All signs point to Fort Smith (at least around here). It even has its own freeway, I-540 (interchange at exit 7). At exit 12, near Alma, is another I-540 interchange – this one for the stretch connecting I-40 with Fayetteville (home of the University of Arkansas), Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville (home of Wal-Mart) and other northwestern Arkansas communities. Despite all this, there are no hotels along I-40 with a Fort Smith address; the few RV Parks near I-40 around here are actually in Van Buren, the eastern gateway to Fort Smith. So if you are looking for a hotel near an I-40 exit, you will have to go to the Van Buren page.

Miss Laura's Visitor Center
  This is the official Fort Smith Visitors' Center. Located at the Arkansas River at the foot of 'B' Street, it was originally a hotel and brothel and the place has a lot of colorful history. It has been restored for the umpteenth time (last time because it was heavily damaged by the 1996 tornado) and is the only former 'house of prostitution' on the National Register of Historic Places.
  Stop by the visitors' center (you were going to do that anyway, right?) and take the tour. One of the attractions: emblazoned on the transoms of the doors are the names of the girls who 'worked' there in the brothel days. Fond recognitions?
  For more information contact the visitors' center.

Fort Smith Trolley Museum
  From the 1920's through World War II, streetcars were popular in most cities. On display is an unusually complete collection of old railroad passenger cars and locomotives, busses and other transportation equipments used over the years in Fort Smith buses and many other transportation artifacts.

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  The Fort Smith Trolley Museum also operates a fully-restored ca. 1926 electric streetcar. Regular half-mile runs between the Fort Smith National Cemetery and the Varsity Sports Grill or Garrison Avenue (Main Street) give you a good tour of the older part of Fort Smith as well as a fun ride in one of these romantic, old trolleys. 
From May through October, inclusive, open Monday through Friday 10a to 5p; Sundays 1 to 5 p. From November through April, inclusive, open Saturdays 10a to 5p and Sundays 1 to 5p. Fare $1; children 50 cents.
  For schedules and boarding locations, phone 1-479-783-0205 or 1-479-783-1237. They also have a web page at: FSTrolley.
  From I-40 get on I-540 south at exit 7. Follow I-540 to Grand Avenue (exit 6). Exit and turn right following Grand to US-64 (which is also 10th Street). Carefully, follow the US-64 signs and you will soon be on Garrison Street. Drive down Garrison Street (still on US-64) to 4th Street. Turn left on 4th and drive another 2 blocks to the Trolley Museum. (address: 100 South Fourth Street)

Lawbreakers and Peacemakers
  Just can't say goodbye to Fort Smith without mentioning this very entertaining group. This small theatre troupe puts on short enactments about Arkansas and Oklahoma territories; frontier days. Characterizations of the famous (or infamous?) Judge Isaac Parker, the 'Hanging Judge' who sentenced at least 79 to hanging would seem to be very heavy drama. This troupe devised a way to mix the drama and tragedies of this hectic era with laughter. Sometime you won't know if your should laugh or... Anyway, it is a fun diversion and a welcome break from driving down the Interstate.
  Their schedules seem to be very erratic. Phone 1-479-471-5150 - or e-mail them at burden2@swbell.net. They also have a web page at: lawbreakers.

Important note: If you are coming from Oklahoma, take exit 325 (in Roland) and follow US-64 into Ft. Smith. It cuts a lot of miles (and time) off your journey and is an excellent highway.