Fort Smith offers several ways to explore its history and enjoy the outdoors: museums and historical exhibitions cover different topics, while trails along the Arkansas River and fishing opportunities provide ways to spend time outside. To plan your trip, first decide whether you would like to focus on exhibitions, spend time on trails, or include both in your stay.

History in Museums and at the Historic Site

At the United States Marshals Museum, the exhibitions are divided into four sections: “A Changing Nation,” “Frontier Marshals,” “To Be A Marshal” and “Modern Marshals.” The titles indicate different perspectives and can help you plan your visit around your interests.

At Fort Smith National Historic Site, the visitor center is in the historic building that served as a barracks, courthouse and prison. The exhibitions there cover Fort Smith’s military history from 1817 to 1871. A trail along the Arkansas River adds to the museum visit: informational panels introduce different periods in the city’s history.

The Fort Smith Museum of History focuses on another aspect: the city’s development. On the first floor, a timeline shows how Fort Smith grew around the military fort established in 1817. The “Judge Parker’s Courtroom” exhibition features furnishings from the judge’s courtroom, including his original chair. “On the Air” explores the broadcasting history of Fort Smith and the region. Together, these exhibitions offer several points of connection—from the city’s development and the courtroom to regional broadcasting.

The Fort Smith Trolley Museum offers streetcar rides and a museum visit. As operating hours may change, check the schedule before planning your visit. Fort Smith’s visitor center is located in Miss Laura’s Social Club. Visitor services may also change, so check in advance for the latest information.

Trails, Aquarium and Fishing

There are several options for spending time outdoors. The Greg Smith River Trail is a multi-use trail in western and northern Fort Smith, between the Arkansas River and Riverfront Drive. It runs for approximately 6.3 miles along the river. The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center offers more than four miles of trails in total; two of them meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These details distinguish a single, longer trail from a network of several sections, including two ADA-compliant trails.

The Nature Center also has a 1,500-gallon aquarium with native Arkansas fish. Visitors of all ages can fish at Wells Lake. In the warmer months, the lake is regularly stocked with catfish; in winter, with rainbow trout. Stocking information is seasonal and may change. If fishing is important to your travel dates, check the latest information.

Choosing a Focus for Your Stay

The historical attractions offer different perspectives on Fort Smith: the United States Marshals Museum organizes its exhibitions around four themes, the National Historic Site combines military history with informational panels along the river, and the Museum of History covers the city’s development, courtroom and broadcasting history. If you are more interested in outdoor activities, you can compare the Nature Center’s trail information with the approximately 6.3-mile Greg Smith River Trail, or consider fishing at Wells Lake.

For seasonal activities and schedules that may change, it is worth checking the relevant information before your visit.

For the broader travel overview: Sebastian.