Located along the Arkansas – Oklahoma state line, Fort Smith, AR has a population of almost 300,000 in its metropolitan area and is also known by locals as Belle Point. Originally established as a fur trading hub, the city became a frontier military post in the late 1810s. Nowadays, Fort Smith is the second-most populous city in Arkansas and features several excellent local attractions, such as the Fort Smith Trolley Museum and the Fort Smith National Historic Site.
3 Favorite Local Attractions to Discover in Fort Smith, AR
1. Fort Smith Trolley Museum
The Trolley Museum of Fort Smith was established in 1985 just a few feet away from the banks of the Arkansas River in the downtown area. This museum features a series of permanent exhibitions showcasing historic steam locomotives and streetcars, four of which have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The place is owned and administered by the Fort Smith Streetcar Restoration Association and can be visited all year round from Tuesday to Sunday.
When you visit this place, make sure to check out the streetcar line operated by the museum, which was inaugurated in 1991 and has been extended several times. Nowadays, the streetcar goes through the West Garrison Avenue Historic District and other areas in the downtown Fort Smith Area. Once you are back in the museum, make sure to check out the 1919 Frisco 4003, an old steam locomotive donated to the property in 2004.
2. Fort Smith National Historic Site
Designated as a National Historic Landmark in the early 1960s, the Fort Smith National Historic Site is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. The area, originally part of an Indian Territory, saw its first fort established in 1817 and became the site of the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas in 1875. Nowadays, the area receives around 100,000 visitors coming from all over the country each year.
The designation of the place as a National Historic Landmark had the objective of protecting the remains of the two military forts within its territory, as well as providing visitors information and a historical background on the military past of the city. Although you can visit this historic site on your own, it is recommended to ask for a local guide to take you through the different sections and explain their history and significance.
3. Garrison Avenue
Once you are done checking out the museums of the city, you will probably be hungry and looking for a place to try the local gastronomy. There is no better place for this than Garrison Avenue, which passes through the city center and is lined with the best restaurants and cafés that Fort Smith has to offer. Whether you want to try out some local dishes or have some Mexican or Italian food, Garrison Avenue is the place to be.
Are you ready to check out the best tourist spots in town? Before you start your trip, visit us at Rath Auto Resources Fort Smith and check out the extensive inventory of quality used cars we have available for you.
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