Introduction to Mena, Arkansas
Mena, Arkansas, in Polk county, is 56 miles S of Fort Smith, Arkansa (center to center) and 146 miles SE of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Mena History
Mena was founded by Arthur Sitwell, president of the Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad. It was incorporated on September 18, 1896. The main goal was to make it a boarding point for west-central Arkansas, and an offload point for the Rich Mountain Resort. One tradition claims Mena was named after the Queen of Netherlands-Wilhelmina. Another claims it was named after the mother of John A. DeGoeijen, a railroad investor. However, some believe it was named after Sitwell's wife. Mena is the county seat of Polk County, which was established on November 30, 1844.
Mena and nearby Attractions
- Blythe's Museum
- Crater of Diamonds State park Museum
- Spiro Mounds
- Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Things To Do In Mena
The Museum of the Red River and Bob Burns Museum are some of the museums one can visit in Mena. The Blythe's Museum and Crater of Diamond State Park Museum are also worth visiting. The city also has several churches and libraries. There are many parks that offer a range of recreational facilities such as Cossatot River State Park, Janssen Park, and Lee McMillian Memorial Park. Golfers can enjoy their leisure time at the Lionsk Club Golf Course. The Northside Shopping Center is also a popular tourist haunt. Mena also hosts the Hamfest, Lum, and Abner Festival and the Mountain Fest every year.
Mena Transportation
One can avail air transport from Fort Smith Regional Airport.
Mena Higher Education
Rich Mountain Community College and Mountain View School of Cosmetology offer opportunities for higher education at Mena. Other colleges and universities in the area are Westark College, Henderson State University, and Arkansas Tech University.
