fort-smith | OK | Find park

The former barracks, courthouse, and jail serves as the park's visitor center

In 1845, Fort Smith was converted to a supply depot. With this mission, Fort Smith became one of the busiest supply posts in the southwest.

Entrance sign along the river trail on a snowy day.

Foundations of first Fort Smith and Arkansas River

Foundations of the first Fort Smith with Arkansas River in the background

A jail wagon like this one was use the transport prisoners to the Federal Courthouse 6th Street.

Supply Wagon and visitor center

Physical Address:

301 Parker Ave

Fort Smith, AR 72901

Mailing Address:

301 Parker Ave

Fort Smith, AR 72901

contact-details

Phone Number: 4797833961 Voice
Phone Number: 4797835307 Fax

Email Address: fosm_parkinfo@nps.gov
Description:

Fees

Entrance Fees

Entrance Passes

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. 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.

park designation:National Historic Site

Directions:

From Interstate 40 Eastbound: Exit at Roland, and drive six miles on highway 64 to downtown Fort Smith. From Interstate 40 Westbound & from North I 540 & Fayetteville, take Interstate 40 westbound to I 540 south. Exit west on Rogers Ave. and continue to downtown. In the downtown area: On Rogers or Garrison Ave turn south at 4th St. Turn right onto Garland Ave. At the end of the next block is the entrance to the main parking lot. Parking is also available on Third Street.

For detailed directions, please visit this link.

Directions

Operating Hours:

Park Grounds and Trails

Park grounds are open from 30 min before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.

Gallows and Commissary

The Commissary is considered the oldest building in Fort Smith. The Gallows is a replica built on the site of the original gallows.

Exceptions:

Thanksgiving Day (November 28, 2024 - November 28, 2024)

Christmas Day (December 25, 2024 - December 25, 2024)

New Year's Day (January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025)

Weather Information:

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.