Mena (Arkansas)

Mena is a town in Arkansas. A railroad town, Mena grew to a population of over 3000 people within a few years of its founding in 1897. It was also touted for its health spa amenities. But soon after, the town's vitality diminished when rail facilities were moved to a nearby locale. Mena also had this troubling tendency of unabashed racial mistreatment towards African Americans that endured through much of the 20th century.

Today it attracts tourists with its picturesque location among the Ouachita National Forest and Mountains.

Get in
There is a Greyhound bus stop at the Exxon at 901 N U.S. 71. If driving, try to have a map or GPS, because Mena is tucked into one of the more isolated parts of the state.

Eat

 * Chiquita's, 703 US-71, part of Northside Shopping Center. Open M-Sa 10AM-9PM.  This family owned restaurant has been in Mena for almost two decades.
 * Chiquita's, 703 US-71, part of Northside Shopping Center. Open M-Sa 10AM-9PM.  This family owned restaurant has been in Mena for almost two decades.

Go next

 * Talimena Drive from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas 54 Mile scenic drive in Oklahoma and Arkansas along the ridge of the Ouachita Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest. The drive has frequent turnouts so you can enjoy the scenery. Convenient access to the drive near the mid-point can be accessed from Heavener by taking Hwy 59 south.