ouachita.
“Crick”
Creek.
“Holler”
Hollow or valley.

Getaways

  • Hot Springs Bathhouses, lakes, and nightlife.
  • Fort Smith Historic sites and the Arkansas River.
  • Poteau Kiamichi Mountains and Talimena Drive.
  • De Queen Cossatot River and outdoor recreation.

Local flavour

Rooting for Arkansas Razorbacks

Eat and drink

  • Fried catfish A staple of the region's rivers and lakes
  • Hushpuppies Often served with fried fish
  • Barbecue (pork) A Southern tradition with local smokehouses
  • Sweet tea The universal Southern drink
  • Cornbread A staple side dish
  • Biscuits and gravy A hearty breakfast classic

Where people go

  • Ouachita National Forest The heart of the region's outdoor life
  • Quartz crystal mines Especially around Mount Ida, the Quartz Crystal Capital
  • Lakes and rivers Fishing, boating, and swimming spots
  • Small-town diners Gathering places for coffee and conversation
  • Country stores General stores that serve as community hubs
  • Hunting and fishing camps Seasonal retreats for outdoorsmen

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Nearby

Every area
De QueenArkansasWhere diamonds sparkle in the pines.PoteauOklahomaWhere the pines meet the sky and the rivers run quiet.Fort SmithArkansasA river town with a frontier heartKiamichi CountryOklahomaWhere the pines meet the waterHot SpringsArkansasSoak in the natural beauty.HopeArkansasWhere the pines meet the watermelon patch.ArkadelphiaArkansasSlow river days and diamond-bright nights.RussellvilleArkansasRiver valley charm, mountain views

Polk, Scott and Montgomery counties, AR. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.

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