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.

Wyndham Fort Smith City Center

Wyndham Fort Smith City Center

4 out of 5
700 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR
The price is ₹8,035 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹8,035
₹9,200 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Fort Smith. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Room was great. Would stay again."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Wyndham Fort Smith City Center
The ARC Hotel

The ARC Hotel

2.5 out of 5
6813 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith, AR
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! (1,012 reviews)
"Met our needs. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 14 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 ₹7,597 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹7,597
₹8,699 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice sitting area in the lobby"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Courtyard Marriott Fort Smith 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.
3 Mi to Downtown Fort Smith: Quiet Home w/ Patio

3 Mi to Downtown Fort Smith: Quiet Home w/ Patio

3 out of 5
Fort Smith
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Fort Smith. Enjoy patios and air conditioning. Popular attractions Fort Smith Pavilion and Hillcrest Park are located ...
6/10 (1 review)
Quaint area and stay
"This was a quaint little place. It was good for what we needed. Located near downtown, close parking to front door and quiet area. Kitchen stovetop was dated but was able to use for breakfast. No televisions in the bedrooms which we loved!! Didn’t use the patio cause there was no patio furniture. ..."

Reviewed on 20 May 2025

3 Mi to Downtown Fort Smith: Quiet Home w/ Patio
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Fort Smith