Location: Fort Smith
Top Things to do in Fort Smith
Top 10 Things to do in Fort Smith, United States
Fort Smith is the second-largest city in Arkansas and one of the two county seats of Sebastian County. As of the 2010 Census, the population was 86,209. With an estimated population of 87,443 in 2012, it is the principal city of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area, a region of 298,592 residents that encompasses the Arkansas counties of Crawford, Franklin, and Sebastian, and the Oklahoma counties of Le Flore and Sequoyah.
Restaurants in Fort Smith
1. Fort Smith National Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By Plug10
Must visit when u go to the Fort! Pay respect to the men and women who served! Lots of history around the area... worth the trip! ✌?
2. Fort Smith National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 484 reviews
Reviewed By Edge W - Columbia, Missouri
The museum and the displays around the grounds do a very good job of presenting and interpreting the role Fort Smith played in American expansion and in Indian/army activities. The trail through the grounds and to the river is wheelchair friendly and offers good access to habitat niches used by birds.
3. Fort Smith Museum of History
Overall Ratings
4 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By Tigress1023
The museum has two floors of Fort Smith history that addresses racial history and events. The Trail of Tears is close. The museum can also be used for meetings and events. Judge Parker's hanging arena are also on the grounds. Handicap parking and an elevator is available for accessibility.
4. Parrot Island Waterpark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Parrot Island Waterpark is a tropical island oasis with over 370,000 gallons of outdoor splashing & sliding fun, including the region’s only giant wave pool, four awesome twisting turning water slides, a relaxing lazy river, an activity pool and a themed children’s aquatic play area. Waterpark amenities include cabana rentals, refreshment concessions and more! Located at Ben Geren Park.
Reviewed By milehighbullet1 - Fort Smith, Arkansas
Was there to volunteer for a free day at the Parrot Bay. The weather was cool, but that did not stop the kids from enjoying he park. Lots to do and well supervised. There were a large number of kids, but the management was covering...MoreAloha! We love having our schools at the WaterPark! We are thrilled that the students and all those attending enjoyed their time here at Parrot Island! We look forward to having you back this season and many to come.
5. Fort Smith Trolley Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 96 reviews
Reviewed By Jessica L
We really enjoyed the trolley ride and the amazing history lessons!
Operator 22 took us on the trolley ride and he was absolutely fantastic! His personal knowledge and experiences in Fort Smith added even more to an all ready fascinating trolley tour of "old" Fort Smith.
6. The Clayton House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Diane A
We forgot to check on the hours it was open but the docent let us tag along with a school kids tour. They are very knowledgeable .. the house and furnishings are beautiful. A walk around the neighborhood to see other restored homes is worth your time
7. St Scholastica Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Flint_Creek_Farm - Fort Smith, Arkansas
Beautiful example of monastic life in a majestic setting - on about 50 acres, partly grassed, partly wooded, at the highest point in Fort Smith.
8. Chaffee Barbershop Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By gbizzell - Katy, Texas
I wouldn't plan a trip around this museum, but because my sister lives in the area we decided to check it out. A very friendly docent was there to answer any questions. The museum is in the original barrack that housed the barbershop at Ft. Chaffee. This is where Elvis got that famous haircut. All of the furnishings were on loan from various people and there is a life size cut out of Elvis and the barber giving the haircut.
9. Fort Smith Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Mike B - Muldrow, Oklahoma
Nice place to spend my Saturday morning shopping for fresh tomatoes and other home grown veggies. Thanks to local gardeners and farmers we can pick up good home grown food at the farmers market every week. If you like fresh veggies you better check it out.
10. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM) Mission Statement: To foster art appreciation in the community through diverse exhibitions, educational programming, dynamic events, and cultural partnerships. RAM (Regional Art Museum) originated in 1948 under the Arkansas Association of University Women. In 1951 the Associated Artists of Fort Smith evolved and began exhibiting art and holding classes in various locations throughout Fort Smith. In 1960 an old Victorian home was purchased, and in 1968 the Fort Smith Art Center was incorporated. The Art Center offered a valuable service for local and regional artists by offering valuable space for its artists for five decades. The January 2013 opening of the museum located at 1601 Rogers Avenue in the heart of Fort Smith marks a major turning point for this organization. The new Fort Smith Regional Art Museum offers greatly expanded programming and exhibitions. Arvest Bank made the expansion possible by donating the 16,000 square foot building to RAM in January 2009, following a $211 million dollar buyout of Superior Federal Bank in 2003. The stunning transformation from bank to museum was completed by Polk Stanley Wilcox Architects who were tasked with the job of repurposing an abandoned mid-century building into a 16,000 square foot state-of-the-art museum. The existing terrazzo floor was maintained in the lobby and the monumental staircase was also left untouched. The beautiful two-story Carrara marble support column was also left completely intact and is visible from the lobby In addition to ongoing exhibitions the museum offers classes for children and adults, lectures, opening receptions, galas, and artist-led workshops. The museum offers facility rentals and a specialty gift shop featuring one-of-a-kind items created by local and regional artists. The new state-of-the-art Museum meets national standards and presents an exciting opportunity for cultural growth in the region. RAM is climate-controlled and fully equipped to facilitate nationally and internationally recognized traveling exhibitions.
Reviewed By milehighbullet1 - Fort Smith, Arkansas
If there is a new exhibit, there usually is a Thursday gathering complete with drinks and cheese. If you are a member and I recommend this, it is free otherwise a small charge. The management is professional here and make you feel welcomed always. A great building, good people and fine chance to see art.
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