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  • Crain Kia of Fort Smith

Nov 5, 2021

Fort Smith, AR is the perfect place to live if you love exploring nature. Within a short drive of our city, there are six great parks that make for fantastic day trips. If you’re looking for an adventure this weekend, check out one of these spots!

6 Great Parks Near Fort Smith, AR

1) Creekmore Park

Creekmore Park is one of Fort Smith’s underrated gems. It is one of Fort Smith’s community hubs, and it’s right near the old Fort Smith Public Library in the heart of the city. Its one-of-a-kind features allow visitors to experience the park at any time of year. Many people come to Creekmore for sports, such as tennis or golf, but there’s also a nice amount of shade for picnics and quiet strolls. The paved trail that loops around the park makes for a leisurely walk or run.

2) Carol Ann Cross Park

Carol Ann Cross Park is another community park in Fort Smith, but it’s much quieter than Creekmore. This park is located at 1601 South 74th Street and has plenty of room for sports and exploration. The best thing about Carol Ann Cross is the playground: there are plenty of swings and jungle gyms for kids to play on and a set of tire swings for some added fun. If you enjoy walks or runs, there’s also an unpaved trail that goes around the entire park.

3) Fort Smith Park

Fort Smith Park is one of the more prominent spots in Fort Smith and has several amenities for visitors to enjoy. There’s a children’s playground,  a walking trail, and an excellent fishing spot on the Arkansas River.  The park also has a variety of trees, which provide shade for picnics and strolls. There’s even an off-leash area for pets!

4) Lake Fort Smith State Park

In the past few years, Fort Smith has been growing as a hub for water sports. There are two new boat ramps at Lake Fort Smith, as well as several paddle-in camping spots. Although Lake Fort Smith is only accessible by car during the summer and fall, it’s still popular with hikers and bikers during these months. The hiking trails are all on the north side of the lake and provide beautiful views of the surrounding terrain.

5) Anniversary Rose Garden

If you’re looking for a quick and local sight to see, check out the Anniversary Rose Garden. This spot is located across from the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum and contains over 4,000 roses. Several trails wind through different garden areas, which makes it easy to spend all day there!

6) Ben Geren Regional Park

As the only regional park in Fort Smith, Ben Geren is a very popular destination. It has everything from sports fields to an amphitheater. This urban oasis also contains several nature trails that are great for nature enthusiasts or those looking for a quiet stroll.

The six spots we’ve highlighted here are just a sampling of what Fort Smith has to offer. There’s plenty more for you and your family to discover in the city, so be sure to take some time out of your day this weekend or on any other given day and explore these great public spaces! If you find yourself needing a vehicle from our dealership while exploring these lush areas, stop on by Crain Kia Fort Smith!