Fort Smith National Historic Site

Usual hours

• Mon–Sun 9:00–17:00

From 56 published days, 2026-10-19 to 2026-12-13; community-mapped.

About

Entrance / day-use fee applies.

This park's official page lists: Store / concessions.

This park's official page lists: Visitor center.

At the park

• Visitor center exhibit
• Photography scenic feature
• Wildlife & bird watching scenic feature

Shows and experiences

• Historic sites & museum
• Junior Ranger program

Events

• 7th Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival 10:00 AM–04:00 PM
• Fort Smith's Frontier Explorers 03:00 PM–04:00 PM · Join Ranger Justin's program inside the Visitor Center at 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR.
• Night Sky Event: Twinkle, Twinkle, Frontier Star 06:00 PM–08:00 PM · Meet at the Fort Smith National Historic Site Visitor Center at 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR.

Before you go

Limits

Learn more about the man who said, "Permit no innocent man to be punished, but let no guilty man escape."

Limits

Yes, service dogs are legally permitted anywhere in a park that visitors can go

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.

Weather & 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.

Visitor center

America's National Park Store at Fort Smith

Visitor center

America's National Park Store at Fort Smith

Visitor center

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Visitor center

Miss Laura's Visitor Center

Visitor center

Welcome to Fort Smith - North Entrance

Visitor center

Welcome to Fort Smith - Northeast Entrance

Visitor center

Welcome to Fort Smith - South Entrance

Visitor center

Welcome to Fort Smith - Southeast Entrance

Facilities on the park map

2 bench, 1 picnic area, 4 restroom, 8 visitor information.

History

Heritage status

Listed heritage / protected status