Fort Smith Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

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Located in the scenic Arkansas region, Fort Smith is a vibrant city that offers a unique blend of rich history, natural beauty, and modern attractions. Steeped in frontier heritage, this charming city is a treasure trove of cultural landmarks, outdoor adventures, and a thriving arts scene.

History enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in the past as they explore the iconic Fort Smith National Historic Site. This well-preserved military outpost served as a vital link between the Wild West and the civilized East. Visitors can step back in time as they wander through the restored buildings, including the original courthouse and the gallows where infamous outlaws met their fate. The museum showcases artifacts and exhibits that provide a fascinating glimpse into the city's storied past.

For those seeking outdoor excitement, the stunning Ozark Mountains are just a stone's throw away from Fort Smith. Hiking enthusiasts can embark on picturesque trails that wind through lush forests, offering breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and majestic peaks. Fishing and boating opportunities abound in the nearby lakes, making it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.

Art and culture thrive in Fort Smith, with numerous galleries and theaters showcasing local talent. The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum is a haven for art enthusiasts, housing an impressive collection of contemporary and traditional artworks. Theater lovers can catch a show at the historic Fort Smith Little Theatre, which has been entertaining audiences for over 70 years.

Food lovers will be delighted by the city's diverse culinary scene. From authentic Southern barbecue joints to trendy gastropubs, Fort Smith offers a wide array of dining options to satisfy every palate. Visitors can savor mouthwatering dishes that showcase the region's unique flavors and culinary traditions.

Alternative names: Founded: 1817 (207 years ago)Population: 88.2 thous.Area: 68.13 mi²Elevation: 463 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 35°22'40"N, 94°24'56"W

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ArkansasUnited States

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Fort Smith Top Attractions

Fort Smith Attractions - What to See and Explore

Fort Smith offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith Trolley Museum, W.H.H. Clayton House, Fort Smith Museum of History. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum • Historical place
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith National Historic Site is a National Historic Site located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, along the Arkansas River. The first fort at this site was established by the United States in 1817, before this area was established as part of Indian Territory.
Museum • Specialty museum
Fort Smith Trolley Museum
The Fort Smith Trolley Museum is a streetcar and railroad museum in Fort Smith, in the U.S. state of Arkansas, which includes an operating heritage streetcar line. The museum opened in 1985, and operation of its streetcar line began in 1991.
Museum • History museum
W.H.H. Clayton House
The W.H.H. Clayton House, now the Clayton House Museum, is a historic house museum at 514 North 6th Street in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is a 2+1⁄2-story L-shaped wood-frame structure, with a projecting front clipped-gable section.

Museum • History museum
Fort Smith Museum of History
The Fort Smith Museum of History is located at 320 Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The museum is devoted to presenting the history of Fort Smith and the surrounding region.
Park • Downtown Fort Smith
Belle Grove Historic District
Belle Grove Historic District is a predominantly residential historic district north of the central business district of Fort Smith, Arkansas. This area became an affluent residential area not long after Fort Smith was established in 1842, and was most heavily developed between about 1870 and 1930.
City hall • Downtown Fort Smith
Sebastian County Courthouse-Ft. Smith City Hall
The Sebastian County Courthouse/Fort Smith City Hall is a historic civic building at 100 South 6th Street in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is a large four-story stone and concrete structure with modest Art Deco styling, designed by Fort Smith architects E. Chester Nelson, T. E.
Cemetery
Oak Cemetery
Oak Cemetery is a historic cemetery at Greenwood and Dodson Avenues in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Established in 1853, it is the city's oldest and largest cemetery, and the burial site of many of its most prominent citizens.
Cemetery • Downtown Fort Smith
Fort Smith National Cemetery
Fort Smith National Cemetery is a United States National Cemetery located at Garland Avenue and Sixth Street in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas. It encompasses 22.3 acres, and as of the end of 2005, had 13,127 interments.
Church
Christ the King Church
The Christ the King Church is a historic church building at Greenwood and South "S" Streets in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is a Mission/Spanish revival style church built out of native fieldstone in 1930 to a design by Thompson, Sanders & Ginocchio.
Memorial • Downtown Fort Smith
Ft. Smith Confederate Monument
The Ft. Smith Confederate Monument stands on the grounds of the Sebastian County Courthouse at the junction of 6th and Rogers Streets in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Concerts and shows • Park
Harper Stadium
Harper Stadium is a 9,000-seat indoor arena located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is essentially a covered, open-air arena used for rodeos, auto racing, concerts, and other events.
Church
South Side Baptist Church
South Side Baptist Church is a historic Southern Baptist church at 2400 Dodson Avenue in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is a large two-story brick building, built in 1948 with Moderne styling.
35°18'12"N • 94°20'9"W
Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
Nature • Outdoor activities • Natural attraction
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Dodson Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church
The Goddard United Methodist Church formerly the Dodson Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church, is a historic church at 1922 Dodson Avenue in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Gothic Revival architecture
Saint Scholastica Convent
The Saint Scholastica Convent, now the Saint Scholastica Monastery, is a historic religious facility at 1301 South Albert Pike Avenue in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
Echols Memorial Christian Church
The Echols Memorial Christian Church, now home to the Vietnamese Baptist Church, is a historic church building at 2801 Alabama Avenue in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Concerts and shows • Theater
New Theatre
The New Theatre is a historic theatre building at 11 North 10th Street in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The Beaux Arts building was built in 1911, and was supposedly modeled on the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.
35°21'57"N • 94°24'7"W
Robert Wanslow House
The Robert Wanslow House is a historic house at 2815 South Q Street in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is a two-story structure framed with steel, clad in concrete panels and set on a poured concrete foundation.
35°23'1"N • 94°25'0"W
Ferguson-Calderara House
The Ferguson-Calderara House is a historic house at 214 North 14th Street in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It is a roughly rectangular 2+1⁄2-story wood-frame structure, with a high hip roof punctuated by large gables.

Day trips

Fort Smith – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Fort Smith, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (Fayetteville), Arkansas Air & Military Museum (Fayetteville), Baum Stadium (Fayetteville).

49 milesN
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville
Nestled in the heart of Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium stands as a proud monument to collegiate athletics and community spirit. This impressive stadium is not only a key feature of the University of Arkansas campus but also a central...
46 milesN
Museum, Specialty museum
Arkansas Air & Military Museum, Fayetteville
The Arkansas Air & Military Museum is an aviation and military museum located at Drake Field in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is the largest aviation museum in Arkansas.
48 milesN
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Baum Stadium, Fayetteville
Baum–Walker Stadium at George Cole Field is the home venue of the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team of the NCAA Division I Southeastern Conference, located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, United States. The playing field itself is named George Cole Field, in honor of the former Arkansas athletic director.
49 milesN
Square
Fayetteville Historic Square, Fayetteville
The Fayetteville Historic Square, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, includes the original Fayetteville post office, the Old Bank of Fayetteville Building, the Lewis Brothers Building, the Mrs. Young Building, and the Guisinger Building. These buildings are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
15 milesSE
History museum, Museum
Old Sebastian County Jail, Greenwood
The Old Sebastian County Jail is a historic former jail in Greenwood, Arkansas. It is a two-story stone building, located just east of the Sebastian County Courthouse on the south side of Arkansas Highway 10 in the city center.

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Best Time To Visit Fort Smith

Learn when is the best time to travel to Fort Smith weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

September is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May and June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in May.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Fort Smith?

The top attractions to visit in Fort Smith are:

What is the best time to visit Fort Smith?

September is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in May and June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.