Historic streets, old frontier buildings, and riverside scenery give this small city a strong connection to the American frontier era. Though quieter than many modern destinations, it still carries the atmosphere of a place shaped by trade, expansion, and life along the river.
Divided by the Arkansas River, Fort Smith began as a military post in 1817 before growing into an important trading hub during the early years of westward expansion. The city’s role in the fur trade and frontier history can still be seen throughout its preserved buildings and historic landmarks.
Today, Fort Smith blends that heritage with a relaxed modern atmosphere, where museums, historic districts, and local businesses offer visitors a glimpse into both the city’s past and present.
Clayton House
The Clayton House was built in 1882 as a family home for William Henry Clayton, his wife, and children when they moved into the city. The house has been maintained ever since and has become a popular attraction in Fort Smith.
You’ll be greeted by the charming, colorful yellow exterior of the home. Once inside, you can browse all the original 19th century period furniture. This historic house really is a blast into the past and has been kept in excellent condition.
There is also a gift shop where you can buy souvenirs to take home after your tour of the house. The Clayton House is open to visitors every day of the week apart from Mondays.
The Unexpected Murals Project
This artistic project began in Fort Smith in 2015. The city wanted to bring art into its downtown neighborhoods and did it by using the urban landscape as a canvas. There are more than 30 pieces scattered around downtown Fort Smith to date.
As you walk around downtown Fort Smith you’ll see huge graffities on brick walls, delicate sculptures on what was once empty floor space, and many more weird and wonderful pieces created by renowned artists.
The Unexpected Murals Project has added to the urban appeal of downtown Fort Smith by bringing art into the city in a modern and accessible way. If you like any of the pieces, you can pop into Miss Laura’s Visitors Center to buy prints!
Belle Grove Historic District
This beautiful, old-fashioned area of Fort Smith was added to the National Register of Historic Places back in 1973 because of its charm and history. The district offers its visitors the opportunity to experience Fort Smith as it was during different periods of history.
There are outstanding properties in the district dating from the mid-1800s until now. Each home or public building in the area was built using a different architectural style. Whilst many of the properties have been restored, they still have lots of original features.
You can travel through time in Belle Grove and experience the city changing. Some of the most popular houses are The Clayton and Bonneville House, be sure to visit them! If you’re interested to see the properties’ interior, you can take a tour and explore the period furnishing.
Lake Fort Smith State Park
This popular recreational park is in the Boston Mountain Valley of the Ozarks, a hotspot for all kinds of nature enthusiasts. There’s lots of different activities available to visitors, you’ll find something whatever your interests.
If you want to spend some time out on the lake you can go fishing or kayaking. But if you’d rather explore the nearby nature from the ground, there are plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails around. Whatever you choose, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenic views of the lake and surroundings.
If you want to begin exploring, but you’re out of your comfort zone, you can ask staff about their lake and nature tours and let a friendly local take you on an easy and fun adventure. There are also accommodation options nearby for every budget! From low-cost camping to luxurious mountain cabins.
Trolley Museum
Fort Smith used to be full of old-fashioned streetcars that looked something like modern day trams and were historically the city’s main form of public transport. The old streetcar routes around the city have mostly been removed, but you can still see parts of the old tracks around the city today!
The Trolley Museum has lots of exhibits of working and broken railcars. The museum tries to fix all their old-fashioned locomotives, so as you walk around you’ll be able to watch the museum’s mechanics at work.
One of the most famous railcars at the Museum is the 1926 Birney Streetcar, this electric locomotive is still running today! You can hop on board and ride the short ¾ miles of tracks left.
Fort Smith National Historic Site
The National Historic Site is another great place to explore the curious past of this frontier city which lived through the Trail of Tears and had a scandalous reputation. The original 1817 fort was built on the site, and was later replaced by a second fort that became a military base.
In 1875 the site became a courthouse. The court once had jurisdiction over western Arkansas and the surrounding Indian Territory. The first appointed judge was Isaac C. Parker, now known as the hanging judge because of how many people he sentenced to death.
The National Historic Site is where it all began, and today it is open to visitors who can explore the remnants of the old forts and the old courthouse.