Fort Smith Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

This city in the mid-South combines an outlaw and Wild West heritage with magnificent landscapes and the Arkansas wine country.

In Fort Smith the history of the Old West mixes effortlessly with the antebellum charm of the Old South. Visit historic landmarks and walk in the footsteps of famous outlaws. Enjoy scenic train journeys through rugged mountains and explore Arkansas Wine Country. Fort Smith sits on the southern banks of the Arkansas River, on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border.

Downtown Fort Smith overlooks the river and is home to museums, boutiques, theatres and live music venues. Take a tour of Miss Laura’s Social Club, a former bordello housed in a Victorian mansion. Enjoy sweeping views on the vintage Ferris wheel at The Park at West End. Learn about the city’s past at the Fort Smith Museum of History. See streetcar displays and enjoy a free streetcar ride at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. 

Visit the Fort Smith National Historic Site to hear stories of soldiers and notorious outlaws such as Wyatt Earp. Step inside a restored courthouse and check out the hangman’s gallows. Afterward, stroll around the solemn Fort Smith National Cemetery, the resting place of war veterans and unknown soldiers. Look for the tomb of Isaac C. Parker, more commonly known as the Hanging Judge. 

A short walk north of downtown Fort Smith brings you to the Belle Grove Historic District, home to some of the city’s oldest and most architecturally impressive landmarks. One example is the 19th-century Bonneville House. Get in touch with nature at the River Valley Nature Centre, located about a 20-minute drive from downtown. Go canoeing on the manmade lake and follow walking trails to spot over 140 bird species. 

Don’t miss out on a visit to the Chaffee Crossing Historic District. See the barbershop where Elvis Presley received his first military haircut. Find museums dedicated to Vietnam veterans and a collection of 5,000 antique dolls.

Getting around Fort Smith is easiest by car, which allows the opportunity to visit areas outside the city. Drive amid rolling countryside to Altus, which is at the heart of Arkansas’ picturesque wine lands. Alternatively, enjoy a train ride through the magnificent Boston Mountains.

The ARC Hotel

The ARC Hotel

2.5 out of 5
6813 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith, AR
The price is ฿2,604 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
฿2,604
฿2,981 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Fort Smith. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Close to shopping"

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

The ARC Hotel
Courtyard Marriott Fort Smith Downtown

Courtyard Marriott Fort Smith Downtown

3 out of 5
900 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR
The price is ฿2,874 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
฿2,874
฿3,290 total
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fort Smith. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Did not get the room we reserved. We waited for almost an hour to get a room. Not happy with that."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Courtyard Marriott Fort Smith Downtown
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Smith

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Smith

3 out of 5
6700 S Boston Street, Fort Smith, AR
The price is ฿2,404 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿2,404
฿2,752 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Fort Smith. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
"Overall it was quite and not to bad it's older the elevator is a little sketchy make some weird noises but the staff was helpful and great room clean"

Reviewed on 2 Aug 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Smith
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Spacious Arkansas Abode w/ Balcony & Fire Pit!

Spacious Arkansas Abode w/ Balcony & Fire Pit!

3 out of 5
Fort Smith, AR
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Fort Smith. Enjoy free parking, balconies and in-room fireplaces. Popular attractions Imani Park and Stagecoach ...
Spacious Arkansas Abode w/ Balcony & Fire Pit!
Charming Arkansas Getaway - Walk to Downtown!

Charming Arkansas Getaway - Walk to Downtown!

3 out of 5
8110 Dogwood Dr, Fort Smith, AR
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Fort Smith. Enjoy free parking and air conditioning. Popular attractions Torraine Lake and Stone Park are located nearby.
Charming Arkansas Getaway - Walk to Downtown!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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