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Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier, Fort Smith, AR
SightseeingOutdoor AdventureLocal Gem

Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier

· Fort Smith, AR

Why you should go…

Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier is a regional tourism organization promoting outdoor recreation and cultural attractions across six counties in Western Arkansas, including Fort Smith, Van Buren, Mena, Greenwood, Booneville, Ozark and Waldron. The region sits where the Boston Mountains meet the Ouachitas, offering hiking, mountain biking, whitewater paddling and wine touring. Fort Smith, the region's hub, is home to the U.S. Marshals Museum.

  • #hiking
  • #scenic drive
  • #wine
  • #mountains
  • #small town

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Fort Smith National Historic Site

    Free

    Walk through Judge Parker's courtroom, the old federal jail and a rebuilt gallows on the Arkansas River frontier.

    Steps awayMore like this

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Devil's Den State Park

    Free

    Hike, bike and ride horses through sandstone crevices and bluffs in a 1930s CCC-built park in the Boston Mountains.

    29 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Cherokee Nation

    Free

    Tribal nation across 14 northeast Oklahoma counties with Trail of Tears history, cultural museums and heritage sites.

    45 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Muskogee

    Free

    Historic Oklahoma city rich in Native American heritage, with museums, a war memorial park and the Castle of Muskogee.

    59 mi awayMore like this