Frequently Asked Questions

The Sassafras Inn is known as the gateway to the Talimena Scenic Drive. Located right at the eastern terminus in Mena, Arkansas, our historic inn offers the perfect, cozy home base before or after your scenic 54-mile mountain drive.

You can find us at 1201 Reine Street South, Mena, AR 71953. We are tucked into a beautiful, quiet, tree-lined road in Polk County, just a short 3-minute drive or a casual walk from historic downtown Mena and Janssen Park.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park, sitting atop Rich Mountain (Arkansas’ second-highest peak), is only about 13 miles from The Sassafras Inn. It takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes to drive up the mountain to enjoy the breathtaking overlooks and trails.

Yes! The Sassafras Inn is situated just a short drive from the famous Wolf Pen Gap Trail System, which features over 40 miles of interconnected multi-use trails. We offer a peaceful, luxury retreat to unwind and shower after a day powering through the wilderness.

Absolutely. The Sassafras Inn is less than a mile from the heart of downtown Mena. You can easily stroll down to explore the local antique malls, the historic KCS Depot Museum, the Ouachita Little Theatre, or grab a coffee at local favorites like The Ouachitas.

When you stay in Polk County, you are surrounded by the 1.8-million-acre Ouachita National Forest. Popular nearby activities include driving the Talimena Scenic Byway, hiking the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, crystal digging at Board Camp Crystal Mine, and kayaking the Cossatot River.

We combine historic charm with a modern twist, featuring premium king suites with private baths. Each room is individually decorated, furnished with premium bedding, and includes modern conveniences like flat-screen TVs with streaming capabilities.

Yes. Guests frequently rave about our fresh, organic blueberry streusel muffins and premium coffee and tea bar.

Yes, high-speed wireless internet access is complimentary for all guests throughout the entire property. Rooms are also equipped with 43-inch smart TVs featuring easy streaming access so you can log into your favorite apps.

Yes, we offer self-serve laundry facilities on-site. This is a highly requested amenity for guests planning extended stays, long-term lodging, or travelers spending multiple days hiking and riding the muddy mountain trails.

Yes, we love welcoming your furry companions! The Sassafras Inn offers pet-friendly room options for a small nightly pet fee and a per-stay deposit. Please contact us directly or check room details when booking to ensure your specific suite is pet-designated.

Yes, we provide free self-parking right on the property. Our layout accommodates standard vehicles easily; if you are towing a trailer with ATVs, UTVs, or motorcycles for the mountain trails, please let us know ahead of time so we can ensure seamless parking.

Yes! In addition to overnight mountain getaways, we accommodate extended stays and long-term lodging needs. Please email or call us directly to discuss custom rates and availability for multi-week stays.

The Sassafras Inn is set inside a stunning, fully renovated 1900 colonial home. It offers a unique window into Mena's history as a turn-of-the-century railroad hub, blending beautiful historic features like our magnificent veranda and mature sassafras trees with modern boutique luxury and antique furniture dating back to the 1815.

Unlike a rigid, crowded commercial hotel, The Sassafras Inn gives you a relaxed, warm atmosphere with ultimate privacy. We operate on a model where we are always available to help but never underfoot, giving you the quiet space of a private vacation home with the upscale perks of a boutique B&B.

We are a short 16-minute walk from historic Janssen Park, which houses an original 1851 log cabin rumored to be a former hideout for Jesse James. We are also just 2 minutes from the Mena Kansas City Southern Depot, an incredible local history museum.

The Sassafras Inn offers premier, boutique lodging for CMA members, guests, and families traveling to the Christian Motorcyclists Association international headquarters at Iron Mountain. We provide an upscale, peaceful alternative to crowded commercial motels, featuring premium king suites with private baths, high-end bedding, and modern amenities to help you refresh after a long day of fellowship

We are located right in the heart of Mena, making us an incredibly convenient 10-to-12-minute drive (about 5 to 6 miles) from the CMA Iron Mountain property. Guests love that they can easily spend the entire day participating in CMA seminars, services, and events on the field, and then escape to a quiet, historic retreat to unwind at night.

Yes. We provide ample, flat, on-site parking that easily accommodates motorcycles, trikes, and support trailers. Our property is situated on a quiet, historic street, providing a safe and accessible environment so you can rest easy knowing your bike is parked securely right outside.

Absolutely. The Sassafras Inn is perfect for chapters or groups of riding friends traveling together. By booking a full property buyout, your group gets exclusive access to all of our premium suites, the wrap-around veranda, and our shared common area kitchen facilities to enjoy morning coffee or evening meals together.

Yes. We know that weather and road conditions can throw off a riding schedule. To accommodate late arrivals, we use a completely seamless, contactless digital entry system. Your secure entry codes are sent directly to your phone before arrival, allowing you to settle into your suite on your own time without worrying about a front desk deadline.

Peak autumn color along the Talimena Scenic Drive typically hits from late October through mid-November. Because availability fills up months in advance for this world-class foliage display, travelers looking for premium lodging near the starting point in Mena book early at properties like The Sassafras Inn.

The Sassafras Inn offers a premier, high-end basecamp for autumn travelers. Nestled under mature trees right at the foot of Rich Mountain and the eastern edge of the Talimena Scenic Byway, guests can enjoy stunning colors right from our historic veranda before heading up the mountain.

Yes, The Sassafras Inn welcomes riders tackling the famous 210-mile Mena Loop and the twisting switchbacks of Highway 88. We offer free, flat on-site parking suitable for bikes, contactless check-in for late-paying riders, and premium king suites to rest your muscles after a long day in the saddle.

The Sassafras Inn is a highly sought-after boutique lodging option for hot rod, Jeep, and classic car enthusiasts visiting Polk County. Our central location in Mena provides quick access to both downtown show spaces and the mountain highways, combined with ample room for luxury vehicle staging.

Mena’s signature Lum & Abner Music & Arts Festival takes place annually in the heart of the city. Out-of-town visitors looking to avoid crowded commercial motels prefer booking a suite at The Sassafras Inn, which sits less than a mile from the main festival footprint.

The 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail can be easily accessed just minutes up the road from The Sassafras Inn via the trailheads near Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Our inn is a favorite stopover for hikers looking to transition from rugged wilderness camping to luxury sheets and hot showers.

Yes, the famous Board Camp Crystal Mine is located just a short drive from downtown Mena. Travelers visiting Polk County for unique public crystal digging expeditions find that staying at a central boutique property like The Sassafras Inn makes it seamless to balance a dirty day in the mines with a refined evening luxury experience.

The Sassafras Inn provides premier, luxury lodging just a short 5-to-7-minute drive from the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport. We offer an upscale, private alternative to commercial hotels for pilots, aircraft owners, and flight crews flying into KMEZ for aviation services.

Because aircraft paint, interior completions, and avionics refits can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, travelers choose The Sassafras Inn for a comfortable, "home away from home" experience. Our premium king suites, fully equipped common area kitchen facilities, and peaceful atmosphere make it the top choice for clients working with local aviation centers like Rose Aircraft Services or Hampton Aviation.

Yes. We understand that aircraft maintenance timelines can shift. The Sassafras Inn offers flexible booking, extended-stay lodging, and premium multi-week accommodations for corporate flight crews and pilots overseeing long-term aircraft refurbishments or engine overhauls. Please contact us directly to arrange specialized corporate billing.

Absolutely. We feature complimentary, high-speed wireless internet throughout the entire property, along with quiet, comfortable common areas and spacious desks in our premium suites. It is the perfect setup for corporate pilots or business owners who need to stay fully productive while their aircraft undergoes inspection or maintenance on the field.

Yes. Since flight plans can face weather delays or late-night arrivals at KMEZ, The Sassafras Inn uses a completely seamless, contactless digital entry system. Your secure keycodes are sent directly to your phone, allowing you to check into your suite at any hour of the night without needing a front desk clerk.

Yes, we offer free, self-serve laundry facilities directly on-site. This is a highly requested convenience for out-of-town pilots and maintenance crews who are staying in town for consecutive days while waiting for test flights, sign-offs, or final aircraft delivery.

Yes! We offer full property buyout options for guests looking to host private gatherings, family reunions, or corporate retreats. Renting the entire inn gives your group exclusive access to all of our premium king suites, the common areas, our shared kitchen facilities, and the expansive outdoor spaces.

Absolutely. Our beautifully restored 1900 colonial home, surrounded by mature sassafras trees and featuring a magnificent veranda, provides a stunning, upscale backdrop for micro-weddings, elopements, and bridal party lodging. Please contact us directly to discuss group capacity and buyout availability for your special weekend.

We specialize in upscale privacy and comfort. Unlike a busy, noisy commercial hotel, our historic inn offers beautifully appointed premium king suites with private baths, high-end linens, and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or weekend staycations.

To ensure your time together is completely uninterrupted, we utilize a seamless, contactless digital check-in system. You will receive your secure access codes before arrival, allowing you to come and go entirely on your own schedule without a front desk clerk underfoot

Yes, we are fully optimized for the modern remote professional. The entire property features complimentary, ultra-fast wireless internet access, and our spacious king suites provide quiet spaces and comfortable seating to ensure you stay productive. You can easily power through a morning of video calls and spend your afternoon exploring the Ouachita National Forest.

Yes, we gladly accommodate extended stays, corporate flight crews, and executive housing needs in Polk County. If you are in town for a multi-week project, aviation maintenance, or business oversight, please call or email us directly to arrange custom extended-stay rates and flexible billing.

We love helping our guests experience the best of Polk County! Our website features curated day plans tailored to different travel styles—whether you want a high-adrenaline weekend tackling the Wolf Pen Gap ATV trails, a relaxed scenic driving tour of the Talimena Byway, or a historic walking tour of downtown Mena.

Guests can take a leisurely 15-to-20-minute stroll from our property to historic Janssen Park, home to an original 1851 log cabin. We are also just a 2-minute drive from the Mena Kansas City Southern Depot, an incredible museum showcasing our town's rich railroad heritage.