Fort Smith National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: Arkansas, Oklahoma
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 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.
🚗 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 Interstate 540 & Fayetteville: Take Interstate 40 Westbound to Interstate 540 south. Exit west on Rogers Ave and continue towards downtown Fort Smith. In the downtown area: On Rogers or Garrison Ave, turn south at 4th St. Turn right onto Garland Ave. Entrance to the main parking lot is at the end of the next block. Oversize parking is available.
Images
The former barracks, courthouse, and jail serves as the park's visitor center
Credit: NPS Photo
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.
Credit: NPS Photo
Entrance sign along the river trail on a snowy day.
Credit: NPS Photo
Foundations of the first Fort Smith with Arkansas River in the background
Credit: NPS Photo
A jail wagon like this one was use the transport prisoners to the Federal Courthouse 6th Street.
Credit: NPS Photo
Supply Wagon and visitor center
Credit: NPS Photo
Redbud trees give a lively look to the park in spring.
Credit: NPS Photo
Snow might be present during a winter visit to the park.
Credit: NPS Photo
The Officers' Garden is maintained with assistance from the River Valley Master Gardeners.
Credit: NPS Photo
The former barracks, courthouse, and jail serves as the park's visitor center
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Monday, Apr 20
Sunny
High: 80.4°F | Low: 44.6°F
Humidity: 53%
Wind: 6.3 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 8.4
Sunrise: 06:39 AM
Sunset: 07:55 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (9%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 52.7°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Apr 21
Overcast
High: 68.3°F | Low: 48°F
Humidity: 74%
Wind: 11.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 7.6
Sunrise: 06:38 AM
Sunset: 07:56 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (17%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 51.3°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Apr 22
Patchy rain nearby
High: 73.7°F | Low: 52.3°F
Humidity: 83%
Wind: 8.1 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 7.1
Sunrise: 06:36 AM
Sunset: 07:57 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (27%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 57.4°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
The Continuing Legacy of Caddo Pottery Making
Join Ranger Justin to learn about the continuing legacy of Caddo pottery making! This program will explore the beginnings and artistic evolution of Caddo pottery making and its continuing cultural impact in the modern day.
Location: The talk will be held inside the Visitor Center at 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR.
Date: Mar 21, 2026 12:00am to Mar 21, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Darby Days: America's 250th Event
10am—Veterans Honors Ceremony—Keynote Speaker Lydia Klimuk, Holocaust Survivor
11am—Veterans Meet and Greet
12pm—'From Flintlocks to M4s’--Historic Weapons Demonstrations
1pm—Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum presents, ‘Services for Service Men: The Untold History of Women’s Roles in War Time’
2pm—'From Flintlocks to M4s’--Historic Weapons Demonstrations
Location: The event will take place on the north and south parade grounds.
Date: Apr 25, 2026 12:00am to Apr 25, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
301 Parker Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72901
🏤 Mailing Address:
301 Parker Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72901
📞 Voice Phone: 4797833961
📞 Fax Phone: 4797835307
✉️ Email: fosm_parkinfo@nps.gov