With an early afternoon arrival, tour the Fort Smith Museum of History.  Enjoy the museum’s permanent and rotating exhibits, from horseless carriages, horse drawn fire engines.  The second floor offers the popular 1998 exhibition In the Shadow of the Gallows, which includes furnishings from the 6th Street court of Judge Isaac C. Parker (also known as The Hanging Judge of Indian Territory); On the Air, an exhibit featuring the history of radio and television broadcast in Fort Smith and the region; an excellent collection of 19th century woodworking tools; and a depiction of the well-known Goldman Hotel in downtown Fort Smith.

Check into your Fort Smith hotel for a two night stay.  After time to freshen-up, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and a comedic performance of “The Medicine Show on Hanging Day” by Miss Laura’s Players. (D)

This morning, explore a vibrant, growing gallery of world-renowned urban and contemporary public art that has breathed new life into the historic streets of downtown Fort Smith.  The growing collection of permanent/semi-permanent outdoor art now includes more than 30 pieces by highly sought-after international artists such as D*Face, Ana Maria, Askew, Okuda San Miguel, Bordalo II, Maser, Hoxxoh, and many others.

Next, take a ride on the A&M Railroad into the beautiful Ozark Mountains.  Traveling from Van Buren to Winslow, this three-hour, 70 miles round trip excursion takes you through the ruggedly beautiful Boston Mountain range of the Ozarks, over three valley trestles and through the 1700-foot-long Winslow tunnel for some of the most breathtaking scenery you are likely to see in ‘The Natural State’.  Lunch is included on the train.

Returning to Fort Smith this afternoon, tour the Fort Smith National Historic Site, which includes the remains of the original 1817 fort on the Arkansas River.  One of the highlights is the two-story barracks from the second fort, which in the early 1870s became the Federal Courthouse for the Western District of Arkansas.  Inside are the restored courtroom of the famed “Hangin’ Judge” Isaac C. Parker, and the dingy frontier jail aptly named “Hell on the Border.”

Dinner is included tonight at Taliano’s Italian Restaurant, housed in the James Sparks home.  Built in 1887, this Romanesque-Victorian has its original interiors including chandeliers and hand-carved fireplaces. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, visit the new United States Marshals Museum.

Set on the banks of the Arkansas River, the U.S. Marshals Museum is housed in an innovative facility named the Mary Carleton and Robert A. Young III Building.  The Museum features a unique exterior with a modified star-shaped design signifying the star badge worn by courageous U.S. Marshals. Inside, five immersive galleries educate guests about the critical, ever-evolving role the Marshals have played in upholding the Rule of Law, driven by justice, integrity and service. The Museum’s National Learning Center combines the Museum experience with educational programming focused on the Constitution, the Rule of Law and civic literacy. Guests will get to pay tribute to the more than 350+ Marshals killed in the line of duty since 1789 by visiting the Samuel M. Sicard Hall of Honor.

After your tour, depart for home. (B)