As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

It may not be the original Castle in the Sky that’s sitting atop Rich Mountain but the lodge at Queen Wilhelmina State Park is still a delight above the clouds. Mena is certainly one of the best towns to visit in Arkansas and the lodge is the perfect place to retire after a day of exploring the area. Let’s take a break and head up to this gorgeous mountaintop retreat.

Every aspect of a trip to Queen Wilhelmina State Park is a downright dream.
Flickr/Alex Butterfield
That includes just the drive up the mountain! The Talimena Scenic Drive was one of the first official National Forest Scenic Byways and earned that designation in 1989. The winding roads and stunning vistas will instantly remind you why the Natural State is so beautiful.

Every season is wonderful but we especially love taking the drive and having a weekend on the mountain during the fall.
As soon as you've reached the top you'll see why the original lodge was called the Castle in the Sky.
TripAdvisor/ Oscar O
Rich Mountain isn't quite as tall as Mount Magazine but it is the tallest peak in the Ouachitas. Many parts of the day will have so much cloud cover you'll feel like you're floating in the sky.

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The current lodge is the third reincarnation the Kansas City, Pittsburg & Gulf Railroad Company's original creation.
TripAdvisor/management
The Castle in the Sky was first built by the railroad company in 1898. The lodge was completely rebuilt in 1963 and again after a fire in 1975. In 2015 the building was also refurbished to the stunning lodge we know and love today.
The rooms really are fit for royalty.
TripAdvisor/management
The original resort was named after Holland royalty because of the railroad company's dutch investors. The queen never visited the inn (though there had been hopes and even a suite built for her) but the modern lodge will have you feeling quite pampered. The lodge has 40 rooms with ample amenities and some suites even come with gas fireplaces and spa-like tubs!
While you're staying at the lodge be sure to carry on your adventure with Queen Wilhelmina's one-of-a-kind trails, views, and attractions.
TripAdvisor/Nathen H
In addition to the standard state park recreations, Queen Wilhelmina also has an adorable train to take around the mountain. You can learn more about it by reading the full article right here.

No matter if you spend a week or just one night at the lodge, you'll never want to leave this castle in the clouds. Rates for the lodge start at about $175 and can be booked on their website.

We would love to see your outdoor adventures at Queen Wilhelmina in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

 

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3877 AR-88, Mena, AR 71953, USA