Sebastian: History and Nature Along the River

At Belle Point, river scenery and history come together in a tangible way: The overlook offers views of the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau rivers; the foundation remains of the first Fort Smith can also be seen there. The area’s attractions range from historic sites and collections to hiking trails, fishing and parkland.

History and Architecture

At the Fort Smith National Historic Site visitor center, you can tour Judge Parker’s restored courtroom. The 0.75-mile paved River Loop Trail offers another way to experience the area’s history: It starts at the main parking lot, follows the Arkansas River and runs through the site where the first Fort Smith was built in 1817.

The Fort Smith Museum of History preserves about 40,000 artifacts relating to the history of the city of Fort Smith and the surrounding region. Since 1979, the museum has been housed in the Atkinson-Williams Warehouse, built in 1906. This makes it easy to distinguish the building’s history from its use as a museum: 1906 marks its construction, and 1979 the museum’s move in.

The Fort Smith Trolley Museum owns four of Fort Smith’s original 58 streetcars: Fort Smith Light & Power No. 10 and Fort Smith Light & Traction Nos. 205, 221 and 224. The collection represents a small, precisely identified part of the city’s former fleet.

The Historic Belle Grove District spans 22 city blocks and includes more than 20 architectural styles from the Victorian era. The Clayton House also offers a glimpse of late 19th-century architecture: The mansion is designed in the Italianate style and retains its original staircase and furnishings.

The Chaffee Barbershop and Military Museum focuses on the history of Fort Chaffee. The museum is part of the Chaffee Crossing Historic District and preserves and presents that history. It is also known as the place where Elvis Presley got his iconic military haircut.

Trails, Parkland and Fishing

The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center is located on a 170-acre site that once belonged to Fort Chaffee. It offers more than four miles of trails, two of which meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Bob Boyer Park is located in the southern part of Sebastian County, in the community of Midland, and covers 470 acres. Most of the site is heavily wooded and undeveloped. The park also has a paved, 0.5-mile walking trail, two picnic pavilions and restrooms.

The distances given highlight the difference: The paved walking trail at Bob Boyer Park is shorter than the 0.75-mile paved River Loop Trail. The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, by contrast, offers more than four miles of trails, including the two ADA-compliant trails.

Visitors of all ages can fish at Wells Lake; fishing poles and tackle boxes are available to borrow at the nature center’s reception desk. The seasonal fish stocking also varies: The lake is regularly stocked with channel catfish in the warmer months and rainbow trout in winter.

Another option is the Greg Smith River Trail. It starts at the River Park Events Building and connects to Fort Smith Park.

Planning Your Stay

The Fort Smith Visitor Center features interactive displays, curated exhibits and immersive storytelling about Fort Smith’s past and present. Local experts can help you plan visits to historic attractions, outdoor activities, dining, arts and family-friendly offerings.

Discover more destinations: Fort Smith, Randolph County, Pulaski, Stone County, Independence County, Garland, Benton, Phillips County

For the full travel overview: Arkansas.