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Fort Smith, Arkansas

Fort Smith, Arkansas

On the banks of Arkansas River, Fort Smith celebrates its Wild West history at museums like the National Historic Site, through preservation of numerous historic homes and through annual festivals, such as its Old Fort Days Rodeo, held each spring. Downtown, Garrison Avenue is full of shopping, dining, arts and entertainment venues.

Fishing opportunities abound with the Arkansas River Navigation System, which has created scores of quiet inlets and bayous filled with many kinds of native Arkansas fish. The Ft. Smith area also has a reputation as a bird sanctuary. Other outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking and canoeing can be found nearby at Devil's Den State Park and the Mulberry River.

Located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border and near the junction of Interstates 40 and 540, Fort Smith is 5 miles from Van Buren, 47 miles from Arkansas wine country, and 63 miles from Fayetteville.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Fort Smith National Historic Site

The site, which just underwent a $7 million renovation, contains the remains of two frontier garrisons, Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas, "Hangin' Judge" Isaac C. Parker's courtroom, reproduction of the 1886 gallows, the "Hell on the Border" jail, the 1846

Fort Smith, AR Historic Sites


Oak Cemetery

Earliest tombstone is that of Captain Gookin, who died in 1842, the same year the city was incorporated. Other personalities buried here include Arkansas Governor William Fishback (1833-1895); Captain John Rogers, founder of the city; and Arthur Erback, husband of Pearl Starr.

Fort Smith, AR Cemeteries

Fort Smith Trolley Museum

Directions: Go south on South 4th from Garrison Avenue. The museum is 4 blocks south of the avenue. You will see a steam locomotive. We are next to the National Cemetery and close to the Fort Smith Museum of History and The Fort Smith Historic site.

Fort Smith, AR Museums

Miss Laura's Visitor Center

Directions: Downtown Fort Smith, just seven miles east of the Interstate 40 exit in Roland, OK; adjacent to the River Parks Amphitheater and Pavilion buildings; three blocks from the Fort Smith National Historic Site. A restored turn-of-the-century brothel that is now the city's visitor center;

Fort Smith, AR Visitors Centers

Things to do near Fort Smith, AR

Devil's Backbone Civil War Battlefield

The scene of a September 1, 1863 battle between Confederates heading for Waldron and pursing Union cavalry troops is all priv...

Oak Cemetery

Earliest tombstone is that of Captain Gookin, who died in 1842, the same year the city was incorporated. Other personalities ...

Eagle Crest

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 4 days...

U.S. National Cemetery

When the first Fort Smith was laid out in 1817, land was set aside for a military cemetery. Granted national status in 1867, ...

Fort Smith River Park

Playgrounds, Miniature Golf, Skateboarding, Walking Trails, Fishing, Boating, Bird Watching. Baseball, Volleyball, Soccer, Te...