Blog / Family Activities Near Fort Smith

4 of the Best Places for Birdwatching in Driving Distance of Fort Smith AR

July 23, 2022 · 3 min read

If you want to get a glimpse of the wildlife that calls Fort Smith, AR home, birdwatching can be an excellent option. There are many opportunities to observe and identify bird species in the area, from songbirds to the migratory birds that make our region their home. Fort Smith has several popular hotspots, so you can meet new people while spending time outdoors.

1. Trusten Holder State Wildlife Management Area

There are numerous ways to experience Arkansas' diverse avifauna. You can go bird watching at one of the many designated wildlife management areas, such as Trusten Holder State Wildlife Management Area, just south of Fort Smith. If you're looking to see more than birds, you can also go canoeing, kayaking, or camping.

This is one of the best areas to spot pelicans, including the endangered American white pelican. The largest bird on the continent, this species is often spotted around Arkansas lakes and ponds during the winter. While most pelicans migrate south in the fall, this population is unusually concentrated in Arkansas. You can often spot pelicans around Lake Conway and several other lakes throughout the state.

2. Lake Dardanelle

If you are a nature lover, Lake Dardanelle is the perfect place to start your adventure. This lake is 34,300 acres of beauty and offers boating and fishing, picnic facilities, playgrounds, and dump stations. There are many bird species to see and listen to at this park, so bringing a camera is a good idea.

3. Ozark National Forest

Another great place to go see birds in Fort Smith is the Ozark National Forest, which is a half-hour drive north of the city. This park is surrounded by wetlands and wooded areas and offers numerous vantage points to observe birds. The sound of birdsong can be heard from miles away, and you may even see a rare species of Bell's Vireo in your area. You might also spot a cerulean warbler or a wood thrush.

4. Crystal Springs Creek

Fort Smith is home to hundreds of species of birds and many of these migrate through the area every year. If you are looking for a new place to take your family to enjoy bird watching, look no further than Lake Hamilton. Thousands of acres of trees provide vantage points for viewing the birds.

You can hear the sounds of singing birds in the spring and summer months. Some of the species you can expect to see include: the Acadian flycatcher, Bell's Vireo, Painted Bunting, Wood Thrush, and Grasshopper Sparrow.

The 2016 Jeep Compass Sport is the car that will take you safely around Fort Smith to see the many alluring birds. With its electronic stability control and roll stability control, you can have the confidence that you are safe driving around the city. Though this car was released a few years ago, it still packs a punch. Stop by Rath Auto Resources of Fort Smith to see the variety of used cars we have in stock.

Posted in:

Jul 22, 2024 in Family Activities Near Fort Smith

Join Us at Parrot Island Waterpark for the Drive Out Hunger Fundraiser!

Image via River Valley Regional Food Bank Grab your loved ones and meet us at Parrot Island Waterpark this Thursday! The Drive Out Hunger fundraiser event, hosted by the River Valley Regional Food Bank, is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a fun-filled day while making a difference in our community. Show off your surfing skills on the FlowRider® Double, take on the highest waves at the Caribbean Splash wave pool, or double-tube down the O'Hana Highway with a friend--all while combatting food insecurity happening right now in the Northwest Arkansas region. Ready to make a splash in your community this summer? more Soak Up the Sun and Drive Out Hunger! Parrot Island Waterpark is the perfect summer day trip in Fort Smith. It offers multiple attractions ranging from the family-friendly Tiny Turtle Island to the Pineapple Plunge's adrenaline rush, guaranteeing a day of excitement for all ages. The Drive Out Hunger event offers exclusive access to the park’s water slides, lazy river, wave pool, and splash zones, all contributing to the cause of feeding the hungry. By purchasing a wristband for $10 from the River Valley Regional Food Bank at 1617 South Zero Street in Fort Smith, you can help us provide a whopping 100 meals to a family in need, collected and distributed with the health of our communities in mind. As an active member of the Fort Smith community, Rath Auto Resources is proud to play a part by sponsoring this afternoon of summer family fun! Learn More About the River Valley Regional Food Bank The River Valley Regional Food Bank serves eight counties throughout West Central Arkansas, providing nutritious food to over 100,000 people across the area. Their network consists of nearly 150 member agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, churches, and nonprofit groups. As one of 200 national Feeding America food banks, the River Valley Regional Food Bank is part of the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and a founding board member of the Alliance. They're also a steadfast member of United Way of Fort Smith and a program of the Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council (C-SCDC). How We Support Our Community at Rath Auto Resources At Rath Auto Resources, our philosophy is simple: a strong community benefits everyone. We consistently choose local businesses as our partners and collaborate on social media to boost their visibility alongside our own. Our commitment to giving back is something we're deeply proud of and we regularly support our local charities and non-profits, with the River Valley Regional Food Bank being a key beneficiary. We also love to engage with our community through fun events with our our prize wheel, shop truck, and our lively little bus, "Gary Bussy." Plus, our monthly contest, "The Winnin' and Grinnin' Give-A-Palooza," is a highlight for those looking for extra savings when buying a used car! For more information on the Drive Out Hunger event, visit the River Valley Regional Food Bank website. To learn more about our past community involvement and ongoing initiatives, check out our community page or read up on our blog for even more Fort Smith and Northwest Arkansas favorites. We look forward to seeing you at Parrot Island on Thursday to make a positive impact together!

Aug 25, 2023 in Family Activities Near Fort Smith

4 Summer Activities You Can Drive to Near Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith, AR is one of the state's most important historical old-frontier cities. While it used to be a crucial military post, today Fort Smith is a thriving metropolis full of great summer activities for you and the whole family. No matter what you're in the mood for, Fort Smith has got it. Plus, your 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT, with plenty of space, front and rear cupholders, cruise control, and keyless entry, can get to all these spots in no time. more 1. Spring Levitt Amp Music Series Stop by the Spring Levitt Amp Music Series every Thursday evening at 121 Riverfront Drive. It's an excellent, family-friendly night out in Fort Smith, and the green space is pretty large, so you can bring a picnic dinner and some blankets to spread out and really enjoy yourself. Plus, there's ample parking right nearby, so this summertime favorite couldn't be more convenient. 2. Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair. The Arkansas Oklahoma State Fair, at 4400 Midland Boulevard, runs at the tail end of summer and is the ideal way to cap off your summer in style. With a huge midway full of fun rides, great food, tons of entertainment, and games where you can try your luck, this fair is wholesome fun for the entire family. There's also a more educational livestock area where you can teach your kids about farm life and taking care of animals. 3. Old Fort Days Rodeo Check out Old Fort Days Rodeo in late May and early June at Kay Rodgers Park, 4400 Midland Boulevard, for some of Fort Smith's best entertainment. This massive competition draws contenders from all over the world in events like wrestling steers, bull riding, and roping broncos. All throughout, you'll find kid's costume contents, plenty of performances, and a great sense of camaraderie at the rodeo. 4. True Grit Ride True Grit Ride, at 7313 Terry Street, is an annual mid-June event where bike riders can opt for 105, 62, 45, or 30 miles through some of the best parts of the state. There's also a 5K you can ride the day before. This excellent event is one of Fort Smith's top athletic challenges. Hop on your bike and challenge yourself, or cheer on the contestants from the sidelines. Either way, you're bound to have a great day. Experience the best of Arkansas with these great Fort Smith activities. From a fun and challenging bike ride through the scenic state to a genuine rodeo with heart-pounding contests and some of the best riders and ropers in the state, you won't get bored. You'll need a great vehicle to get around, though. Visit us at Rath Auto Resources Fort Smith and take one of our great models for a spin today.

Feb 17, 2023 in Family Activities Near Fort Smith

Take the Car and Check Out These 3 Best Views in Fort Smith, AR

Fort Smith, AR, is an amazing place to explore, and you'll be sure to create lasting memories when you take in the majestic views. Whether you're looking for a romantic sunset, a stunning view of the city skyline or a breathtaking panorama of the countryside, the best views in Fort Smith will provide you with a breathtaking experience! more Lake Fort Smith State Park Lake Fort Smith State Park is located at 15458 Sheperd Springs Rd, Mountainburg and is the perfect place to begin your journey to take in the top views in the area. The park encompasses over 1,000 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities, including camping, boating, and fishing. But the best part about Lake Fort Smith State Park is the stunning views it offers. The lake itself is the centerpiece of the park and provides a stunning view of the lake and its surrounding landscape. The lake is surrounded by lush foliage and provides a peaceful atmosphere to relax and take in the view. The lake is also a great place to take a boat ride, fish, or just take a leisurely stroll along its shoreline. Devil's Den State Park Located at 11333 West Arkansas Hwy. 74, Winslow, Devil's Den State Park is one of the best places to go hiking near Fort Smith. The park contains over 1,000 acres of natural beauty with hiking trails that are sure to please any level of hiker. The trails through Devil's Den State Park offer scenic views as well as a chance to see wildlife such as deer and birds. There are also several other trails within the park that can take you to different areas of the gorge with more spectacular views of the river below. The main attraction at Devil's Den State Park is its namesake, a rocky outcropping known as Devil's Den. The rocks rise about 30 feet above the surrounding terrain, and they provide excellent views of Fort Smith and the surrounding areas. Harry E. Kelley River Park Harry E. Kelley River Park is located in downtown Fort Smith at 121 Riverfront Dr and offers an amazing view of the Arkansas River. The park is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike and is home to a variety of activities, including kayaking, fishing, and swimming. But the best part about the park is the stunning views it offers of the Arkansas River. From the park, you can take in the beauty of the river and its surrounding area. The park provides a great view of the river and its banks and is a great place to take a leisurely stroll or just sit back and relax. No matter what kind of view you're looking for, Fort Smith has something to offer. Some of these parks are a bit of a drive from Fort Smith, so make sure you're driving a car with excellent gas mileage, like the Nissan Sentra FE. Check one out at Rath Auto Resources Fort Smith today!