Polk County, Arkansas
Polk County is located in the Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas. Mena serves as the county seat and is surrounded by some of the state’s most scenic landscapes.
The Talimena Scenic Drive begins just west of Mena. Queen Wilhelmina State Park, located atop Rich Mountain, offers lodging and panoramic views.
The county provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and ATV riding in the Ouachita National Forest. Mena’s historic downtown also preserves much of its early 20th-century character.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Polk County |
| County Seat | Mena |
| Etymology | Named after James K. Polk, the eleventh president of the United States |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Mena, Wickes, Cove, Board Camp, Grannis, Hatfield |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Route 71, U.S. Route 270, Arkansas Highway 88 |
| FIPS Code | 05-113 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 823 square miles (Land: 818 sq mi, Water: 5 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Scott County (North), Montgomery County (East), Pike County (Southeast), Howard County (Southeast), Sevier County (South), McCurtain County, Oklahoma (Southwest), Le Flore County, Oklahoma (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Central Standard Time (CST) |
| State | Arkansas |
| Coordinates | 34.5642° N, 94.2288° W |
| Major Landmarks | Ouachita National Forest, Cossatot River State Park, Mena Depot Historic District |
| Population | Approximately 19,000 |
