United States Marshals Museum, Fort Smith, opening July 1, 2023
Hartness by Saner, urban and contemporary public art in downtown Fort Smith
White Rock Mountain, Ozark National Forest Park
White Rock Mountain, Ozark National Forest Park
Bass fishing on the Mulberry River, a National Wild and Scenic River, approximately 55 miles long. G...
Fort Smith National Historic Site, Fort Smith Arkansas. Open daily 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. (clsd major holida...
Mountain biking at Lake Fort Smith State Park, Fort Smith Arkansas
Bass Reeves Monument, Fort Smith, Arkansas. This 25-foot work of art honors the illustrious lawman, ...
What to know
We've found your next frontier! Order your free Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier Visitors Guide to start planning your trip.
Legendary gateway to the American West, Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier is still an outpost for pure adventure. Still wild and rugged, the Frontier is a place of extremes. The highest point in The Natural State is here, the summit of Mount Magazine. Its swiftest rapids are here too, the crushing Cossatot River. In the same wilderness where fabled lawmen like Bass Reeves chased gunslingers, today's frontier heroes chase life experiences. And today's frontier has another side, full of museums and galleries, restaurants and local wineries. Can rustic be refined? Absolutely, and soon you'll be a believer.
Whether you seek quiet moments fishing in the morning light, family getaways or local swimming holes, Western Arkansas has the rivers and lakes to suit the water filled adventures you crave. Cast a line at Lake Jack Nolan for bluegill and bass, Blue Mountain Lake for excellent crappie fishing, or Lake Hinkle for a diverse experience. Rent a kayak and spend the day at Lake Fort Smith or take a dip at remote and secluded, Shady Lake. The Cossatot River is the state's only expert whitewater rafting site with Class III-V rapids and is deemed the toughest whitewater between the Rockies and the Smokies. For a slower pace, drift over to the Mulberry River. The Ouachita River offers terrific fishing and beautiful scenery, while the Little Missouri River has pristine swimming holes and is annually stocked with rainbow trout.
Cyclists will find thrilling rides on roads and in woods, including the longest EPIC mountain biking trail in the state. From trekking along scenic ridge lines to downhill sprints and peaceful forest trails, Western Arkansas has it all. One of the oldest trails in the state, Earthquake Ridge, offers 6.8 miles of classic mountain biking. At Ben Geren, near Fort Smith, you'll find more than 7 miles of paved, multiuse trail and more than 14 miles of rugged singletrack MTB. Colley Wilderness Park, in Van Buren, packs a punch with a downhill only trail that drops eight stories across 700 feet.
Exploring holds adventures in culture too, in quaint towns full of antique shopping, bluegrass festivals and art installations. Great wines, good times and laughter await in the family vineyards of Arkansas Wine Country. Iconic sites preserve living frontier history like the Fort Smith National Historic Site, where Judge Parker and deputy marshals kept law and order on the western border. The newly opened, world class US Marshals Museum situated along the scenic banks of the Arkansas River offers a captivating look at America's oldest federal law enforcement agency.
It's all waiting for you in Western Arkansas, come discover our frontier for yourself. Visit our website, www.VisitWestArkansas.com to request your FREE visitor’s guide today or read online here!
Discover some of Arkansas' best-kept secrets in this article about the Western Arkansas Mountain Frontier, or watch this video for a more hands-on perspective. Order your free guide today!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Legendary gateway to the American West, Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier is still an outpost for pure adventure. Still wild and rugged, the Frontier is a place of extremes. The highest point in The Natural State is here, the summit of Mount Magazine. Its swiftest rapids are here too, the crushing Cossatot River. In the same wilderness where fabled lawmen like Bass Reeves chased gunslingers, today's frontier heroes chase life experiences. And today's frontier has another side, full of museums and galleries, restaurants and local wineries. Can rustic be refined? Absolutely, and soon you'll be a believer.
Whether you seek quiet moments fishing in the morning light, family getaways or local swimming holes, Western Arkansas has the rivers and lakes to suit the water filled adventures you crave. Cast a line at Lake Jack Nolan for bluegill and bass, Blue Mountain Lake for excellent crappie fishing, or Lake Hinkle for a diverse experience. Rent a kayak and spend the day at Lake Fort Smith or take a dip at remote and secluded, Shady Lake. The Cossatot River is the state's only expert whitewater rafting site with Class III-V rapids and is deemed the toughest whitewater between the Rockies and the Smokies. For a slower pace, drift over to the Mulberry River. The Ouachita River offers terrific fishing and beautiful scenery, while the Little Missouri River has pristine swimming holes and is annually stocked with rainbow trout.
Cyclists will find thrilling rides on roads and in woods, including the longest EPIC mountain biking trail in the state. From trekking along scenic ridge lines to downhill sprints and peaceful forest trails, Western Arkansas has it all. One of the oldest trails in the state, Earthquake Ridge, offers 6.8 miles of classic mountain biking. At Ben Geren, near Fort Smith, you'll find more than 7 miles of paved, multiuse trail and more than 14 miles of rugged singletrack MTB. Colley Wilderness Park, in Van Buren, packs a punch with a downhill only trail that drops eight stories across 700 feet.
Exploring holds adventures in culture too, in quaint towns full of antique shopping, bluegrass festivals and art installations. Great wines, good times and laughter await in the family vineyards of Arkansas Wine Country. Iconic sites preserve living frontier history like the Fort Smith National Historic Site, where Judge Parker and deputy marshals kept law and order on the western border. The newly opened, world class US Marshals Museum situated along the scenic banks of the Arkansas River offers a captivating look at America's oldest federal law enforcement agency.
It's all waiting for you in Western Arkansas, come discover our frontier for yourself. Visit our website, www.VisitWestArkansas.com to request your FREE visitor’s guide today or read online here!
Discover some of Arkansas' best-kept secrets in this article about the Western Arkansas Mountain Frontier, or watch this video for a more hands-on perspective. Order your free guide today!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier
Phone:
Address:
524-A Sherwood Avenue,
Mena, AR 71953
