Skip to main content

Visit Fort Smith, Arkansas

Discover the best activities and accommodations in Fort Smith, Arkansas

What to Do in Fort Smith

Learn More

In 1817 Maj. Stephen H. Long selected a site at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers as the location for the region's first military fort. Named for Gen. Thomas Smith, the fort prompted settlement and the resultant town shared the fort's name. With the discovery of natural gas in nearby Mansfield, a large and diverse manufacturing industry developed; Fort Smith remains one of Arkansas' leading manufacturing cities.

Most Popular Hotels

Discover the best hotel experience. Review properties cleanliness, amenities and more. AAA brings you the best hotels in the city.

Learn More
Sponsored

Wyndham Fort Smith City Center

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Home2 Suites by Hilton-Fort Smith

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Fort Smith

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Comfort Inn & Suites

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Comfort Inn & Suites

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Comfort Inn & Suites Van Buren - Fort Smith

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Graduate by Hilton Fayetteville, AR

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Smith

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Best Western Prime Inn & Suites

diamond-threeinspected-clean
Hotel

Best Western Van Buren Inn

diamond-approvedinspected-clean
See All

Travel Tips & Inspiration

AAA Travel Inspiration, Destination Information and More

Be inspired by articles and videos from AAA Travel experts, offering insights on top destinations, recommendations and travel tips for your upcoming getaway.

See All
ARTICLEFort Smith In 1817 Maj. Stephen H. Long selected a site at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers as the location for the region's first military fort. Named for Gen. Thomas Smith, the fort prompted settlement and the resultant town shared the fort's name. With the discovery of natural gas in nearby Mansfield, a large and diverse manufacturing industry developed; Fort Smith remains one of Arkansas' leading manufacturing cities.Fort Smith
NATIONAL PARKAngelina National Forest Angelina National Forest surrounds Sam Rayburn Reservoir in East Texas, off US 69 east of Lufkin. The forest's 153,179 acres encompass fragments of the “Pineywoods” region, which was heavily logged early in the 20th century. Towering pines and hardwoods have returned, sheltering deer, squirrels and occasional turkeys.Angelina National Forest
NATIONAL PARKArkansas Post National Memorial On SR 169, 7 miles south of Gillett along the lower Arkansas River, the Arkansas Post National Memorial occupies 389 acres. Erected as a fort by the French in 1686, Arkansas Post was the first permanent European settlement in the lower Mississippi Valley. Ownership passed to Spain 1765-1800, then briefly reverted to France. With the Louisiana Purchase, the post became a frontier village.Arkansas Post National Memorial
NATIONAL PARKBuffalo National River Reached via US 65 or SRs 7, 14 or 21 in northwestern Arkansas, Buffalo National River stretches through the rugged Ozark Mountains. While the Buffalo River courses 150 miles through the Ozarks, only its lower 135 miles and adjacent land are designated a national river. To protect the natural beauty of this area, Congress declared it a national river in 1972, thereby preserving it from development and population encroachment.Buffalo National River
NATIONAL PARKChickasaw National Recreation Area Near Sulphur on US 177 and SR 7, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area encompasses 10,000 acres in south-central Oklahoma. Woods and streams with small waterfalls characterize this region, which is known for its mineral waters. Springs within the area have been classified as sulphur, freshwater and bromide.Chickasaw National Recreation Area
NATIONAL PARKDavy Crockett National Forest Davy Crockett National Forest borders the Neches River in East Texas. Since logging ended in the 1920s, this pine and hardwood forest has made a dramatic comeback. One of the best ways to see the 161,500-acre area is via the 20-mile-long Davy Crockett National Forest
NATIONAL PARKDelta National Forest In west-central Mississippi, Delta National Forest covers 59,553 acres of hardwood bottomlands. It lies within the most productive hardwood region in North America.Delta National Forest
NATIONAL PARKGeorge Washington Carver National Monument George Washington CarverGeorge Washington Carver National Monument
NATIONAL PARKHolly Springs National Forest In north-central Mississippi extending to the Tennessee border, Holly Springs National Forest covers 154,654 acres. The Holly Springs National Forest
THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP
Trip Canvas powered by AAA travel logo
AAA logo
© 2025 AAA, All Rights Reserved.

The information contained on this page is provided by independent third-party providers and may not include all applicable taxes, fees, and charges. Please note prices and product details are estimates only and are subject to availability at the time of booking. All information, including pricing, product details, and availability, is subject to change without notice. Please see independent third-party providers' websites for more details. AAA is not responsible for content on external websites.
2.44.1