Guidebook for Fort Smith
Food Scene
frozen yogurt, gelato, etc in fill your own cups from many flavor choices, abundant toppings: fresh fruits to candies and typical ice cream syrups. We own reusable stainless steel cups for a discounted visit (ask to borrow ours to save).
Cherry Berry Self-Serve Yogurt Bar
3865 Phoenix Avefrozen yogurt, gelato, etc in fill your own cups from many flavor choices, abundant toppings: fresh fruits to candies and typical ice cream syrups. We own reusable stainless steel cups for a discounted visit (ask to borrow ours to save).
Asian Bistro
2503 Market TrceSmall, local, just down the hill, pretty excellent Asian food.
Local and in my view better than the Starbuck chain. There are several Sweet Bay Coffee locations in town. My favorite is adjacent to Creekmore Park, and across from Main Branch library. Inside and glassed patio. Chess club meets there Monday evenings.
Sweet Bay Coffee Co
3400 Rogers AveLocal and in my view better than the Starbuck chain. There are several Sweet Bay Coffee locations in town. My favorite is adjacent to Creekmore Park, and across from Main Branch library. Inside and glassed patio. Chess club meets there Monday evenings.
fresh food, casual place, we love.
Our favorites are meat or chicken squares in a yummy sauce with fresh steamed veggies and rice. (Bo Luc Lac or Ga Luc Lac.)
vegetarian options also available.
Green Papaya
6301 US-271fresh food, casual place, we love.
Our favorites are meat or chicken squares in a yummy sauce with fresh steamed veggies and rice. (Bo Luc Lac or Ga Luc Lac.)
vegetarian options also available.
Small, local, award winning.
Experience Indian food by some of the best in this cute hole in the wall. You will be pleased.
R & R's Curry Express
1525 Rogers AveSmall, local, award winning.
Experience Indian food by some of the best in this cute hole in the wall. You will be pleased.
Drinks & Nightlife
Several bars with live music, some with food, some just night life spots with music. Each with their own vibe. You will find several on Garrison if that is your kind of thing.
Garrison Avenue
Garrison AvenueSeveral bars with live music, some with food, some just night life spots with music. Each with their own vibe. You will find several on Garrison if that is your kind of thing.
Electric Cowboy
6107 S 31st Stdancing, music and bar
Fort Smith Brewing Company
7500 Fort Chaffee Blvdgames, drinks, music, friendly service.
Sightseeing
Vintage carousel hand painted in Italy, and the Ferris Wheel is from the World's Fair in San Diego hundred + years ago. The view of the National Historic site and Arkansas River from the top is great! Great photo ops here. Right on the border of AR and OK. Nearby is also a splash pad for little ones. And one of the Unexpected Murals is at Park at West End.
Park at West End
115 Garrison AveVintage carousel hand painted in Italy, and the Ferris Wheel is from the World's Fair in San Diego hundred + years ago. The view of the National Historic site and Arkansas River from the top is great! Great photo ops here. Right on the border of AR and OK. Nearby is also a splash pad for little ones. And one of the Unexpected Murals is at Park at West End.
The movies True Grit and Lonesome Dove based on the history of Fort Smith. History, fort, jail, courthouse, gallows, cannons, river, lots of interesting exhibits in the Visitor Center (starting place), and scenic grounds to explore.
https://www.bing.com/maps?q=Things+to+Do+Fort+Smith&FORM=HDRSC1
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Fort Smith National Historic Site
301 Parker AveThe movies True Grit and Lonesome Dove based on the history of Fort Smith. History, fort, jail, courthouse, gallows, cannons, river, lots of interesting exhibits in the Visitor Center (starting place), and scenic grounds to explore.
https://www.bing.com/maps?q=Things+to+Do+Fort+Smith&FORM=HDRSC1
Several interesting things: Elvis' Barbershop Museum. Nature Center, Deer Trails Golf Course, Little Wedding Chapel, Creative Arts Network, Learning Fields, and more. Old converted barracks from the CCC days are being restored and repurposed for all kinds of businesses, veteran and other organizations, thanks to an active redevelopment organization. Annual parade out there for Veteran's Day that draws thousands.
Fort Chaffee
Several interesting things: Elvis' Barbershop Museum. Nature Center, Deer Trails Golf Course, Little Wedding Chapel, Creative Arts Network, Learning Fields, and more. Old converted barracks from the CCC days are being restored and repurposed for all kinds of businesses, veteran and other organizations, thanks to an active redevelopment organization. Annual parade out there for Veteran's Day that draws thousands.
Our Visitor Center, "Miss Laura's Social Club," is located inside of Fort Smith's historic downtown area and sits alongside the Arkansas River. Out of seven "row houses" that lined Fort Smith's Old West red light district, Miss Laura's is the only house of ill-repute that stood the test of time. Now, it is the only former bordello on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has been fully restored to its original grandeur. Make Miss Laura's your first stop and we’ll give you a tour of this Victorian mansion that has become a prominent symbol of this once boisterous border town's very colorful past!
Miss Laura's Visitor Center
2 N B StOur Visitor Center, "Miss Laura's Social Club," is located inside of Fort Smith's historic downtown area and sits alongside the Arkansas River. Out of seven "row houses" that lined Fort Smith's Old West red light district, Miss Laura's is the only house of ill-repute that stood the test of time. Now, it is the only former bordello on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has been fully restored to its original grandeur. Make Miss Laura's your first stop and we’ll give you a tour of this Victorian mansion that has become a prominent symbol of this once boisterous border town's very colorful past!
The museum is devoted to presenting the history of Fort Smith and the surrounding region. It is located near the Fort Smith National Historic Site in the former Atkinson-Williams Warehouse, built in 1906 and one of the city's oldest surviving commercial warehouse buildings. The building, a large four-story brick building with typical early-20th-century commercial styling, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
https://fortsmithmuseum.org/
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Fort Smith Museum of History
320 Rogers AveThe museum is devoted to presenting the history of Fort Smith and the surrounding region. It is located near the Fort Smith National Historic Site in the former Atkinson-Williams Warehouse, built in 1906 and one of the city's oldest surviving commercial warehouse buildings. The building, a large four-story brick building with typical early-20th-century commercial styling, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
https://fortsmithmuseum.org/
The Fort Smith Trolley Museum is a streetcar and railroad museum in Fort Smith, in the U.S. state of Arkansas, which includes an operating heritage streetcar line. The museum opened in 1985, and operation of its streetcar line began in 1991. Four vehicles in its collection, a streetcar and three steam locomotives, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The now approximately three-quarters-mile-long streetcar line also passes four NRHP-listed sites, including the Fort Smith National Historic Site, the Fort Smith National Cemetery, the West Garrison Avenue Historic District and the 1907 Atkinson-Williams Warehouse Building, which now houses the Fort Smith Museum of History.
https://fstm.org/
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Fort Smith Trolley Museum
100 S 4th StThe Fort Smith Trolley Museum is a streetcar and railroad museum in Fort Smith, in the U.S. state of Arkansas, which includes an operating heritage streetcar line. The museum opened in 1985, and operation of its streetcar line began in 1991. Four vehicles in its collection, a streetcar and three steam locomotives, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The now approximately three-quarters-mile-long streetcar line also passes four NRHP-listed sites, including the Fort Smith National Historic Site, the Fort Smith National Cemetery, the West Garrison Avenue Historic District and the 1907 Atkinson-Williams Warehouse Building, which now houses the Fort Smith Museum of History.
https://fstm.org/
Wonderful restored Victorian home used for special community events and presentations. Can be reserved for private events.
Clayton House
514 N 6th StWonderful restored Victorian home used for special community events and presentations. Can be reserved for private events.
A wonderful restored home used for special events. Reserve for your private event. Used for weddings.
Bonneville House
318 N 7th StA wonderful restored home used for special events. Reserve for your private event. Used for weddings.
Lovers of history or architecture will enjoy this part of town.
Comprising a 22-square block area bounded by North Fifth Street, North H Street, North Eighth Street and North C Street, the beautiful Belle Grove area was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on July 16, 1973. Since then, a large number of homes that span 130 years of varying architectural styles have been restored. The district is overseen by the Belle Grove Historic District Commission.
some homes available for tours.
https://www.fortsmith.org/belle-grove-historic-district/
Belle Grove Historic District
804 North C StreetLovers of history or architecture will enjoy this part of town.
Comprising a 22-square block area bounded by North Fifth Street, North H Street, North Eighth Street and North C Street, the beautiful Belle Grove area was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on July 16, 1973. Since then, a large number of homes that span 130 years of varying architectural styles have been restored. The district is overseen by the Belle Grove Historic District Commission.
some homes available for tours.
https://www.fortsmith.org/belle-grove-historic-district/
The Chaffee Crossing Historic District is a walkable showcase of history that echoes the vital role that Fort Chaffee played in American military history beginning in WWII. Visitors are able to walk the grounds and tour original buildings where thousands of soldiers have lived and trained for battles like WWII and Vietnam.
Key Attractions Include:
Elvis Barbershop Museum: Here, Elvis received the haircut heard around the world after being drafted into the Army and was sent to Fort Chaffee Army Base in 1958.
Enchanted Chapel: The Enchanted Wedding Chapel is a historic military chapel at Chaffee Crossing. It was built in 1942. Design features include a 20 ft. cathedral ceiling, entry room and pews that seat up to 250 people. The chapel is accented with pew bows, lighted trees, topiaries, greenery, flowers, and a unity candle stand. There is a separate bridal lounge now available that is newly renovated and very large. Every wedding couple receives the use of on-staff bridal consultants, music coordinator, designer, and has the opportunity to use the eccentric Reverend Steven Holyfield or personal minister of choice. Call (479) 478-0225 for more information.
Enchanted Doll Museum: This museum is unique to Chaffee Crossing. It is a privately owned collection of more than 5,000 dolls from all over the globe. Call (479) 478-0225 for museum hours.
Fort Chaffee Barracks Museum: Plans are underway to open a Chaffee Barracks Museum in the building where Elvis Presley slept during his tenure at Fort Chaffee. The museum will house exhibits dedicated to the people who have passed through Fort Chaffee including American soldiers, World War II German P.O.W.s, Cuban refugees and Vietnamese refugees.
Maness School House: The Maness School House, completed in February 1937, is the only building in the entire area that was not moved or destroyed when the Department of Defense acquired 72,000 acres to build Camp Chaffee. German POW's built the back porch in 1943. The school was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 2003.
Vietnam Veterans Museum: Local Vietnam Veterans have helped create this tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War. An Army personnel carrier and helicopter sit just outside the museum for the public to view up close. Tours are available by appointment only. Call (479) 478-0110 for more information.
Chaffee Crossing Historic District
7313 Terry StreetThe Chaffee Crossing Historic District is a walkable showcase of history that echoes the vital role that Fort Chaffee played in American military history beginning in WWII. Visitors are able to walk the grounds and tour original buildings where thousands of soldiers have lived and trained for battles like WWII and Vietnam.
Key Attractions Include:
Elvis Barbershop Museum: Here, Elvis received the haircut heard around the world after being drafted into the Army and was sent to Fort Chaffee Army Base in 1958.
Enchanted Chapel: The Enchanted Wedding Chapel is a historic military chapel at Chaffee Crossing. It was built in 1942. Design features include a 20 ft. cathedral ceiling, entry room and pews that seat up to 250 people. The chapel is accented with pew bows, lighted trees, topiaries, greenery, flowers, and a unity candle stand. There is a separate bridal lounge now available that is newly renovated and very large. Every wedding couple receives the use of on-staff bridal consultants, music coordinator, designer, and has the opportunity to use the eccentric Reverend Steven Holyfield or personal minister of choice. Call (479) 478-0225 for more information.
Enchanted Doll Museum: This museum is unique to Chaffee Crossing. It is a privately owned collection of more than 5,000 dolls from all over the globe. Call (479) 478-0225 for museum hours.
Fort Chaffee Barracks Museum: Plans are underway to open a Chaffee Barracks Museum in the building where Elvis Presley slept during his tenure at Fort Chaffee. The museum will house exhibits dedicated to the people who have passed through Fort Chaffee including American soldiers, World War II German P.O.W.s, Cuban refugees and Vietnamese refugees.
Maness School House: The Maness School House, completed in February 1937, is the only building in the entire area that was not moved or destroyed when the Department of Defense acquired 72,000 acres to build Camp Chaffee. German POW's built the back porch in 1943. The school was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 29, 2003.
Vietnam Veterans Museum: Local Vietnam Veterans have helped create this tribute to those who served in the Vietnam War. An Army personnel carrier and helicopter sit just outside the museum for the public to view up close. Tours are available by appointment only. Call (479) 478-0110 for more information.
Parks & Nature
nice contemporary neighborhood playground for kids, rocking swing benches for adults to enjoy sunrise or sunset.
Imani Park
1419 Fianna Waynice contemporary neighborhood playground for kids, rocking swing benches for adults to enjoy sunrise or sunset.
Great hikes of varying lengths depending on time available and energy. A wonderful hands-on nature center, fishing, boating and archery available, watch them feed animals. Contact them for any programs on the calendar, but you can simply drop in. Closed Mondays.
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River Valley Nature Center
8300 Wells Lake RdGreat hikes of varying lengths depending on time available and energy. A wonderful hands-on nature center, fishing, boating and archery available, watch them feed animals. Contact them for any programs on the calendar, but you can simply drop in. Closed Mondays.
Garden, where you can talk with volunteers, see various garden areas from veggies, to children's fairy garden, and more. Nice place to wander on a pretty day. Ever changing with the seasons. Sometimes they have speakers and presentations. Maps for self-guide tour in the mailbox. Open during daylight. Free, but toss a few bucks in the donation box for this non-profit.
Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing
7300 5th AveGarden, where you can talk with volunteers, see various garden areas from veggies, to children's fairy garden, and more. Nice place to wander on a pretty day. Ever changing with the seasons. Sometimes they have speakers and presentations. Maps for self-guide tour in the mailbox. Open during daylight. Free, but toss a few bucks in the donation box for this non-profit.
Fort Smith Riverfront Trail
not a hike, but a scenic stroll along the river.
Walking paths.
Picnic and large mature trees.
Historic little train you can ride.
Gazebos and playgrounds
Tennis courts and pool.
Holiday lights and holiday train
http://fortsmithparks.com/parks/community-parks/creekmore/
Creekmore Park
3301 S M StWalking paths.
Picnic and large mature trees.
Historic little train you can ride.
Gazebos and playgrounds
Tennis courts and pool.
Holiday lights and holiday train
http://fortsmithparks.com/parks/community-parks/creekmore/
Music concerts and other outdoor events.
Scenic as it is located right on the river with riverside walking paths.
adjacent pavilion buildings used for weddings and receptions often.
Riverfront Amphitheater
121 Riverfront DrMusic concerts and other outdoor events.
Scenic as it is located right on the river with riverside walking paths.
adjacent pavilion buildings used for weddings and receptions often.
Arts & Culture
See what the locals are creating, sometimes you can take a class.
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Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
1601 Rogers AveSee what the locals are creating, sometimes you can take a class.
Live community theater. Longest continuous operating one in the state. Great productions from musicals to drama and comedy. Check out the schedule online and see if your visit coincides with something. We have had season tickets for years and enjoy these date nights. Affordable live theater with quality productions on a small intimate stage.
Fort Smith Little Theatre
401 N 6th StLive community theater. Longest continuous operating one in the state. Great productions from musicals to drama and comedy. Check out the schedule online and see if your visit coincides with something. We have had season tickets for years and enjoy these date nights. Affordable live theater with quality productions on a small intimate stage.
The Unexpected - Urban Contemporary Art. The Unexpected is a downtown revitalization project created by 64.6 Downtown. The project began in 2015 and has transformed downtown Fort Smith into a world-class destination for urban and contemporary public art.
Get the app to see where all the outdoor murals are located and read about the art and artists.
Unexpected Project
Garrison AvenueThe Unexpected - Urban Contemporary Art. The Unexpected is a downtown revitalization project created by 64.6 Downtown. The project began in 2015 and has transformed downtown Fort Smith into a world-class destination for urban and contemporary public art.
Get the app to see where all the outdoor murals are located and read about the art and artists.
Entertainment & Activities
Lots of lanes for bowling, many pool tables, arcade games, food and drinks. An easy evening out for a date, or family time, group parties. Prices vary on time of day, and day of week. One of two bowling alleys in FSM, this one being the closest to our home.
Bowling World
6100 South 36th StreetLots of lanes for bowling, many pool tables, arcade games, food and drinks. An easy evening out for a date, or family time, group parties. Prices vary on time of day, and day of week. One of two bowling alleys in FSM, this one being the closest to our home.
We really enjoy escape rooms and our area has several. ClueMasters has three different rooms, each can be done with as few as 2 people, and one room will take up to 8 people. You have one hour to try to "escape" the room using the provided clues.
ClueMasters Escape Room
115 N 10th StWe really enjoy escape rooms and our area has several. ClueMasters has three different rooms, each can be done with as few as 2 people, and one room will take up to 8 people. You have one hour to try to "escape" the room using the provided clues.
There are three main movie theater complexes in Fort Smith, this is the closest one to our home. With 14 screens, you should find something to enjoy on the big screen, but if you want to watch in jammies, check out our DVD collection or access something on Dish.
AMC Classic Fort Smith 14
5716 Towson AvenueThere are three main movie theater complexes in Fort Smith, this is the closest one to our home. With 14 screens, you should find something to enjoy on the big screen, but if you want to watch in jammies, check out our DVD collection or access something on Dish.
We really enjoy escape rooms and our area has several. FS Escape Rooms has six different rooms, and they suggest at least 4 for any room, some rooms can accommodate large groups (5, 8, even as many as 16 in one of their rooms). You have one house to try to "escape" using the provided clues.
Fort Smith Escape Room
4301 Regions Park DrWe really enjoy escape rooms and our area has several. FS Escape Rooms has six different rooms, and they suggest at least 4 for any room, some rooms can accommodate large groups (5, 8, even as many as 16 in one of their rooms). You have one house to try to "escape" using the provided clues.
We really enjoy escape rooms and our area has several. This one is located in historic Van Buren. They offer 4 rooms, a couple of which can take as few as 2 people, and three rooms will accommodate as many as 8 players. You have one hour to try to "escape" using the provided clues.
Great Escape Mystery Rooms
505 Main StWe really enjoy escape rooms and our area has several. This one is located in historic Van Buren. They offer 4 rooms, a couple of which can take as few as 2 people, and three rooms will accommodate as many as 8 players. You have one hour to try to "escape" using the provided clues.
NEW, Fort Smith Riverfront Skate and Bike Park.
The 12,000-square foot park features pump tracks, mountain bike courses and a bicycle playground. Visitors will be greeted by a 12-foot vertical wall, a Plexiglas wall and art that serves as additional skating apparatuses. It is the only park in the world with areas for beginner, intermediate and advanced biking and skating, according to a press release. A bridge will connect the park to the seven-mile multi-use Greg Smith Trail.
121 Riverfront Dr
121 Riverfront DriveNEW, Fort Smith Riverfront Skate and Bike Park.
The 12,000-square foot park features pump tracks, mountain bike courses and a bicycle playground. Visitors will be greeted by a 12-foot vertical wall, a Plexiglas wall and art that serves as additional skating apparatuses. It is the only park in the world with areas for beginner, intermediate and advanced biking and skating, according to a press release. A bridge will connect the park to the seven-mile multi-use Greg Smith Trail.
Great place to jump on a massive room of trampolines. Fun for all ages.
Elevate Adventure Park & Trampolines
2920 S Zero StGreat place to jump on a massive room of trampolines. Fun for all ages.
Choctaw Casino
3400 Choctaw RdOne of two area casinos just over the AR/OK border.
One of two area casinos just over the AR/OK border
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Cherokee Casino and Hotel Roland
109 Cherokee BlvdOne of two area casinos just over the AR/OK border
Hosting a variety of events.
https://www.fortsmith.org/fort-smith-convention-center/
Fort Smith Convention Center
55 S 7th StHosting a variety of events.
https://www.fortsmith.org/fort-smith-convention-center/
Channel your inner lumberjack or try out a fun and competitive new hobby by trying axe throwing in Fort Smith! This unique new sport is taking North America by storm. It’s easy to learn (similar to throwing darts, but with axes!), and the whole experience is designed with your fun and safety in mind. It’s a great way to celebrate a special occasion, organize a team building event, or simply have a fun time with family and friends!
We have professional instructors on staff to teach you and facilitate your axe throwing experience with us, so you can learn how to throw an axe both safely and effectively! Watch out, though—once you stick your first throw, you’ll be hooked! Walk-ins are welcome to come axe throwing in Fort Smith, but we recommend booking ahead online to ensure you have a spot upon arrival.
Civil Axe Throwing in Fort Smith offers a perfect group activity for any event! When you’re ready to see what all the axe throwing hype is about, come visit us for a great time.
Civil Axe Throwing - Fort Smith
1121 Garrison AveChannel your inner lumberjack or try out a fun and competitive new hobby by trying axe throwing in Fort Smith! This unique new sport is taking North America by storm. It’s easy to learn (similar to throwing darts, but with axes!), and the whole experience is designed with your fun and safety in mind. It’s a great way to celebrate a special occasion, organize a team building event, or simply have a fun time with family and friends!
We have professional instructors on staff to teach you and facilitate your axe throwing experience with us, so you can learn how to throw an axe both safely and effectively! Watch out, though—once you stick your first throw, you’ll be hooked! Walk-ins are welcome to come axe throwing in Fort Smith, but we recommend booking ahead online to ensure you have a spot upon arrival.
Civil Axe Throwing in Fort Smith offers a perfect group activity for any event! When you’re ready to see what all the axe throwing hype is about, come visit us for a great time.
Essentials
Just down the hill, it is the closest grocery to the house, and easier in and out than WalMart. I also love Aldi's but it is further away more on the east side of town. Harps is super close and will have whatever you need. They have a great on site bakery and deli.
Harps Food Store
8848 Kristi LnJust down the hill, it is the closest grocery to the house, and easier in and out than WalMart. I also love Aldi's but it is further away more on the east side of town. Harps is super close and will have whatever you need. They have a great on site bakery and deli.
Walmart Neighborhood Market
8600 US-71Close. Not a super center so quicker to navigate for quick trips.
Mercy Hospital Fort Smith
7301 Rogers AveOne of two area hospitals
Baptist Health-Fort Smith
1001 Towson AveOne of two area hospitals