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.
Photo: NPS Photo
Fort Smith National Historic Site
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.
- LocationFort Smith, AR
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, Sunrise - 11:00PM
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Weather now62°F Clear
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- African American Heritage
- Animals
- Archeology
- Artillery
- Birds
- Cavalry
- Civil War
- Explorers and Expeditions
16 more topics
- Forts
- Hospital
- Incarceration
- Jails and Prisons
- Medicine
- Military
- River and Riparian
- Ruins
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Trains and Railroads
- Transportation
- Tribal Conflicts
- Wars and Conflicts
- Westward Expansion
- Women's History
Things to Do
5 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Become a Fort Smith BARK Ranger
Complete the Fort Smith BARK Ranger booklet so your pet can become an official BARK Ranger!
Learn more about Become a Fort Smith BARK Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Become a Fort Smith Junior Ranger
Complete a Junior Ranger booklet to earn an official Fort Smith Junior Ranger badge!
Learn more about Become a Fort Smith Junior Ranger on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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.
Learn more about Explore the Parade Ground on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Park Passport Stamps at Fort Smith NHS
Stamp your passport! Stamps are available inside the visitor center lobby at Fort Smith National Historic Site.
Learn more about Park Passport Stamps at Fort Smith NHS on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
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.
Learn more about Walk the River Loop Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 5 of 5
Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Visitor Center, Gallows, and Commissary
Facility
This building has evolved over time. Beginning in 1846, it was the enlisted men's barracks and dining hall. In 1872, it was converted to a courthouse and jail. A second…
301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR (479) 783-3961 Directions
Details
This building has evolved over time. Beginning in 1846, it was the enlisted men's barracks and dining hall. In 1872, it was converted to a courthouse and jail. A second, more modern jail was added in 1888. The last major change occurred between 1996-2000 when the buildings were renovated and exhibits added, making the building more accessible to visitors. The visitor center helps tell the story of Fort Smith from 1817 to 1896.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, Sunrise - 11:00PM · Park Grounds and Trails
Hours details
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Park Grounds and TrailsDaily, 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.
Monday Sunrise - 11:00PM Tuesday Sunrise - 11:00PM Wednesday Sunrise - 11:00PM Thursday Sunrise - 11:00PM Friday Sunrise - 11:00PM Saturday Sunrise - 11:00PM Sunday Sunrise - 11:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
301 Parker AveFort Smith, AR 72901
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
62°F
Clear · feels like 63°
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Today
92° 62°
Sunny2% rain -
Tomorrow
90° 69°
Cloudy40% rain -
Wednesday
94° 70°
Sunny57% rain
Updated 5 hr ago
What to expect by season
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.
Upcoming Events
3 coming up-
7th Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival
About
The 7th Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival returns on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bringing a full day of free family-friendly activities, living history, arts, shopping, and community festivities to downtown Fort Smith.
Hosted by Fort Smith National Historic Site, the festival has become Fort Smith's largest history-themed event and brings together several of the city's museums, attractions, and community organizations for one unforgettable day.
Schedule of Events at Fort Smith National Historic Site:10:00 am: Belle Starr Trial Reenactment (Prior reservations required)
11:00 am: School of the Soldier: Musket Drill Kid's Program
11:30 am: Civil War Cannon Demonstration, Speech by Mayor McGill
12:00 pm: "Running at the Heads" Cavalry Demonstration
1:00 pm: You Be The Judge! Kid's Court Photo Booth
2:00 pm: Civil War Cannon Demonstration
2:30 pm: "Running at the Heads" Cavalry Demonstration
3:00 pm: Civil War Cannon Demonstration
We'll also feature more than 80 living history reenactors portraying life at the first and second Fort Smiths, Deputy U.S. Marshals, soldiers, and frontier residents. Visitors can enjoy infantry, cavalry, and cannon demonstrations, historic garden tours, children's Choctaw and Victorian games, hands-on arts and crafts, and take-home prizes. The historic courtroom will once again host the popular Belle Starr Trial Reenactment, and the park will also welcome the 12th Annual Fort Smith Volunteer Fair. All National Historic Site programs are free.
Nearby Attractions:- Fort Smith Museum of History will provide free museum admission, costumed interpreters, and additional opportunities to experience Fort Smith's rich past.
- The Clayton House will have a free open house and celebrate Colonel William H.H. Clayton's Birthday, giving guests a chance to explore one of Fort Smith's most treasured historic homes.
- Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum will have free admission with special speakers, a market, and food trucks. A Grand Re-Opening Event will be from 9am-10am.
- Fort Smith Regional Art Museum will host its annual Fall Family Day with free art activities and family programming.
- Fort Smith Trolley Museum will offer free trolley rides throughout the festival!
- The U.S. Marshals Museum will offer discounted admission until 4pm.
- Fort Smith Visitor Center will have a kids’ quilt craft, dog treats, and a dog water station
- The Fort Smith Farmers Market will be active right across the street from 7am to noon.
- Nearly 100 artisan and retail vendors
- Delicious food trucks
- FREE shuttle service connecting festival locations throughout downtown
For a complete schedule of events, parking information, trolley stops, and festival maps, visit www.fortsmithfallfest.com.
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Fort Smith's Frontier Explorers
About
Judge Isaac C. Parker and the United States Marshal Service put Fort Smith on the map as the town that “tamed” the Wild West – but do you know the story of how Fort Smith created the Wild West?
Join Ranger Justin for a program detailing how Fort Smith served as a jumping-off point for Western explorers from 1821 through 1859 to open the Southwest to westward expansion. You’ll learn about the many exploring parties, the sights they saw, dangers they faced, as well as the effects they had upon the landscape, its Indigenous inhabitants, and the America we live in today!
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Night Sky Event: Twinkle, Twinkle, Frontier Star
About
Join us for a night sky program and star party!
Learn about explorers who departed from Fort Smith, read their observations of the night sky, and see what stars you can spot!
Photos
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Entrance sign along the river trail on a snowy day. — NPS Photo -
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2 more photos
Getting There
Fort Smith, AR 72901
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.
Full directions
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.
Mailing address: 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901
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