QUEEN WILHELMINA STATE PARK

This Arkansas State Park lies on the crest of Rich Mountain, Arkansas' second highest peak. The Queen Wilhelmina Inn is the main feature of this park, offering 38 guest rooms and a restaurant. Park facilities include 40 campsites, picnic area, trails, a miniature scenic railroad, miniature golf course (open seasonally), animal park and store.

The Queen Wilhelmina Inn was originally built in 1896 as a tourist attraction by investors in the Kansas City Southern Railway. The original resort flourished for a few years, then fell into decay. It was restored in the early 1960s, with much of the original rockwork being used to rebuild the ruins in the original style. The inn was destroyed by fire in 1973 and a modern lodge was built in its place. The Queen Wilhelmina Lodge is open year-round.

JUNCTION OF ARKANSAS HIGHWAY 272

This steep, winding highway leads down the north slope of Rich Mountain following the location of the old wagon road to Rich Mountain Community (formerly a railroad station). At this location on U.S. Highway 270-59 is Rich Mountain Divide at an elevation of 1,600 feet. A "divide" is a high point where two watersheds come together. On the west side of this divide is the origin of Big Creek which flows into the Poteau River. On the opposite side of this divide is the beginning of the Ouachita River, flowing east. The two rivers never merge, however, and both eventually flow into the Mississippi River.

Talimena National Scenic Byway © 2006 Talimena Scenic Drive Association
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