The Top 3 Local Attractions for Visitors to Fort Smith, AR

Sitting along the banks of the Arkansas River and right beside the Oklahoma state line, the city of Fort Smith, AR, is home to numerous local attractions that make it a great place to visit with your family or a group of friends. Whether you are looking for museums to learn more about the history of the area or nature reserves to get away from the routine, these are some spots you should check out while in town.

The Top 3 Local Attractions for Visitors to Fort Smith, AR

1. Fort Smith National Historic Site

A preserved 19th-Century fortress complex located right along the eastern bank of the Arkansas River, Fort Smith National Historic Site is, without a doubt, the main historical attraction in town. Open year-round between 9 am and 5 pm, this place allows visitors to learn more about daily life on Native American lands controlled by local Osage Indians and members of a migrating Cherokee band in the early 1800s.

Welcoming almost 100,000 visitors each year, Fort Smith National Historic Site is managed by the National Park Service and was established in the 1960s to preserve the remains of two U.S. military forts. The place was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966 and features the remains of the first fort erected in 1818, as well as a reconstruction of a 19th-Century courtroom, historic barracks, and an original jail building.

2. Clayton House Museum

Also known as the W.H.H. Clayton House, this historic house museum is another important local attraction for visitors to Fort Smith. Built in the 1880s, this place is one of the best examples of Victorian architecture in the area, featuring elaborate window frames, a porch with carved columns, and detailed balusters. Nowadays, the building serves as a museum and is an excellent spot to learn about the life of Fort Smith locals in the late 19th Century.

Located in the heart of the city’s downtown area, Clayton House Museum can be easily reached on foot from other local landmarks, including Fort Smith National Historic Site. This house museum is open Tuesdays through Saturdays between 12:00 and 4:00 pm and on Sundays between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm. Guided tours for groups and individual visitors are available and can be booked in advance by phone or via email.

3. Ben Geren Regional Park

Located about six miles southeast of downtown Fort Smith, Ben Geren Regional Park is a place where locals and visitors can enjoy some time away from the urban bustle, have a picnic with friends, and enjoy some time in nature. Open year-round between 6:30 am and 6:30 pm, this large park features a disc golf course, as well as a playground and a network of hiking and mountain biking trails.

Are you ready to explore these and other local landmarks? Before you hit the road, stop by Crain Kia of Ft Smith! Whether you are looking for a new or pre-owned vehicle, we’ve got you covered! Check out our inventory, learn about our financing plans, and take home your favorite car.

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