Arkansas

Willastein Park Has The 3 Remaining WWII Bunkers In Arkansas





You might be wondering what WWII bunkers are doing in Arkansas. Well, these bunkers were built to manufacture and store ammunition for the military. The bunkers are currently located in beautiful Lake Willastein Park in Maumelle. And if you’re a history buff, they’re worth a visit. Let’s explore these WWII bunkers in Arkansas and see what they reveal.

On the banks of the Arkansas River lies the town of Maumelle, Arkansas. And it houses 3 of the state’s last remaining WWII ammunition bunkers.

The bunkers are scattered throughout Lake Willastein Park, a stunning 100-acre park that’s fun for the whole family. Its annual events attract residents and visitors alike.

There is much to do and explore in the park. It features multi-use trails, picnic tables, BBQ areas, playgrounds, fishing docks, a swing bridge and more.

There are also gazebos, charming pavilions and plenty of places to sit and relax.

Lake Willastein also offers additional recreational activities such as boating, kayaking and canoeing.

Really, the park is great to spend the day with family. And if you’re a history buff, you’ll get your money’s worth.

There is an impressive war memorial on the shore of the lake that you definitely want to see. It is a tribute to all Armed Forces Veterans.

While the park is full of adventure and the memorial is incredible, it’s the WWII bunkers that are the star of the show.

Of the 21 bunkers that were built in the area, only 3 remain in the park. And each of them is unique in its own way.
Perhaps the most notable bunker is Maumelle Ordnance Works Bunker Number 4. It is the only bunker that is fully intact and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.

The bunker was built in 1942 to store ammunition for the military and the concrete structure is 61 feet by 27 feet with its original doors, walls and ventilation shaft. Today it is a structure that you can explore from the outside.

Bunker number 3 is also in the park, surrounded by a tree canopy and is slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Although not much is known about this bunker other than its use by the military, it is still a fascinating structure to witness in person.

By far the most popular bunker is number 5. The front doors and back walls have been removed, making the structure a cool, open space to walk through or climb over.

While it may seem strange to see WWII bunkers in a city park, the bunkers are fascinating pieces of history to explore. So next time you’re in Maumelle, bring the family to see the bunkers and war memorial and experience the beauty of Lake Willastein Park.

Did you know about these WWII bunkers in Arkansas? And have you seen them yourself? Share your comments below.

When you love Lake Willastein Parkthen you need to check out Burns Park in north Little Rock, Arkansas.

Address: Lake Willastein Park, 157 Hibiscus Dr, Maumelle, AR 72113, USA

OnlyInYourState may receive compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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