About Fort Smith
Explore life on the edge of frontier and Indian Territory through the stories of soldiers, the Trail of Tears, scandals, outlaws, and lawmen who pursued them. From the establishment of the first Fort Smith on December 25, 1817, to the final days of Judge Isaac C. Parker's jurisdiction over Indian Territory in 1896, Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves almost 80 years of history.
From the National Park Service.
- Region
- South
- States
- Arkansas and Oklahoma
- Designation
- National Historic Site
- Entrance fee
- None listed
- Trail data for this park is still being added.
- Places for this park are still being added.
Know before you go
Fees, hours, weather and getting to Fort Smith.
Entrance fees
The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.
Hours
Park Grounds and Trails
- Mon
- Sunrise - 11:00PM
- Tue
- Sunrise - 11:00PM
- Wed
- Sunrise - 11:00PM
- Thu
- Sunrise - 11:00PM
- Fri
- Sunrise - 11:00PM
- Sat
- Sunrise - 11:00PM
- Sun
- Sunrise - 11:00PM
The Gallows and Commissary are open during Visitor Center hours, which may vary by season. Please check Visitor Center Hours for more information. Park grounds are open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise until 11:00 pm.
Weather and when to go
Fort Smith weather includes four distinct, yet temperate seasons. Spring and fall are usually mild while late summer is hot and humid. During winter months, temperatures occasionally dip into the teens. Forecast often changes dramatically due to surrounding weather influences. Arkansas's central location allows weather systems from all directions to influence its climate. The area is prone to flash flooding and river flooding in rainy seasons.
Getting there
From Interstate 40 Eastbound: Exit at Roland and drive six miles on highway 64 to downtown Fort Smith. From Interstate 40 Westbound & from North Interstate 540 & Fayetteville: Take Interstate 40 Westbound to Interstate 540 south. Exit west on Rogers Ave and continue towards downtown Fort Smith. In the downtown area: On Rogers or Garrison Ave, turn south at 4th St. Turn right onto Garland Ave. Entrance to the main parking lot is at the end of the next block. Oversize parking is available.
Contact the park
- Address
- 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901
- Phone
- (479) 783-3961
- Official site
- nps.gov/fosm
From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.
Trip planner
A day-by-day plan for Fort Smith
Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.
The trails and places you save below go into your plan as must-sees.
Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.
Things to do in Fort Smith
The park service's own list, with how long each takes.
-
Park Passport Stamps at Fort Smith NHS
Stamp your passport! Stamps are available inside the visitor center lobby at Fort Smith National Historic Site.
-
Explore the Parade Ground
The loop around the Parade Ground is one quarter of a mile. It was the center of life at the fort from 1838 - 1871.
-
Become a Fort Smith BARK Ranger
Complete the Fort Smith BARK Ranger booklet so your pet can become an official BARK Ranger!
-
Walk the River Loop Trail
The trail is open year round. No access to the river. No water or restrooms are located along the trail.
What to pack for Fort Smith
Gear & Essentials
Tell us about your trip and we will add what else you will want:
The basics
Worth having in the car whatever the park.
For this trip
Traveling with kids
Bringing a pet
RVing
Backcountry
Winter conditions
On the water
Photography
Accessibility
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
