Fort Smith: History, Museums and Nature on the Arkansas River

Fort Smith combines impressive insights into American history with trails along the Arkansas River and nature experiences. Those planning a trip with varied interests can choose between museums, historical exhibitions, walking trails, an aquarium and fishing. A vacation rental in Fort Smith provides a suitable base if you do not want to limit your stay to a single theme.

History in Museums and Historic Buildings

An important point of interest is the United States Marshals Museum. The exhibitions are divided into the sections “A Changing Nation,” “Frontier Marshals,” “To Be A Marshal” and “Modern Marshals.” This makes it possible to explore the history of the marshals from several perspectives. For families, a museum visit can be a good opportunity to discover historical topics in manageable sections and then focus on another travel interest.

The Fort Smith National Historic Site connects its history with a historic building: the visitor center is located in the former barracks, courthouse and jail. The exhibitions there cover the military history of Fort Smith from 1817 to 1871. A trail along the Arkansas River complements the visit. Information panels highlight different periods in the history of Fort Smith and offer an additional perspective, without requiring you to spend all your time indoors.

The Fort Smith Museum of History is also dedicated to the city’s development. On the first floor, a timeline shows the development and growth of Fort Smith around the military fort established in 1817. The “Judge Parker's Courtroom” exhibition includes furnishings from the judge’s courtroom, including his original chair. “On the Air” also explores the broadcasting history of Fort Smith and the region. The Fort Smith Trolley Museum offers streetcar rides and a museum visit.

Trails, Water and Nature Experiences

Fort Smith can also be explored through its landscape. The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center has more than four miles of trails. Two of them meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Inside the building is a 1,500-gallon aquarium with native Arkansas fish. This allows you to combine a nature visit with a specific insight into the state’s wildlife.

Visitors of all ages can fish at Wells Lake. The lake is regularly stocked with catfish during the warmer months and rainbow trout in winter. Those who want to accommodate different daily rhythms when planning their trip will find this to be a peaceful activity alongside the historical attractions. The Greg Smith River Trail is a multi-use trail in western and northern Fort Smith between the Arkansas River and Riverfront Drive. It extends for approximately 6.3 miles along the Arkansas River.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Plans

When choosing a vacation rental in Fort Smith, you can base your decision on your preferred travel activities. Those interested in culture may want to allow more time for the museums and the Fort Smith National Historic Site. Anyone wishing to combine their stay with exercise and nature can consider the trails along the Arkansas River, the Nature Center and the Greg Smith River Trail. For a trip with children, Wells Lake offers an activity suitable for visitors of all ages; other days can be varied with the aquarium, streetcar rides or historical exhibitions.

For initial orientation, Fort Smith’s visitor center is located at Miss Laura's Social Club. From there, you can plan your further explorations by theme. Fort Smith is particularly well suited to travelers who do not want to view historic sites separately from the landscape and active experiences.

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