Can you reserve a site at Visitor Center, Gallows, and Commissary?

No. Visitor Center, Gallows, and Commissary is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Visitor Center, Gallows, and Commissary

Facility · Arkansas ·

Managed by the National Park Service

Fort Smith National Historic Site (National Historic Site) · Restricted Access

443 ft
Elevation

Spring Morning — Photo: NPS Photo / Pat Schmidt · Recreation.gov

This building has evolved over time. Beginning in 1846, it was the enlisted men's barracks and dining hall. In 1872, it was converted to a courthouse and jail. A second, more modern jail was added in 1888. The last major change occurred between 1996-2000 when the buildings were renovated and exhibits added, making the building more accessible to visitors. The visitor center helps tell the story of Fort Smith from 1817 to 1896.

Getting there

From Interstate 40 Eastbound: Exit at Roland and drive six miles on highway 64 to downtown Fort Smith. From Interstate 40 Westbound & from North Interstate 540 & Fayetteville, take Interstate 40 westbound to Interstate 540 south. Exit west on Rogers Ave. and continue to downtown. In the downtown area: On Rogers or Garrison Ave turn south at Fourth Street. Turn right onto Garland Ave. At the end of the next block is the entrance to the main parking lot. Parking is also available on Third Street.

35.38816, -94.42988 · 35°23'17.4"N 94°25'47.6"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 94°F in Jul, down to 51°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	51	57	66	75	81	89	94	94	87	76	63	53
Low °F	30	33	42	50	60	68	72	71	63	51	40	32
Precip in	2.9	2.7	3.9	4.9	5.6	4.6	3.4	3.6	4.0	4.4	3.9	3.5

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 5.4 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Visitor Center in Winter — Photo: NPS Photo / Pat Schmidt · Recreation.gov

First Jail — Photo: NPS Photo · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Add a photo

Common questions about Visitor Center, Gallows, and Commissary

Can you reserve a site at Visitor Center, Gallows, and Commissary?: No. Visitor Center, Gallows, and Commissary is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near Visitor Center, Gallows, and Commissary

Springhill 8.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Clear Creek - Ozark Lake (AR) 15 mi · Campground · we watch it
Shores Lake Recreation Area 31.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
White Rock Mountain Recreation Area 33.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Aux Arc 34.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Snake Creek 35.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Chicken Creek 36.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Elk Creek Landing 36.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Little Pines Campground 36.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Cookson Bend 37 mi · Campground · we watch it
Pettit Bay 38.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Strayhorn Landing 38.6 mi · Campground · we watch it

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.