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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 Museum of History

Directions: West end of Rogers Ave. between 3rd and 4th Streets Artifacts depict history and culture of the Fort Smith area from Native Americans to present, military activity, notable personalities; revolving exhibits; old-time soda fountain; gift shop.

Fort Smith, AR Museums

Fort Smith Art Center

Housed in the Vaughn-Schaap House, a Victorian Second Empire structure, the center presents changing exhibits and permanent collections.

Fort Smith, AR Arts


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

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

Things to do near Fort Smith, AR

Arkansas River Visitor Center

"Renaissance of a River" interpretive exhibits chronicle the development of the river; managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engi...

Walton Fine Arts Center

Directions: University of the Ozarks campus Features Stephens Art Gallery, with glass and ivory carvings collections, and nu...

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...

Ben Geren Regional Park Golf Course -Magnolia/Willow

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 1 days...

Cedars Country Club

Course Access: Semi-PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...