State agency closes lodges at 4 parks through April 17

The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism is closing the lodges at four state parks, including Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Polk County.

The closures are to ensure the safety of guests and employees during the covid-19 public health emergency. They will be closed through April 17.

Cabins and campgrounds will remain open, and carry-out service at park restaurants will remain available. Guests will still be able to use park trails and other outdoor amenities.

Other lodges that have closed include DeGray Lake Resort State Park, Mount Magazine State Park and Petit Jean State Park.

Guests will receive cancellations by email. Any deposits to the parks will be refunded and any lodge-based fees will be waived. Questions about reservation cancellation should be made to the parks directly. The agency said: Cabins and campsites will remain open. Daily housekeeping will not be provided. After a stay is over, the room will be cleaned and sanitized for the next guest, using Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

Parks will continue to provide some access to restaurants, per the discretion of park superintendents regarding labor and supplies, some restrooms may close.

Trails, picnic areas, and outdoor pavilions remain open.

Groups holding reservations should contact the park. Considerations such as group size and meeting location will affect the ability for events to proceed.

Museum parks with trails restricted to trail access only. Museum parks without trails will provide limited access to exhibits. Gift shops are closed. Playgrounds are closed. Marinas and boat ramps remain open with the availability of rental equipment that will be sanitized following each use. Gift shops will be closed.

Golf courses remain open. Pro shops open to accept golf fees only. Gift shop and club rentals are closed. Cart rentals continue and are cleaned and sanitized between rentals.

All interpretive programming, events, and workshops are canceled until further notice.

More information is available at arkansasstateparks.com