Nestled in a looping curve of the picturesque Arkansas River, Fort Smith, AR, is a fantastic town to visit, explore, and have a picnic. There are a great many carefully cultivated green areas dotted around, especially beside the gleaming river waters. If you’re planning on having a picnic, grab your sandwiches and iced tea, and head to one of these excellent local picnic spots.
Carol Ann Cross Park
This sprawling park is a favorite with the locals. Here, you’ll find many walking trails, scenic surroundings, clean restrooms, and a pretty pond that’s often home to ducks and geese.
One of the hiking trails takes you down to the river, which is a perfect spot to spread your picnic blanket and settle down to eat beside the trickling water. There are also plenty of shaded picnic tables and gazebos spread throughout the park. You can find it at 1601 South 74th Street.
Fort Smith Park
Another large, peaceful riverside park is Fort Smith Park, a great place to settle for a little fishing along with a picnic while overlooking glorious river views. There’s also a boat launch for anyone who wants to fish and eat out on the water.
You’ll also find many picnic tables here, plus grills if you’re in the mood for a barbecue. To build up your appetite, you’ll find plenty of activities to do in the park, including soccer, basketball, and chasing your dog around a sizeable off-the-leash dog park. Find Fort Smith Park at 5301 Riverfront Drive.
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Over on the western side of town, you can picnic on the historical grounds of a magnificent 19th-century fortress complex that houses a museum preserving the region’s history of Old West lawmen, outlaws, native Indians, and pioneering settlers.
There are also some interesting exhibits to find as you explore the museum’s grounds, including an old-style wagon and a reconstruction of a gallows. You can picnic beside the river and, because it’s on the western side of town, watch a beautiful sunset across the waters while you eat. Visit Fort Smith National Historic Site at 301 Parker Avenue.
Tilles Park
In the center of town is a beautiful, spacious park with enormous trees and clean, well-maintained picnic tables with grills. The picnic areas are quiet, with large covered areas that are ideal for family get-togethers. There are even hammock hooks in perfectly shaded spots.
You have a nearby playground and a miniature water park to keep energetic children entertained, and the bathrooms are kept clean and fully functional. Load up the impressive 29.9-foot rear storage space of your new 2023 Chevrolet Equinox RS with baskets of food and drive to Tilles Park at 1017 North 37th Street.
Once you’ve whiled away a few pleasant hours eating at one of these top-notch local picnic places, visit Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith. We’re a well-stocked dealership offering great deals on new and pre-owned vehicles.
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