If you're planning a trip through Arkansas this summer or fall, let us share a local tip: Fort Smith offers a jackpot of fun, history and hospitality. Whether you're riding in on a motorcycle, cruising in your RV, or planning a family road trip, this is the kind of place where it makes perfect sense to stop and stay for a while.

 

Tucked perfectly at the crossroads of Interstate 40 and I-49, Fort Smith serves as a central stop between exciting adventures and beautiful scenery. Unlike bouncing from hotel to hotel each night, Fort Smith allows you to settle in, unpack your suitcase once, and explore Western Arkansas and Oklahoma without the added hassle.

 

Why Stay in Fort Smith? 

Planning a multiday trip across towns can be an exciting experience, but hauling bags into a new hotel every night is not quite as enjoyable. That's why Fort Smith serves as a smart home base for travelers. From here, you're just a scenic drive away from charming towns, boutique shopping, hiking trails, historic landmarks and wine-country adventures. Once the day is done, you can return to the comfort and convenience of one central hub.

 

With various excellent lodging options, walkable dining, and easy access to nature and nightlife, Fort Smith is both a destination and a launchpad for exploring the best of Western Arkansas and Oklahoma.

 

 

7 Fun Things to Do Right Here in Fort Smith 

 

1. Fort Smith National Historic Site

The sun is shining behind clouds above the National Historic Site in Fort Smith, Arkansas with the Arkansas River flowing behind it.
Stand on the original parade grounds, explore historic jail cells and discover how Fort Smith influenced the frontier through justice, military presence, and early American history.

 

🕰️ Time travel is optional—but encouraged.

 

 
2. U.S. Marshals Museum

A group waits outside the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, ready for their tour.

This brand-new, state-of-the-art museum brings the legacy of the U.S. Marshals Service to life with immersive exhibits and interactive displays.

 

🎖️ A must for military buffs and justice enthusiasts.

 

 
3. Walkable Art & Great Coffee

A colorful mural of 4 Cherokee women is painted on the side of a downtown restaurant in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Stroll through downtown Fort Smith's Unexpected Murals, grab a latte at Fort Smith Coffee Co., or browse the shops in the Bakery District.

 

🎨 Perfect for slow mornings and Instagram feeds.

 

 
4. RAM – Regional Art Museum

Women viewing John Bell paintings

This vibrant gallery showcases rotating exhibits, regional artists, and creative workshops in a beautifully well-lit space.

 

🖌️ A perfect cool-down for art enthusiasts of all ages.

 

 
5. Military History

A man peers into a glass box filled with Elvis memorabilia at the Chaffee Barbershop Museum, his arms crossed.

Explore Fort Chaffee's rich legacy, one of the region’s notable military heritage sites, and tour the Chaffee Barbershop Museum and view historic displays of uniforms, vehicles, and stories of service. Don’t miss the Fort Smith Museum of History in historic downtown.

 

🚁 History comes alive here.

 

 
6. Parrot Island Water Park

Children and adults float down a cool, blue lazy river at Parrot Island Water Park in Fort Smith.

Make a splash at Parrot Island, featuring lazy rivers, water slides and shaded cabanas for family-friendly fun. Cap off your day at one of our delightful.

 

💦 A favorite for summertime adventurers.

 

 
7. Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center

A child interacts with the antler display at Janet Huckabee Nature Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Take the kids fishing at Wells Lake, explore indoor exhibits, or hike and bike along scenic trails through diverse habitats at one of Arkansas’ premier nature experiences.

 

🌿 Nature meets education in the best way.

 

And, if that’s not enough, here are a few more reasons to explore around Fort Smith.

 

 

7 Great Places to Stay in Fort Smith

 

1. Courtyard by Marriott

The entrance of the Courtyard hotel on a sunny day in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Connected to the Convention Center, this Downtown hotel is within walking distance of Garrison Avenue, the National Historic Site and the Bakery District.

 

🏙️ Urban comfort with historic charm.

 

 

2. Holiday Inn Express

A wide shot of the Holiday Inn Express and Phoenix Avenue in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The Holiday Inn Express is ideal for travelers arriving by air or those seeking easy access to major highways and military connections.

 

✈️ Convenient, clean and always ready for you.

 

 
3. The Beland Mansion

The sun sets behind Beland Manor on a fall day in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

This hotel-style mansion offers vintage elegance and modern amenities, making you feel like royalty—with those iconic four-poster beds!

 

🏰 Big vibes, with no basic feels.

 

 
4. Riverfront RV Resort

Downtown Fort Smith

This riverfront resort, situated along the bike path and conveniently close to various top attractions, features a dog park, a ninja park and newly renovated RV facilities.

 

🚐 Ideal for campers, glampers and families on the move.

 

 
5. Element by Westin

An back-lit exterior shot of the Element by Westin hotel on a sunny day in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Newly renovated, eco-conscious and offering bike rentals, this location is conveniently situated near the airport and some of the city's top dining options.

 

🌍 Sustainability meets sophistication.

 

 
6. Funkhaus Vacation Rental

The front of the Funkhaus appears in vibrant yellow, shaded by the trees on a sunny day in Fort Smith.

Funky, fun and full of personality, this unique Airbnb is perfect for couples, friends' getaways, or small families seeking a custom experience.

 

🎸 Bold colors, creative vibes, and local flair make this stay one-of-a-kind.

 

 
7. Belle Grove Cottage

A modern cottage Airbnb rental painted in baby blue sits under an overcast sky in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Stay in the heart of the historic district at this charming, cozy cottage within walking distance of shops and museums.

 

🌳 Perfect for a peaceful getaway with front porch charm and historic character.

 

 

7 Day Trips You Can Take From Fort Smith

 

1. Mount Magazine – 75 miles / 1.5 hours

A beautiful fall scene awaits visitors at the Mount Magazine Overlook.

The highest point in Arkansas offers epic views, hiking trails, and a lodge with stunning overlooks.

  • Scenic drives

  • Hang gliding outlooks

  • Bluff trail hikes

 

2. Altus & Wiederkehr Village Wineries – 65 miles / 1.25 hours

Rows and rows of lively grape vines span edge to edge at the Post Winery vineyard in Altus, Arkansas.

Explore Arkansas' wine country, featuring historic cellars and family-run vineyards.

 

3. Lake Fort Smith – 45 miles / 1 hour

Lake Fort Smith State Park

Tucked within the Boston Mountains, this lake offers boat rentals, fishing and a peaceful escape.

  • Kayak & boat rentals

  • Hiking trails

  • Visitor center exhibits

 

4. Devil's Den State Park – 55 miles / 1 hour

Fall foliage surrounds a running creek in Devil's Den State Park.

As one of the most beloved state parks, Devil’s Den features caves, creeks and stunning fall foliage.

  • Rock formations & caves

  • Family hiking loops

  • Suspension bridge

 

5. Downtown Van Buren – 8 miles / 15 minutes

Cars line the edges of the Main Street as the sun casts a shadow on the old brick buildings in Downtown Van Buren.

This charming Main Street features museums, local shops and history around every corner.

 

6. Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center (OK) – 35 miles / 45 minutes

A reconstruction of a hut stands in the center of the exhibit while items on display line the walls at the Spiro Mounds Archeological Center.

Explore Native American history at this preserved ancient mound site.

  • Interpretive trails

  • Artifacts & museum displays

  • Guided tours

 
7. Mulberry River & Turner Bend – 50 miles / 1.25 hours

Beautiful fall view of the Mulberry River overlook in Arkansas.

Turner Bend is a local favorite for floating, kayaking, and enjoying fall drives along the Pig Trail Scenic Byway.

 

🍂 Coming this fall? Check out our full post: 8 Fall Foliage Day Trips from Fort Smith

 

 

Jackpot! We Gave You 7 of Each - But There's So Much More

Whether you're into military history, outdoor adventures, art and culture, live entertainment, motorcycle rides, RV road trips, eating local, or simply enjoying a good meal with a view, Fort Smith is where the fun starts - and can last all week long. Settle in, relax, and explore from a place that feels like home.

 

Book your stay, hit the trails, and let Fort Smith surprise you.

 

Want help planning your stay? Explore more ideas on our blog, request a visitor guide, or follow us on Instagram (@DiscoverFortSmith), YouTube, and Facebook. Or pop in and listen to our latest podcast episode.