Fort Smith and Van Buren, Arkansas

Gateway to Indian Territory

Two days / one night

This once wild and wooly gateway to the no-man’s land of Indian Territory now entertains visitors with safer and less chaotic activities. You can shop the antique stores of Van Buren, just across the Arkansas River from Fort Smith, see the actual Fort Smith where soldiers were stationed to keep the peace in the lawless parts nearby, and be welcomed at Miss Laura’s Bordello, ideally positioned next to the railway tracks that daily brought new customers.

Please Note

Tours to Fort Smith and Van Buren are often included in our trips to Eureka Springs and Little Rock. For instance, Fort Smith and Van Buren are included in our 2009 tour to Eureka Springs.