The Mena KCS Historic Depot & Museum
The Historic KCS Depot Visitor’s Center & Museum is located in the heart of downtown Mena, Arkansas at the intersection of U.S. Highway 71 and State Highway 88 otherwise know as Mena Street. The Mena Kansas City-Southern Depot is a historic railroad station on Sherwood Street in the center of Mena, Arkansas. It is long single-story structure, built out of brick, with a tile roof and Mediterranean styling. It was built in 1920 by the Kansas City Southern Railway to designs by the company architect, T. C. Horstmann, and is one of the most elaborate surviving early-20th century railroad stations in the state. It is now owned by the city, and houses a local history museum, the Mena Advertising & Promotion office, and the local chamber of commerce 57
The restored Kansas City Southern railroad station houses a museum full of historical displays, railroad memorabilia, and art exhibits, 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. A full service visitor’s center operates out of the depot offering rest and respite to travelers just as it did in its heyday. Information on local lodging, dining, and recreation are available. Community minded volunteers act as hosts and hostesses at the Center. The Depot Center is a focal point for community activity and a gateway to the Talimena Scenic Byway. Mena’s first depot was built in the summer of
