Cities and Towns in Polk County, Arkansas

Founded on November 30, 1844, Polk County is one of 75 counties in the state of Arkansas. Historically, Polk County was formed from Sevier. The city of Mena is the county seat. With FIPS code of 113, Polk County has a population of 19,353 and area of 862.42 square miles (2,234 km²).

List of all cities in Polk County, AR alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Acorn, AR	71953	479
Big Fork, AR	71953	479
Black Fork, AR	71953	479
Board Camp, AR	71932	870
Cove, AR	71937	870
Dallas, AR	71953	479
Grannis, AR	71944	870
Hatfield, AR	71945	870
Hatton, AR	71937	870
Ink, AR	71953	479
Mena, AR	71953	479
Menos, AR	71953	479
Mountain Fork, AR	71953	479
Nunley, AR	71953	479
Opal, AR	71932	870
Potter, AR	71953	479
Potter Junction, AR	71953	479
Rocky, AR	71953	479
Vandervoort, AR	71972	870
Wickes, AR	71973	870
Yocana, AR	71953	479

Major Cities and Towns in Polk County, Arkansas

Mena

• Area: 6.8 square miles
• Population: 5,558 (2020 Census)
• ZIP Codes: 71953
• Latitude and Longitude: 34.5865° N, 94.2391° W

Location and History

Mena, the county seat of Polk County, Arkansas, is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains in the western part of the state. Founded in 1896 as a railroad town by the Kansas City, Pittsburg, and Gulf Railroad, Mena was named after Mena Janssen de Goeijen, the wife of one of the railroad’s financiers. The town quickly became a vital hub for transportation and trade, attracting settlers and businesses. Mena’s location at the base of Rich Mountain, the second-highest peak in Arkansas, made it a gateway to the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains. Over the years, Mena has developed as a center for tourism, outdoor recreation, and the arts, while retaining its small-town charm. The city has a rich history of resilience, having rebuilt after a devastating tornado in 2009. Today, Mena is known for its welcoming community, scenic surroundings, and vibrant cultural scene.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mena is served by the Mena School District, which includes Mena High School, known for its strong academic and extracurricular programs. Major landmarks in Mena include the Queen Wilhelmina State Park, located on Rich Mountain, which offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a historic lodge. The city is also home to the Mena Art Gallery, which showcases local artists and hosts community events. The Historic Depot and Museum in downtown Mena preserves the city’s railroad history and serves as a visitor center. The annual Lum & Abner Festival, named after the famous radio comedy duo from Mena, celebrates the city’s cultural heritage with music, food, and entertainment. Additionally, the nearby Ouachita National Forest provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and fishing, making Mena a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Cove

• Area: 1.1 square miles
• Population: 383 (2020 Census)
• ZIP Codes: 71937
• Latitude and Longitude: 34.4379° N, 94.4130° W

Location and History

Cove is a small town located in the southern part of Polk County, Arkansas, near the Oklahoma border. The town was established in the late 19th century as a farming community and grew steadily due to its location along the Kansas City Southern Railway. Cove was named after the natural cove formed by the surrounding hills, which provided a sheltered area for settlers. Agriculture has been the backbone of Cove’s economy, with farming and livestock being the primary industries. The town’s rural setting and close-knit community have helped preserve its small-town charm over the years. Cove is known for its peaceful environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Cove is part of the Cossatot River School District, with students attending schools in nearby Vandervoort and Wickes. The town itself is small, with few commercial establishments, but it is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Significant landmarks in Cove include the Cove Cemetery, which dates back to the town’s early days and reflects its long history. The nearby Ouachita National Forest offers hiking, camping, and fishing, attracting visitors who appreciate the area’s natural beauty. Cove’s annual community events, such as local fairs and church gatherings, bring residents together and celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage and strong community spirit. The town’s tranquil atmosphere and picturesque setting make it a quintessential example of rural life in Polk County.

Wickes

• Area: 2.3 square miles
• Population: 754 (2020 Census)
• ZIP Codes: 71973
• Latitude and Longitude: 34.2984° N, 94.3341° W

Location and History

Wickes is a small town located in the southern part of Polk County, Arkansas. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after a local settler. Wickes developed as an agricultural community, with the fertile land supporting a variety of crops and livestock. The arrival of the railroad in the early 20th century helped spur growth, making Wickes a key shipping point for agricultural products. Over the years, Wickes has remained a small, rural town with a strong emphasis on family, tradition, and community. The town’s history is closely tied to the land, with generations of families continuing to farm the area for decades. Despite its small size, Wickes has a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to the natural environment.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Wickes is part of the Cossatot River School District, with Cossatot River High School serving the educational needs of the community. The town is known for its strong community involvement and active participation in local events. Major landmarks in Wickes include the Cossatot River, which flows near the town and offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. The Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area, located nearby, is a major attraction that highlights the area’s natural beauty and provides facilities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Wickes’ annual events, such as the Wickes Rodeo, celebrate the town’s agricultural heritage and bring the community together for a weekend of fun and entertainment. The town’s rural charm, scenic surroundings, and strong sense of community make it a unique and appealing place to live in Polk County.

Vandervoort

• Area: 0.8 square miles
• Population: 120 (2020 Census)
• ZIP Codes: 71972
• Latitude and Longitude: 34.3798° N, 94.3797° W

Location and History

Vandervoort is a small town located in the southern part of Polk County, Arkansas. The town was established in the late 19th century and named after a prominent local family. Vandervoort developed as a farming community, with agriculture being the primary economic activity. The town’s location along the Kansas City Southern Railway made it an important shipping point for local farmers, who relied on the railroad to transport their goods to market. Over the years, Vandervoort has remained a small, close-knit community with a strong emphasis on family and tradition. The town’s history is closely tied to the land, with many of its residents being descendants of the original settlers. Vandervoort’s rural setting and peaceful atmosphere have helped preserve its small-town charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Vandervoort is part of the Cossatot River School District, with students attending schools in nearby Wickes. The town is small, with few commercial establishments, but it is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. Significant landmarks in Vandervoort include the Vandervoort Cemetery, which dates back to the town’s early days and serves as a reminder of its long history. The nearby Cossatot River offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and hiking, attracting visitors who appreciate the area’s natural beauty. Vandervoort’s annual community events, such as local church gatherings and picnics, help maintain the town’s close-knit atmosphere and celebrate its agricultural heritage. The town’s quiet streets, historic sites, and strong sense of community make it a charming example of rural life in Polk County.

Grannis

• Area: 2.8 square miles
• Population: 554 (2020 Census)
• ZIP Codes: 71944
• Latitude and Longitude: 34.2409° N, 94.3396° W

Location and History

Grannis is a small town located in the southern part of Polk County, Arkansas. The town was established in the early 20th century and developed as a farming community. Grannis was named after a local family and grew as an agricultural center, with farming and livestock being the primary economic activities. The town’s location along the Kansas City Southern Railway provided a crucial transportation link for local farmers, enabling them to ship their products to larger markets. Over the years, Grannis has remained a small, rural town with a close-knit community and a strong emphasis on family and tradition. The town’s history is closely tied to its agricultural roots, and many of its residents continue to work in farming or related industries.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Grannis is part of the Cossatot River School District, with students attending schools in nearby Wickes and Vandervoort. The town is small, with a few local businesses and a rural setting that offers a peaceful lifestyle. Significant landmarks in Grannis include the Grannis Cemetery, which reflects the town’s long history and the families who have lived there for generations. The nearby Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area is a major attraction, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and canoeing. Grannis’ annual community events, such as local fairs and church gatherings, help maintain the town’s strong sense of community and celebrate its agricultural heritage. The town’s rural charm, natural beauty, and close-knit community make it a unique and appealing place to live in Polk County.

Map of Cities in Polk County, AR