Queen Wilhelmina Lodge Set to Reopen
Queen Wilhelmina State Park Lodge, located on Rich Mountain – Arkansas’s second highest peak, will reopen on July 1 following a US$9.6 million renovation.
“The improvements to this lodge that opened by the state of Arkansas in 1975 should receive rave reviews when it reopens,” says State Parks Director Greg Butts, adding the lodge now features new, larger windows designed to frame the views from Rich Mountain of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.
The exterior of the lodge features shingles and stonework. The lodge was expanded from 25,881 square feet to 37,029 square feet to include the addition of a new hearth room with wood-burning fireplace, two additional guest rooms increasing the total to 40, and more space within all the rooms. Two guest rooms on each floor at the west end include gas fireplaces and spa tubs. Three are barrier-free to meet the needs of visitors with disabilities. They include Queen, King, King with spa tub and gas fireplace, and King Suite choices.
The upstairs meeting facility was also increased in size and includes a balcony overlooking the south view from the mountain. An elevator was added to the lodge, as well as more stairwells. Other improvements include a new energy efficient heating and air-conditioning system, energy saving lighting throughout, solar hot water and other such features.
