Area Information

2024 Arkansas Ozark Gateway Region Solar Eclipse Planning

Write it down…and save the date. Parts of Arkansas will be the place to be during what has been dubbed the Great North American Eclipse. To experience the total phase of the eclipse, gazers must be in the narrow path of totality, which will run through the center of The Natural State from southwest to northeast.

Eclipse Event Times - Arkansas Cities, Towns, and Unincorporated Areas

Total Solar Eclipse, April 8, 2024 – The phase times and duration for Arkansas areas in the path of the total solar eclipse. The times are given for city centers, or the most obvious open areas of a recreation facility, campground, or boat landing.

eclipse2024.org - It’s the Great North American Eclipse!

On eclipse2024.org, you’ll find detailed eclipse timings, eclipse viewing information for every city in North America, and (coming soon!) the fantastic eclipse2024.org eclipse simulator to show you exactly what the eclipse will look like from any location! We also have educational information on eclipses (from very simple all the way to VERY technical!), as well as all-important eye safety and eclipse viewing instructions! It’s all about bringing you ALL the eclipse planning information you need, so you can watch the 2024 total solar eclipse safely on April 8, 2024!

GreatAmericanEclipse.com | Total solar eclipse 2024 Arkansas - Great American Eclipse

Arkansas is an outstanding destination for the total solar eclipse! Be prepared to see the greatest sight nature offers, a total eclipse of the Sun. Be sure to get inside the path of totality for the full experience. The total solar eclipse visits Arkansas on April 8, 2024 beginning at 1:45 pm CDT with the final exit of the Moon’s shadow from the state at 2:00 pm CDT.

Solar Eclipse Festival in Mena, AR April 5th - 8th, 2024

The Great North American Eclipse will take place on April 8, 2024, and Arkansas will be the perfect place to experience this historic event. From southwest to northeast, two-thirds of Arkansas will be in the path of totality. Mena, Hot Springs, Little Rock, and Jonesboro are among the cities it passes through.

Ouachita National Forest - Wolf Pen Gap

Official website providing area information including area status, current conditions, and map of the Wolf Pen Gap trail system.

Wolf Pen Gap Trail Complex | RiderPlanet USA

Free trail maps, driving directions, regulations, fees and camping information for Wolf Pen Gap Trail Complex in Arkansas. (AR trails and MX tracks)

Trailhead ATV Rentals

We are a rental company in the Mena area based at 115 Polk Road 55 in Nunley, just off Highway 8. We are here to provide ATV/UTV rentals for exploring the nearby trails and National Forest. We are less than three miles from Wolf Pen Gap.

Wolf Pen Gap ATV Rentals

ATV Rentals and Guided Tours for Wolf Pen Gap Riding Trails Ouachita Mountains Mena Arkansas

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission handles habitat management, fish stocking, hunting and fishing regulations, and a host of other programs.

Arkansas State Parks

Visit Arkansas’s state parks and experience our unique blend of outdoor adventure. Find a state park near you and discover trails, events, lodging and activities.

City of Mena, AR - Official Site

Mena, Arkansas is home to picturesque fall colors, outdoor destinations attracting tourists from all over the world, antique shops, and a friendly hometown feeling.

Mena Weather Information

Weather alerts, real-time weather conditions, accurate hourly forecasts & 10-day forecasts, over a dozen weather maps including Doppler radar, satellite, lightning alerts, precipitation, local temperature, local pressure, local radar, wind chill, heat index, humid, wind, pollen, UV and much more!

Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce

The Mena Polk County Chamber of Commerce is the oldest & largest business organization in Polk County. Business directory, tourism information, calendar of events.

Ouachita ATV Club

Ouachita ATV Club is based in Mena Arkansas, surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest.There are several ATV trail systems within an hour’s drive of Mena, the Wolfpen Gap Trail system being the closest and largest with access only 7 miles from town. We are a club that is family oriented, Promoting ATV safety & responsible “Tread Lightly” riding habits.

Places To Shop In Mena

Souvenirs, gifts, groceries, and more. You can find pretty much anything you need in Mena.

The Mena Star

Local news source covering Polk County since 1896.

USDA - Ouachita National Forest Information

The Ouachita National Forest covers 1.8 million acres in central Arkansas and southeastern Oklahoma. Enjoy camping, hiking, biking, scenic driving, trail riding, water recreation, fishing, hunting, and more!

Visit Mena

We may not be the ‘big city’, but our hospitality is big and our land, forest and mountain range is known as God’s Country for a reason.

Board Camp Campground and Crystal Mine

Dig your very own all natural quartz crystals right from the actual earth of the mine! No tailings piles! We show you how! You WILL find crystals! And experience the UnXplained Tours! What is the cause of the continuing strange lights and phenomena happening at the Crystal Mine?

Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area

This park-natural area extends for 12 miles along the National Wild and Scenic Cossatot River. The river forms Cossatot Falls, a rocky canyon with Class IV rapids for experienced kayakers and canoeists when local rainfall increases the watershed. Brushy Creek Recreation Area offers picnic sites, restrooms, and river access. Tent sites (no hookups) are located at the Cossatot Falls Area (six sites), Sandbar Area (15 sites), and Ed Banks Area (two sites).

Lum & Abner Museum

Chester “Chet” Lauck ( Lum Eddards) and Norris ‘Tuffy” Goff (Abner Peabody) were the creators, actors, writers, sound effects men, directors, and the life of the “Lum ‘N’ Abner” Program. They received more fan mail than any radio program of the time- one and a half million letters one special week!

Mena Art Gallery

Mena Art Gallery is located in the small town of Mena, Arkansas, in the Ouachita Mountains. We support individual and community involvement in the creative arts.

Mena Kansas City Southern Depot

Restored historic Kansas City Southern depot located in downtown Mena, AR; serves as a museum of local history, including a room dedicated to Arkansas natives Lum n’ Abner; the Ouachitas series paintings by local renowned artist Monta Black Philpot which one hung in the national rotunda; and a restored 1939 Dodge police car; free tours available.

Ouachita Little Theater

We are the performing arts organization in the town of Mena, Polk County, in the Western Frontier of Arkansas. OLT encourages the development and showcasing of local talent in children and adults and provides the venue for their talent to be spotlighted in its theater at 610 Mena Street in downtown Mena.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

Located atop Rich Mountain, Arkansas’s second highest peak, Queen Wilhelmina offers some of the most breathtaking views in the state from the fully renovated lodge. Travel the Talimena National Scenic Byway to this park and its lofty setting. This site is as rich in history as it is in scenery. The original lodge was built in the late 1800s as a Victorian resort named Wilhelmina Inn to honor the young Queen of the Netherlands. Two inns followed the original “Castle in the Sky.” The latest inn is today’s park lodge, the crowning attraction at Queen Wilhelmina State Park.

Talimena National Scenic Byway

Come explore the Talimena Scenic Drive as it stretches across the very top of the Ouachita Mountains in Eastern Oklahoma and Western Arkansas. The Byway offers 54 miles of spectacular views and incredible scenery.

Chicollo's Food Emporium

Chicollo’s Food Emporium specializes in a variety of sandwiches, BBQ, street tacos, fresh cut fries, and nachos. Look for our daily specials

Chiquita's Mexican Restaurant

A fantastic local alternative to Taco Bell. Mexican fast food. Tacos, burritos, platters, fajitas, and even desserts. The food is a must try and the service is fast and friendly.

Chopping Block Steakhouse

We have our freshly cut meat on display with the option to choose your own steak, a warm and inviting atmoshere, perfect for a drink after work or dinner with friends and family. Also enjoy the owners artwork by William Rainey on display in our beautiful real log cabin.

Fully Baked Cakery & Cafe

Fully Baked Cafe and Cakery is a small, family run business that offers delicious, scratch made meals and dessert with real ingredients.

La Villa

La Villa is a family owned restaurant that strives to provide your family and friends with a delightful eating experience. Thank you for making us your choice for authentic Mexican food.

Little Italy II

Welcome to Little Italy II in Mena! Serving authentic Italian recipes. Owned and operated by the same family of Ari’s Little Italy in Glenwood, an Arkansas favorite since 2007. Homemade pastas and pizzas, soups, chicken, steaks, veal, seafood and more. Offering new specials nightly. Party room available by reservation.

Myers Cruizzers Drive-In

This restaurant is a very cute 50’s style, old school, drive in that plays old school music & only accepts cash. They have a all America menu with mostly burgers, sandwiches, fries, homemade onion rings, ice cream, shakes etc.

New China Chinese Restaurant

A favorite in the town. Buffet or menu. 8 food bars, all full of great, tasty, flavorful foods. Fried shrimp, boiled shrimp, shrimp vegetable dish, soups, appetizers, fresh vegetables, lo mein,rice noodles, dumplings, fried fish, crab salad, fruit, cookies, cakes and ice cream.

Papa's Cafe

Located in the heart of Mena, Arkansas is Papa’s Mexican Cafe, offering fine Mexican dining with fresh appetizers, salads, entrees, desserts and more! Papa’s is a family restaurant, owned and operated by the Sanchez family since 1999. Bring your family for lunch or dinner, and be treated like one of our family!

Skyline Cafe

If your looking for a friendly and casual dining experience, the Skyline Cafe is the place to be. While chowing down on some goood ole’ fashion homestlye cookin, you’lll surely feel like your part of the Skyline family. Established in 1922, the Skyline has gone through various owners.

Suzy Q's

We are an ice cream coffee shop that serves its guests with a glimpse of the past. We serve hand dipped ice cream and treats of all kinds such as old fashioned banana splits and frosted mug floats, coffee and specialty coffees, as well as panini sandwiches and homemade soups.

The Ouachitas

The Ouachitas is built on a genuine love of Mena, Arkansas and the people who call it home. Having gained invaluable industry experience in Seattle, Derek Campbell returned to Mena to begin roasting highly nuanced blends of coffee on a weekly basis. From there, The Ouachitas has grown into a favorite destination for patrons seeking coffee, food, beer, and even the occasional family event.

Thibodeauxs Country Store

Thibodeaux’s is your place for fuel, ice, grocery, snacks, hot food, cold drinks, soft serve ice cream, snow cones, souvenirs, home-cooked plate lunches, and more. Stop in and see us when you’re on the trail riding or make a special trip out for one of our Friday and Saturday lunch specials.

Lum & Abner Festival

The Lum & Abner Festival is an annual festival that takes place the first weekend of June. The festival includes activities for all ages, live music, free concerts, arts and crafts, great food, fishing derbies, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, 5K run, classic car show, baby crawlin’ contest, Kiddie Korner with inflatables, and much more!

Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run: Car Show

The Queen Wilhelmina Rod Run, 42 years running, in downtown Mena, Arkansas and atop beautiful Rich Mountain draws car enthusiasts from all over.