If you’re looking for a historic town that showcases a good deal of Ozarks storytelling of the past, Fort Smith, Arkansas is the place for you.
Fort Smith was established in 1817 as a military post during the wild west, has ties to the Trail of Tears, played a role in multiple wars including the Mexican-American War and Civil War (for both sides), and grew into one of the most populated cities in Arkansas.
Whether you’re after a glimpse of the wild west, intensely interested in military history, or want to learn more about Native American culture—you can find it all in Fort Smith.
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Below, we share all that there is to do for families visiting Fort Smith, Arkansas on their Ozarks vacation. If you like what you see, you can also check out even more Wild West destinations in the Ozarks.
Get a Healthy Dose of History
If anyone in your family is a history buff, you’ll fall in love with Fort Smith. There is no shortage of historic museums in this Ozarks city. Learn more about the story behind the fort at one of the local spots, including:
Fort Smith National Historic Site
This national historic site is home to several points of interest, including Belle Point—where the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers join together and home to the remnants of the original Fort Smith along with several other buildings.
Here you can also take a river walk with the family to learn about the Trail of Tears and see a replica of the Fort Smith Gallows. Fort Smith is home to the infamous Judge Isaac Parker, aka “the hanging judge,” who sent 79 people to the gallows. Cost is $10 for ages 16+, free for children under 16.
If you’re looking for more ways to explore Native American culture in the Ozarks, read about it in our Native American History post.
Fort Smith Museum of History
Just a few steps away from the Fort Smith National Historic Site, you’ll find the Fort Smith Museum of History where you can see the Napoleon Howitzer cannon—along with several antique vehicles, fire engines, and handmade tools of the era—up close.
While you’re there, grab a root beer float or ice cream cone at the Soda Fountain inside the museum. Admission is $7 for ages 16+, $2 for children ages 6-15, and free for littles ages 5 and under.
Fort Smith Trolley Museum
Experience what transportation was like back in the day by taking a ride on the antique streetcar at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. Arrive at the platform and make a call for the tour guide to pick you up. Your knowledgeable guide shares the history of Fort Smith as you take a fun ride on the tracks. The ride costs $4 per adult, $2 per child.
If your kids are enthralled with locomotives, find out where you can eat at train-themed restaurants in the Ozarks.
Clayton House Museum
Looking for a more intimate glimpse into life on the frontier? Take a step back in time and explore the Clayton House in Fort Smith with your family. This Victorian-era originally furnished home is open for guided tours where you can learn more about life in the late 1800s. Tours have a suggested donation rate of $6 for adults and $3 for children 6-17.
Chaffee Barbershop Museum
A unique piece of history resides in Fort Smith in the form of a Barbershop Museum dedicated to Elvis. The barbershop became famous after Elvis received his famous military haircut there. Admission is free.
Music & the Arts
Fort Smith is home to a creative culture that is showcased by the Fort Smith Symphony that performs regularly at the ArcBest Performing Arts Center. Additionally, you can usually find live Jazz music and displays of street art around the city. Find art display locations including the Rainbow Embassy pictured below or check out the Fort Smith city calendar to catch a show during your stay!
Or visit the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM) for free during your stay to find out what artists around the world have been creating. There’s even a part of the museum called “The Touch Gallery” where kids (and adults) are allowed to touch the exhibits!
Fort Smith Fun for Kids
If you’re looking for other things to do in Fort Smith with kids, there is an abundance of family-friendly fun.
Creekmore Park
There’s plenty of budget-friendly fun for kids in Creekmore Park, including:
Playground equipment
Creekmore Express Train
18-hole mini golf course
Fitness trail
Tennis courts
Swim facilities with kiddie splash area
The train ride is totally free! And the swim facilities are affordably priced for the public at just $3 for adults, $2 for children. Golf is just $2.50 per person.
River Valley Nature Center
In Southeast Fort Smith, you’ll find a patch of heaven (170 acres) that includes Wells Lake—these grounds are known as River Valley Nature Center. The education center building on site includes live reptiles and other small critters along with some interactive learning exhibits.
Admission is free! If you want to stick around for a while, other things you can do at this nature preserve include:
Fishing
Canoeing
Kayaking
Archery
Shopping at the gift shop
Trails
Playground
Nature playscape
Bronze statues
There are three beautiful trails to explore at River Valley Nature Center in Fort Smith, AR that are the perfect walking distance for family adventures:
Beaver Creek and Wells Lake Trail – 1.2 mile
Oak Savannah Trail – 1.7 mile
Field and Forest Trail – 1.1 mile
Beaver Creek & Wells Lake Trails are wheelchair accessible.
Parrot Island Waterpark
Take a dip in the wave pool, relax on the lazy river, or get a thrill riding down water slides at Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
This waterpark also has an unexpected surprise that you don’t often get to experience beyond the ocean. Here, you can try something new—surfing! FlowRider provides a safe and fun way to try surfing on an endless perfect wave of water.
Little kids will have plenty of space to explore the Tiny Turtle Island which is full of play structures, water squirters, and an assortment of smaller slides.
Single-day admission is affordable for families at around $15 for kids under 48” and $20 for adults and kids over four feet tall. Check out the park map here.
Park at West End
Reopening in April 22, 2023 after extensive renovations, the Park at West End offers an incredible and nostalgic experience for families.
It features some special history including an operational antique ferris wheel that was part of the World’s Fair in 1935, an authentic Italian carousel (recently restored), along with a Pullman Railcar that will serve as a Wild Waffles restaurant.
Nearby the Park at West End, you’ll also find the downtown splash pad which you and the kids can enjoy for free!
Plan Your Trip to Fort Smith, Arkansas
Fort Smith has proven to be an attractive, affordable, and worthy vacation destination in the Ozarks. If you’re traveling by car, check car rental rates on Economy Bookings so you can fit the family in one vehicle with room to spare!
Check local hotel rates on Trip.com or find a unique vacation rental in Fort Smith, Arkansas that’s perfect for your family.
We found this incredibly unique and vibrant stay right in the heart of the action in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Just looking at the pictures makes me feel like a happy little kid!
<< Check it out for yourself!
Sleeps 6 (3 beds)
Located Near Creekmore Park
Affordably Priced