Ft. Smith / Alma KOA

Old Frisco Depot Train Ride

Embarking from historic Van Buren’s Old Frisco Depot, the Ozark Scenic Railway vintage train will take you on a breathtaking ride through the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Every weekend from April through mid-November, a three-hour round trip ride from Van Buren to Winslow offers you spectacular views of the Boston Mountains. There’s no better way to experience the majesty of the Ozarks!

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Fort Smith National Historic Site embraces the remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. Commemorating a significant phase of America’s westward expansion, it stands today a reminder of 80 turbulent years in the history of Federal Indian policy.

Van Buren Old Town

A stroll down Van Buren’s beautifully restored Victorian Main Street is a walk through a more gracious and elegant time. The exceptional collection of fascinating shops that line this quaint and picturesque street contain shopping treasures of almost every description. And at prices that will make you feel like a river pirate.

Wineries: Wiederkehr, Post Familie, Mount Bethel and Cowie

This area known as Altus area has a wine making heritage dating back to the 1880s and is famous for its historic vineyards and award-winning wines. The German and Swiss immigrants who settled here passed on their traditions and knowledge of wine production to the present families. Hundreds of acres of vineyards surround the Altus area and contribute to its European culture. Each winery has a tasting room and gift shop, and offers free tours daily.

Old Fort Museum

From the founding of the first fort in 1817 to nearby Fort Chaffee’s role in the 1980’s, the tumultuous history of Fort Smith’s presence on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border is brought to life in a series of fascinating exhibits and displays. They tell the area’s story through the westward expansion, the Civil War, the Gay Nineties -- and the emergence of a modern city in the 20th century. Don’t miss the old-fashioned drug store and working soda fountain.

Fort Smith Trolley Museum

Streetcars were the way to get around in most cities 60-70 years ago. A fully restored 1926 streetcar rides the rails between the Trolley Museum and the Old Fort Museum, bringing back memories for some and new thrills for others. The museum also contains old railroad passenger cars, engines, early Fort Smith buses and other transportation memorabilia.
Phone # 479-783-0205 or 479-783-0145
http://www.fortsmith.org/attractions/trolleymuseum.asp

Miss Laura's Historic Brothel

Built just before the turn of the century as the city's unique Riverfront Hotel, the ornate building soon became widely-known as "Miss Laura's," the premier bawdyhouse in the rough-and-tumble part of Fort Smith along the Arkansas River. After legalized prostitution ended in 1924, the building was bought and sold several times and fell into disrepair following the death of the last madam in 1949. A local benefactor, Donald W. Reynolds, purchased the building in 1963 to save it from the wrecking ball. Add it to your list to do visit Miss Laura's while in the area!
Phone # 479-783-8888
www.fortsmith.org/attractions/misslaurasvc.asp

Terra Studios / Blue Bird of Happiness

Terra Studios is located in the Ozark Mountains near Fayetteville, Arkansas. Artisans produce glass and pottery homewares, gifts and fine art pieces.
Phone # 800-255-8995
www.terrastudios.com

Post Familie Winegrowers

Since 1880, five generations of Posts have cultivated and harvested their grapes to make Post Familie wines. The founder of our wine heritage and Altus viticulture was Jacob Post, a German who arrived in America in 1872. From his cellar, he sold the first Altus wines to passengers on the Iron Mountain Railroad, when the train stopped by his farm for fuel and water. His daughter-in-law, the colorful Katherine Post, was rumored to have served wine with her meals at her very popular restaurant during the Prohibition Era. After Prohibition, the state legislature turned to her son James for help in writing laws to make winegrowing legal once again. He and his son Mathew formed the Post Winery at its present location. By adding new grape varieties to the vineyards and improvements in the winemaking process, combined with increasing storage capacity, Matt made the winery a successful business. His 12 sons and daughters ensure the familie tradition of making fine wines will continue. Today it is this fifth generation that is continuing this winegrowing tradition of excellence. Incorporating the latest technology has improved both vineyards and winery. Our resulting wines have been Gold Medal Winners. Taste the tradition and "Toast with Post."
Phone # 479-468-2741
www.postfamilie.com

More local area information

For more information on the local area:

• Alma Area Chamber, phone #479-632-4127
  www.alma-ar.com
• Van Buren Chamber, phone #800-332-5889
  www.vanburen.org
• Ft. Smith Chamber of Commerce, phone #479-783-6118
  www.fortsmith.org