Perhaps you’re wondering what WWII bunkers are doing in Arkansas. Well, these bunkers were built to manufacture and store munitions for the military. Currently, the bunkers are nestled inside the gorgeous Lake Willastein Park in Maumelle. And if you’re a history buff, they are so worthy of a visit. Let’s explore these WWII bunkers in Arkansas and see what they reveal.

Nestled on the shores of the Arkansas River, is the town of Maumelle, Arkansas. And it’s home to 3 of the last remaining WWII munition bunkers in the state.

Johnny Hooper, GRI/Google The bunkers are scattered inside the Lake Willastein Park, which is a stunning 100-acre park that boasts fun for the entire family. Its yearly events attract residents and visitors alike.

There’s lots to do and explore inside the park. It boasts multi-use trails, picnic tables, BBQ pits, playgrounds, fishing docks, a swinging bridge, and so much more.

Ahmet ARDUC/Google There are also pavilions, charming gazebos, and lots of places to sit and relax.

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

Johnny mitchum/AlTrails Truly, the park is great to spend the day with the family. And if you’re a history buff, you’re in for a treat.

A stunning war memorial sits at the edge of the lake, and you’ll want to see it for yourself. It pays homage to all the veterans from the armed services.

Justin Naff (Master Hylian)/Google While the park is filled with 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 are remaining inside the park. And each of them are unique in their own way.

Rachel Jean Vickrey Rayburn/Google

The most notable bunker is perhaps 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.

Valis55, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons The bunker was built in 1942 to store munitions for the military, and the concrete structure is 61 by 27 feet with its original doors, walls and ventilation stack. Today it’s a structure that you can explore from the outside.

Bunker number 3 is also located inside the park, and it’s surrounded by a canopy of trees and is being slowly reclaimed by nature.

Justin Naff (Master Hylian)/Google Though there is not much known about this bunker except for its use by the military, it’s still a fascinating structure to witness in person.

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

Troy Carr/AllTrails While it might be odd seeing WWII bunkers inside a city park, the bunkers are fascinating pieces of history that you should explore. So, the next time you’re in Maumelle, bring the family to see the bunkers, the war memorial, as well as experience the beauty of Lake Willastein Park.

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

Johnny Hooper, GRI/Google

The bunkers are scattered inside the Lake Willastein Park, which is a stunning 100-acre park that boasts fun for the entire family. Its yearly events attract residents and visitors alike.

Ahmet ARDUC/Google

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

Johnny mitchum/AlTrails

Truly, the park is great to spend the day with the family. And if you’re a history buff, you’re in for a treat.

Justin Naff (Master Hylian)/Google

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

Rachel Jean Vickrey Rayburn/Google

Valis55, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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

Though there is not much known about this bunker except for its use by the military, it’s still a fascinating structure to witness in person.

Troy Carr/AllTrails

While it might be odd seeing WWII bunkers inside a city park, the bunkers are fascinating pieces of history that you should explore. So, the next time you’re in Maumelle, bring the family to see the bunkers, the war memorial, as well as experience the beauty of Lake Willastein Park.

If you love Lake Willastein Park, then you must check out Burns Park in North Little Rock Arkansas. 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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