Fort Smith National Historic Site

Fort Smith guarded the border between the United States and Indian Territory from 1817, and later became the seat of Judge Isaac C. Parker's federal court, whose deputy marshals pursued outlaws across the frontier. The site includes the barracks-turned-courthouse and jail, the reconstructed gallows, and a river walk marking the Trail of Tears, which brought Cherokee and Choctaw people through here.

Explore the jail cells and courtroom, walk the river trail, and see the reconstructed gallows; young kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge. For a challenge, walk the full Arkansas River trail and work through the courtroom, gallows, and commissary exhibits in one in-depth visit.