YEAR-ROUND ACTIVITIES

We know when it comes to things to do, sometimes the best things in life are FREE, or very affordable.  Fort Smith has a rich history and plenty to take in anytime!  From Judge Parker’s Courtroom and hanging gallows, to the Janet Huckabee Nature Center, you’ll find something fun to do in Fort Smith, and who knows, you might even learn something!

Here’s a link to the City of Fort Smith’s website.

Here are a few things to do in Fort Smith and the River Valley.

Janet Huckabee River Valley Nature Center

The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center 8300 Wells Lake Road, sits on 170 acres of land in Fort Smith that were previously part of Fort Chaffee. The building overlooks Wells Lake, a popular local fishing and picnicking destination! Built in the fertile Arkansas River Valley, the center focuses on the wide variety of animals and birds that call the area home. In addition to resident Canada geese and small mammals and turtles calling the center home, many colorful songbirds stop by on their journeys to and from wintering grounds farther south. While many visitors come to the center for the interesting exhibits inside, just as many find the trails, native plants on the grounds and canoeing or fishing in the lake just as enjoyable.

Fort Smith Little Theatre 401 North 6th – 783-2966

Fort Smith Museum of History 320 Rogers Avenue – 783-7841

National Historic Site – Home of the Hanging Judge Parker Gallows 301 Parker Avenue – 783-3961

Fort Smith Trolley Museum 100 South 4th – 783-0205

The Fort Smith Convention Center & Visitors Center 2nd North B Street – 783-8888

ArcBest Performing Arts Center 
55 South 7th – 788-8932

The Clayton House 514 North 6th – 783-3000

Bonneville House 318 N 7th Street

Downtown Historical Plaques: 

With a SmartPhone in hand, take a trip to Downtown Fort Smith for an audio visual tour like no other.  By scanning a QR code that is attached to each of the 12 plaques, visitors are given a unique look with a history lesson on their mobile device. http://www.godowntownfs.com/body_historical-plaques.htm

Fort Smith Regional Art Museum

Fort Smith Public Library

Golf Courses in Fort Smith and surrounding areas:

PUBLIC:

Eagle Crest Golf Course (Fort Smith)

Ben Geren Golf Course (Fort Smith)

Fort Smith Country Club

Deer Trails at Chaffee Crossing (Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith)

Cedars Country Club (Van Buren)

Cherokee Creek Golf Club (Booneville)

Vache Grasse Country Club (Greenwood)

Shadow Creek Country Club (Sallisaw, OK)

Wolf Ridge Golf Course (Poteau, OK)

PRIVATE:

Hardscrabble Country Club (Fort Smith)

Fianna Hills Country Club (Fort Smith)

Destination Van Buren

Van Buren has so many sights to see, shops to explore and friendly people to meet thatyou’ll want to stay at least a few days. A variety of excellent lodging facilities — from affordable motels to warm and cozy inns — are conveniently located close by. All around us enjoy the fishing, boating, hiking, golfing and the incredible scenic panorama of the Natural State!

Ride the Rail

Experience the Golden Age of travel in beautifully restored turn-of-the-century passenger cars or 1950s-era parlor cars. Enjoy real train travel through the mountains and valleys of Northwest Arkansas. Check schedules & buy tickets online for the Arkansas – Missouri Excursion Train.

Sports Team Group Travel

Sports Teams can get special trip planning help and other information.

Arkansas has wine country?

YES!  Just a short drive from Fort Smith, Altus, AR is fermented in the River Valley.  Stop into one of the many wineries one afternoon when you’re out looking for “things to do.”

Mountain Biking near Fort Smith

Springhill Park

Ben Geren Park/Chaffee Crossing

Lake Fort Smith

Devil’s Den State Park

Lee Creek