Lake Fort Smith State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Fort Smith State Park |
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Lake Fort Smith nestled in the Boston Mountains
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 Lake Fort Smith State Park
Location in Arkansas
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| Location | Mountainburg, Crawford County, Arkansas, United States |
| Area | 260 acres (110 ha) |
| Established | June 19, 2008 |
| Named for | Lake Fort Smith |
| Governing body | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism |
| Website | Lake Fort Smith State Park |
Lake Fort Smith State Park is a fun place to visit in Crawford County, Arkansas. It's a large park, about 260 acres, and it's part of the Arkansas state park system. The park is located in the beautiful Boston Mountains. It's a great spot for outdoor adventures and learning about nature.
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History of Lake Fort Smith State Park
Lake Fort Smith State Park has an interesting past. It started out in the 1930s as a city park for Fort Smith. Later, a group called the Works Progress Administration (WPA) helped build it up. The WPA was a government program that created jobs during a tough time in history. They built many public places like this park.
The park became part of the state park system in 1967. This meant the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism took over its care.
A New Beginning for the Park
In 2002, the original Lake Fort Smith State Park had to close. This was because a much larger dam and spillway were being built. The new dam would make the lake bigger, and the old park area would be covered by water.
But don't worry! A brand new Lake Fort Smith State Park opened on May 21, 2008. It's located about four miles north of the old spot. This new park is even better, with lots of modern facilities for visitors to enjoy.
What to Do at Lake Fort Smith State Park
The park offers many exciting activities for families and friends. You can spend the day or even stay overnight!
Camping and Lodging
If you love camping, this park is perfect. It has:
- 30 campsites for tents or RVs
- 10 cozy cabins
- A group lodging facility for larger gatherings
Fun Activities and Facilities
There's so much to do at Lake Fort Smith State Park:
- Picnic sites for outdoor meals
- A pavilion for events
- A marina where you can rent boats
- A double lane boat ramp for launching your own boat
- A swimming pool to cool off on hot days
- A playground for kids to have fun
Visitor Center and Exhibits
The park also has a big visitor center. It's about 8,000 square feet! Inside, you'll find:
- An exhibit gallery with interesting displays
- A gift shop to buy souvenirs
- A meeting or classroom space
- A patio with an outdoor fireplace, perfect for chilly evenings
- Amazing views of the lake and mountains
Lake Fort Smith State Park is a wonderful place to explore nature, relax, and make lasting memories with your family.
