The park's visitor center is located in the historic barracks/courthouse and jail buildings.

The main entrance to the Visitor Center is located on the south end of the Barracks/ Jail/ Courthouse building. Exhibits in the visitor center focus on Fort Smith’s military history from 1817 – 1871, western expansion, Judge Isaac C. Parker and the federal court’s impact on Indian Territory, U.S. Deputy Marshals and outlaws, Federal Indian policy, and Indian Removal including the Trail of Tears. Located on the grounds are the foundation remains of the first Fort Smith (1817-1824), the Commissary building (c. 1838) and a reconstruction of the gallows used by the federal court. A walking trail along the Arkansas River includes wayside exhibits on the Trail of Tears.

Use the links on this page to help you plan your visit to Fort Smith National Historic Site. You can check the calendar of events to see if the park has special programs or activities scheduled on the day of your visit. If you are bringing children, you can learn about our Junior Ranger program in the For Kids section.

There are other historical places of interest near Fort Smith National Historic Site. Nearby Attractions provides links to those sites.