Things to do

20 Interesting Things To Do In Fort Smith, Arkansas

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Situated in the northwest region of Arkansas along the bank of the Arkansas River, Fort Smith is visited year-round for its unique outdoor attractions and museums.

As a historic city, it has a population density of less than 100K people, and its inhabitants are heartwarmingly welcoming to tourists. Places to visit here delves from the Old West at the Fort Smith Museum of History to traversing beautiful parks.

So, learn about 20 interesting things to do in Fort Smith for your next visit:

1. Discover The History Of Fort Smith National Historic Site

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Do you have an interest in history, as in its exploration, or in any other activities carried out before? Fort Smith National Historic Site, located alongside the Arkansas River in the city of Fort Smith Arkansas, is keenly immersed in exploring the past of the USA.

For instance, you will find yourself at the historic courtroom and even the gallows and jails where some of the most notorious criminals went up for justice. You can also listen to the story of Judge Isaac Parker branded as the "Hanging Judge" and other history which reflects the city of Fort Smith and its place in the history of the whole country.

Address: 301 Parker Ave

2. Have Fun At Parrot Island Waterpark

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Located in Fort Smith AR, the Parrot Island Waterpark is a little slice of heaven where you get to enjoy over 400,000 gallons of pure splash and fun! The region's only FlowRider and wave pool accompanied by five water slides, a lazy river, and an activity pool, there is guaranteed fun for everyone.

Toddlers get to enjoy a colorful water playground while adults can relax in private cabanas or snacks from the concession stands. This should be included in a vacation, right? Because who wouldn't want to spend some time at a waterpark? Get ready to have fun and create thousands of memories at Parrot Island!

Address: 7300 S Zero St

3. Explore United States Marshals Museum

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The U.S. Marshals Museum is an exciting and informative experience centered around the oldest federal Law Enforcement of the Great Nation. The Fort Smith is worn for this peculiar facility that comes with more than 200 years of history in terms of exhibits.

The intended use of the museum is to pay tribute to the United States Marshals Service so that the public will know about it. In the museum, there is a gallery of Justice, Integrity, and Service where people of all ages are introduced to practicing these concepts.

Here, the past and the bold achievements of the past intertwine, reminding all of us for what purpose it is necessary to learn, to think, and to live the enviable dynasty of the Marshals.

Address: 789 Riverfront Dr

4. Browse The Unique Boutiques At BrickCity

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If you're planning a visit to Fort Smith, be sure to include shopping in BrickCity! More than 100 shops can be found in this dynamic center which caters to every possible need and encompasses anything from local arts to decorative goods and designer wear.

All the shops at BrickCity scheduled events throughout the year to engage with the community, transforming every trip into a wholesome experience as opposed to just shopping! Interestingly, this place comes up with new ways of connecting so one never runs out of new things to enjoy.

Address: 3215 S 74th St

5. Take A Walk Around Creekmore Park

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Creekmore Park is one of the best things to do in Fort Smith Arkansas and it is a beautiful place that is suitable for children and families from all walks of life. Its location cradled under trees offers picnicking opportunities or simply enjoying nature.

The kids will have the option to select any basketball play court of their choice, and they can also engage in other games for the playground hour for as long as they want. Moreover, the park also offers fun activities for both kids and adults, including a train ride, a nature walk trail, and a swimming pool.

Address: 3301 S M St

6. Take A Tour Of Fort Smith Brewing Company

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At Fort Smith Brewing Company, there is a clear sense of history and innovation in every sip. Using historic brewing equipment from Weidman's days, they combine old practices with new techniques to develop unique beer styles that capture the essence of being a pioneer.

Located in a friendly neighborhood environment, this brewery beckons you to relish hoppy IPAs to flavorful stouts. There is a sip-and-chill cozy taproom and a vibrant outdoor patio as well. Thus, this brewing is full of creativity and tastes that are indicative of the age-old practice of brewing but with modern changes.

Address: 7500 Fort Chaffee Blvd

7. Enjoy A Day At The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum

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The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum (RAM) is a delightful place for art lovers. It features five galleries with top-notch shows and a great collection of permanent works and pieces by emerging artists. The contemporary structure is 16,000 square feet in area and considering all aspects, it is much more than just a museum.

Aside from having several professional workshops, there is also a juried contest and free Saturday art classes for anyone who wants to make art, regardless of age. Plus, it also fosters creativity and even offers virtual classes and programs for interested people.

Address: 1601 Rogers Ave

8. Pay A Visit To Fort Smith National Cemetery

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Located at Fort Smith, the cemetery exhibits a beautiful atmosphere and historical outlook that can give visitors an excellent chance to explore the history of America and honor the American veterans. It developed over 32 acres of land and contains several gravestones that hold some great tales of heroism, dedication, and suffering.

The complex also has monuments of soldiers, who were involved in many wars including the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War II. Its mournful charm and the well-tended lawns, as well as orderly flowerbeds, attract visitors. Overall, it is counted as one of the great things to do in Fort Smith AR.

Address: 522 Garland Ave

9. Uncover The Treasures Of The Arcade Of Fort Smith

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The Arcade of Fort Smith consists of 100 classic games of the late 80's and 90's. Here, you can play any game from video arcade games to pinballs and pool tables. At $10, enjoy all the video games, including air hockey and prize games, which start from $0.25, for as long as you can.

If you want a break from the videos, you can also enjoy free foosball or a soda from the snack bar. It's an ideal place for recreation and entertaining. Moreover, they are also fully equipped for organizing extraordinary birthday and theme parties.

Address: 4900 Rogers Ave UNIT 101 C

10. Solve Mysteries At Fort Smith Escape Room

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Do you enjoy testing the limits of your skills or that of your team? Fort Smith Escape Room presents a thrilling adventure where you along with 16 friends must solve puzzles, find clues, and break codes to escape one of the rooms.

There are 60 minutes on the clock and each second is precious as you try to run away from their exciting ready-made environments. It doesn’t matter if you are an experienced debater or this is your first time, the reality-giving experiences are bound to stretch your imagination as well as give you a problem to solve. 

Have you ever been in a room where you were challenged to escape and couldn’t?

Address: 4301 Regions Park Dr #12

11. Attend An Event At TempleLive

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TempleLive is a delightful place where history, art, as well as entertainment meet. This mythical edifice occupies an exquisitely renovated temple built in the 1920s and has gradually morphed into a bright hub of music, live acts, and other events.

As for the structure, it is breathtaking in every sense of the word. It perfectly harmonizes the traditional interior with the modern one making it a center-piece. Rock, stand-up, or even a play at TempleLive however, is guaranteed to be awesome.

Address: 200 N 11th St

12. Check Out D-BAT Fort Smith

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Do you play sports or interested in them? Come to D-BAT Fort Smith, the best baseball and softball training center in the nation. No matter what your level is, you're going to realize that this academy is everything you need to improve your skills.

Go into the cages with the best pitching machines, learn more through professional lessons, and engage in fun activities like camps and clinics. D-BAT also has a cage for practicing and even a pro store to get some of the best equipment. For every athlete determined to train and compete at a higher level, D-BAT Fort Smith is the place.

Address: 4800 Regions Park Dr

13. Learn At Fort Smith Museum Of History

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The Fort Smith Museum of History is an exciting journey through the local history of Arkansas. Within the bounds of the museum, some collections explore the themes of the Wild West, law enforcement, and other characters contributing to the story of this city.

The elaborate history contained in the museum compels you to look into the history of the person whose name is Fort Smith where there is so much more to the story making it ideal for all historians and inquisitive tourists. Hence, this is one of the exciting things to do in Rogers, Arkansas.

Address: 320 Rogers Ave

14. Step Back In Time At The Fort Smith Trolley Museum

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Presenting you the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, where history and enjoyment meet together. Get on a classic trolley and enjoy a wonderful ride across the streets of the historic city of Fort Smith. As you roll over the years, wobble vintage trains and interesting exhibits of the museum make the history engaging.

However, you can also discover the railroad heritage of the city with the help of interactive features. And of course, do not forget to meet the trolley cats who walk around the museum and add charm throughout your delightful visit to this little treasure of Fort Smith!

Address: 100 S 4th St

15. Stroll Through Fort Smith Farmers Market

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The Fort Smith Farmers Market is an active space where local people come together to appreciate food and crafts of the local nature. It is open from early spring until late fall, every Wednesday and Saturday, between the hours of 7 AM to noon.

Here, everyone is free to come and enjoy the agricultural produce of Arkansas, local crafts, baked items, and others. This outdoor environment, full of seasonal fruits, vegetables, baked artisan bread, and blossoming buds, is also inhabited by local people who love to tell their unique stories.

Address: north 2nd and garrison ave fort smith ar, Garrison Ave

16. Venture Into The Monkey House

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Searching for a delightful family adventure in Fort Smith? Drop by The Monkey House! Most kids like to jump around all day in inflatable bounce houses and luckily for them, this place opens on all days except Wednesdays.

Parents, you can prepare yourselves for a calm and peaceful day with the little ones as they'll tire out the whole afternoon, giving you time to unwind. No matter the season or the Fort Smith Arkansas weather, be it summer or winter or even rainy and windy this place promises you to have fun, and bonding time with the entire family.

Address: 5504 Wheeler Ave #8826

17. Relax At 906 Cocktail And Cigar Lounge

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Welcome to the 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge where sophistication beautifully aligns with ease. This lovely establishment has an appropriate assortment of premium cigars and superbly prepared drinks.

906 is suitable for everyone whether you want to unwind after a busy day of work or you want to have some fun on a night out. Featuring soft lights, rich decor, and an overall calm setting, it is the perfect place to have your favorite cigar alongside some exquisite drinks.

Address: 906 Garrison Ave

18. Shop At Central Mall Fort Smith

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Central Mall is a vibrant mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment and hence all age groups are its target audience. It is the biggest indoor mall in the state of Arkansas and has a spectrum of stores from famous chain retailers to regional and local boutiques for each and every shopper to get something.

This Fort Smith Arkansas mall has all kinds of food to serve any kind of appetite ranging from local fast foods to high street restaurants. It also hosts seasonal events and contains a cinema plus some interesting pop-up events.

Address: 5111 Rogers Ave

19. Catch A Movie At Malco Fort Smith Cinema

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Do you also enjoy watching films while taking a break or on your vacation days? In that case, the Malco Fort Smith Cinema is the place for you! This famous cinema has many screens featuring new releases that are widely accepted, so you can enjoy the best movies while seated comfortably.

With average facilities, soft chairs, and traditional cinema snacks, you will be able to relax and enjoy the entertainment experience. This Fort Smith Arkansas movie theater is famous for its sound and picture quality and thus is suitable for visitors of all ages who enjoy watching films.

Address: 1200 S Waldron Rd

20. Head Over To Midland Family Bowl

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If you want to enjoy a new place with your family, host an event, or just want to spend a day in the lanes, Midland Family Bowl is the place for you. This local bowling center has a typical ten-pin bowling experience with exciting arcade games and food services.

Here, you can go on the lanes with some friends and try to challenge one another in friendly competitions, or if you do not wish to play, then just relax and enjoy the ambiance. There are lots of things to do in this place aside from bowling that is rolling the bowls to the alleys or playing those high score pinball games.

Address: 2600 N 32nd St