1. Walk the Line Between Past and Present at Fort Smith National Historic Site
Start your trip to Fort Smith National Historic Site at their visitors’ center, which is housed in the old courthouse/ jail/ barracks building. You’ll see many exhibits which focus on Fort Smith’s military history and western expansion.
As you walk the grounds, which is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, you’ll come across the remains of several important structures such as the commissary building from 1838, the first Fort Smith circa 1800, and the reconstruction of gallows that were once used by the federal court.
Visitors can also take a stroll on the park’s walking trail which goes along the Arkansas River.
301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901, Phone: 479-783-3961, Fort Smith National Historic Site Video
2. Step Through a Storied Welcome at Miss Laura’s Visitor Center
Miss Laura's Visitor Center, which used to be known as Miss Laura’s Social Club, can be found alongside the Arkansas River in Fort Smith’s historic downtown area. The former bordello, which is the only one out of the seven row houses from the area’s old red-light district to still stand today, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You’ll be able to explore the property, which has been fully restored to its original grandeur, and see many exhibits and artifacts. Complimentary tours of the Victorian mansion are held daily for visitors to get an in-depth view of the prominent structure.
2 N B St, Fort Smith, AR 72901, Phone: 800-637-1477
3. Relive Frontier Days at the Fort Smith Museum of History
The Fort Smith Museum of History, which was established in 1910, is a wonderful place for people to get a better understanding of the area’s history and culture. The museum strives to collect, preserve, and share artifacts and exhibits of all sorts so that guests, local and visiting, will be able to get a glimpse of Fort Smith’s past. The building which the museum is housed in is the 1906 Atkinson-Williams Warehouse, which in itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. After touring the exhibits be sure to walk through the 1920’s pharmacy and enjoy an ice cream float, ice cream sundae, or ice cream soda at their old-fashioned soda fountain.
320 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901, Phone: 479-783-7841
Recommended Activities for Families
4. Slide Into Splash-Filled Fun at Parrot Island Waterpark
Parrot Island Waterpark is a great way to cool down and have some fun with friends and family. They have several attractions such as their Caribbean Splash wave pool where you can jump and play in over 85,000 gallons of water or their Toucan’s Cove activity pool which connects to the Crocodile Creek lazy river. Little beach goers can splash and play in the age-appropriate slides, waterfalls, and climbing toys in Tiny Turtle Island. Some of their more adventurous slides include the Pineapple Plunge, Pelican Plunge, and Tangerine Twist, which catapults you into the pool below at high speeds.
7300 Zero St, Fort Smith, AR 72903, Phone: 479-788-6550
5. Explore Wild Wonders at the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
One of the four centers owned and operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is a wonderful experience which locals and visitors enjoy. The 14,000-square-foot nature center is surrounded by over 170 acres of land which include lakes, valleys, upland forests, wetlands, and pine forests. There are several activities for you to participate in including fishing, boating, canoeing, hunting, and archery. You’ll love going on one of their guided hikes through the stunning surroundings, where you’ll be able to learn so much about the flora and fauna present there.
8300 Wells Lake Rd, Fort Smith, AR 72916, Phone: 479-452-3993
6. Ride Through Time at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum
The Fort Smith Trolley Museum came to be long before it’s physical existence in the former Midland Valley railroad yard in 1985. Several railcars were purchased and restored for years by Dr. Art Bradley Martin Sr. and the Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Association, beginning in the late 1970s. Visitors of all ages love being able to see the gorgeous streetcars, which include Fort Smith Light & Power #10 and a Fort Smith Light and Traction #205. In addition to the trolleys, you’ll also come across an extensive rail collection which includes combustion locomotives and railway speeders. There are several events which the museum participates in throughout the year such as the popular Sweet Treats Trolley which will serve a number of desserts at the museum for you to feast on.
100 S 4th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901, Phone: 479-783-0205
Attractions for Couples
7. Tour Victorian Grandeur and Civil War Stories at The Clayton House
The Clayton House is often described as a living history book of Fort Smith’s Victorian period. You will find the Italianate-style mansion in the Belle Grove Historic District and are welcome to explore the lovely antebellum masterpiece which was once the home of William Henry Harrison Clayton. During your guided tour you will learn several interesting aspects about the house, such as its addition of coal-burning fireplaces in each room since it was constructed in a time with no indoor electricity or plumbing. You’ll also see some lovely period furniture while you’re there, some of which originated in the house and others which were carefully chosen and added.
514 N 6th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901, Phone: 479-783-3000
8. Find Stillness and Spirit at Saint Scholastica Monastery
The Saint Scholastica Monastery, which was formerly known as the Saint Scholastica Convent, is one of Fort Smith’s most iconic religious facilities. The historic structure was built in 1923 and designed by Oklahoma City architect, F. W. Redlich. Now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the monastery started off as a chapel, school, and living quarters for the convent. Architecture aficionados will love the little details that they will come across as they explore the internal and external aspects of the property. Visitors are invited to spend a few days of private retreat at the center; several sessions, seminars, and workshops are scheduled throughout the year.
1301 S Albert Pike Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72903, Phone: 479-783-4147
9. Play, Ride, and Relax at Creekmore Park
Creekmore Park is the perfect choice for families in Fort Smith who feel like spending the day outdoors. In addition to walking their trails and letting the kids go wild in their playground, the park is also home to several additional facilities that will make your visit memorable. The Creekmore Express Train is a favorite with park-goers; there are three complimentary miniature train rides to choose from, each of which will take you on an exciting trip around the park. During the Christmas season, be sure to ride the Creekmore Holiday Express complete with hundreds of animated lights. Other aspects include Creekmore Pool, which has a splash pad for little ones, as well as their 18-hole miniature golf course.
3301 S 31st Street, Fort Smith, AR 72903, Phone: 479-784-2368
10. If You Crave Fresh Finds, Shop the Fort Smith Farmer’s Market
The Fort Smith Farmer's Market is lovely vendor-driven market that is open throughout the year. Nearly 100 growers, merchants, and artists come together to sell goods which were produced/ created with care and love. Each visit has a different blend of flowers and foods that you can indulge in, many of which reflects the unique flavors of Fort Smith. Every Saturday, the market is flooded with local musicians, street performers, and various other entertainers to make your visit a memorable one for the entire family. You’ll be sure to find some lovely trinkets and souvenirs to take back with you from your visit to Fort Smith.
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