30-45 Minutes
Explore the Parade Ground
Fort Smith National Historic Site
The loop around the Parade Ground is one quarter of a mile. It was the center of life at the fort from 1838 - 1871.
For more than thirty years during the mid-1800’s, soldiers drilled on the large parade ground. Flanked by the Officers’ Quarters to the right and the enlisted men’s barracks on the left, the parade ground was the center of life at the fort. The loop around the parade ground is one quarter of a mile. Surrounding the parade ground to the north is the Commissary, to the east is the Visitor Center (former barracks, courthouse, and jail building), to the south is the Gallows, and to the west are the Officers' Quarters and Garden.
Tags
Front-Country HikingFortsJails and PrisonsFort Smith National Historic SitefortMidwestArkansasMidwest NPS
Visitor Photos
No visitor photos yet
Details
Duration
30-45 Minutes
Fees Apply
No
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility
The loop around the parade ground is a cement sidewalk four feet wide. The loop is flat with an extimated slope and cross slope is less than 1%. Benches can be found at the north end at the Guardhouse and the Commissary and Frisco Overlook.
Pets
Yes — Visitors are welcome to take their dogs with them while exploring the park trails and grounds, as long as they follow the BARK Ranger rules: B is for Bag your pet's waste. Bag dispensers and trash bins can be found along the walking trails. A is for Always use a leash. Keeping your dog on a leash helps protect them and others. R is for Respect wildlife. Keep an eye out for snakes, fire ants, and stinging insects. Remember that squirrels and birds also like to be left alone! K is for Know where you can go. While pets are welcome outside, only service animals are allowed inside the visitor center.
Reservations
No
Age Info
All ages
Location
Parade Ground