Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith

Apr 8, 2023

Spring is a beautiful time of year, and Arkansans are really proud of how beautiful their state gets in the springtime. So it’s not a surprise that you can find lots to do here in Fort Smith, AR during the spring as the days are long, the weather is nice, and the infamous Midwestern heat isn’t hitting us too hard yet. Here are spring activities we can recommend.

spring activities near for smith arkansas
Photo by: Brett Sayles via pexels.com

1. Attend Old Fort Days Rodeo

Spring (specifically late May and early June) is home to one of the most exciting events that comes to Fort Smith each year and brings Arkansans flocking to Fort Smith from all over the state. You can’t be a true Fort Smith local and not go at least once!

Events that you don’t want to miss include rodeo classics like bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, and calf roping, as well as a unique set of live music and cultural events each year.

2. Go Fishing at Lake Fort Smith State Park

Just half an hour’s drive north of Fort Smith is the picturesque Fort Smith Lake. The lake becomes even more scenic in the spring, with blooming wildflowers and lush green trees and water plants coming alive.

The fish are out and biting in the spring, so if you’re into fishing, now is the time to come have your shot at catching one of Arkansas’s famous bass, catfish, crappie, or trout.  

3. Go Canoeing on Lee Creek

The waters of Lee Creek, which come out of Lee Creek Reservoir right across the Arkansas River in Van Buren, provide an excellent opportunity for boating enthusiasts to access tranquil nature right outside the city. The water is usually a picturesque green color in the springtime as it takes hues from the nearby foliage and plant life.

There is an access ramp for boaters at the bottom of the dam. Be careful canoeing after heavy rain, as the outflow from the dam sometimes makes the river current strong and fast.

4. Take a Scenic Drive on the Pig Trail Scenic Byway

Easily the most famous route through the Ozarks, the Pig Trail Scenic Byway is a must-see during spring as the lush forests and blooming trees are at their peak.

Only about 20 miles long, it’s a relatively quick drive, but we recommend stopping at one of the many scenic vistas along the way and taking in the sights and smells of the Arkansas spring. And why not bring a picnic lunch and make a day trip out of it?

If you want to enjoy a spring road trip like this in style and comfort and bring your friends or family along for the ride, you’re going to need a comfortable family car for the drive. Here in Fort Smith, we can offer an excellent assortment of cars like this to allow you to make the most of spring. So hop by Orr Chevrolet of Fort Smith to get yourself an awesome new outdoors-ready car, like the Chevy Traverse.