Fort Smith National Historic Site

11/06/2026

Across the National Park System, memorials, monuments and historic landscapes preserve the stories of those who served and sacrificed. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and World War II Memorial to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and the newly dedicated Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, these places invite us to reflect on the people behind the history.

Beyond the memorials, historic battlefields, military forts and other sites across the country help tell the stories of generations who served. On Veterans Day, take time to visit a place of remembrance, discover a story you didn't know, and honor those who served.

Explore places that commemorate America's military history: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/veterans-day.htm

Image: Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial Raptors in Flight. NPS/Brodsky

11/06/2026

11/05/2026

The histories, cultures, and living traditions of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander communities are an important part of the stories told across our national parks.

Throughout the year, and during November’s Native American Heritage Month, explore the stories, places, and cultural heritage preserved and shared in national parks and communities across the country: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/native-american-heritage-month.htm

NPS Photo

11/04/2026

It’s leaf-peeping season. The trees have made an effort, so the least we can do is go outside and stare at them.

Leaf peeping is the ancient human tradition of traveling long distances to look at leaves, take photographs, and stand in the middle of roads while saying, “Oh, wow, look at that one.”

Nobody knows exactly when this became a major event, but the trees seem okay with the arrangement. So get out there and see what all the rustle is about.

NPS photos

11/04/2026

As Veterans Day approaches, take a moment to honor those who have served our country. One way to celebrate their service is by helping them discover the places and stories that make our nation's public lands special.

U.S. military veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for a free America the Beautiful Military Lifetime Pass, providing free access to federal recreation lands where entrance or standard amenity fees are charged.

From the quiet beauty of a mountain trail to the stories preserved at historic sites, our public lands offer opportunities to explore, reflect, learn, and connect with the places that help tell America's story.

Learn how to get your pass and start planning your next adventure: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/veterans-and-gold-star-families-free-access.htm

Image: Korean War Veterans Memorial at National Mall & Memorial Parks /NPS

11/02/2026

Hello darkness, my old friend. Now you start at 5:00 pm.

With daylight saving time behind us, the sun is clocking out a littler earlier. Just as before, if you’re heading to a national park, make sure and check park hours, trail conditions, weather forecasts, and sunset times.

Fun fact: admiring fall foliage is much more enjoyable when you’re not trying to navigate a trail in the dark while wondering which tree looks familiar.

NPS photo

11/02/2026

11/02/2026

🦋 Imagine flying thousands of miles to make it home for a family reunion. Monarch butterflies do it every year.

Every fall, two journeys come together. As millions of monarch butterflies travel south on one of nature's greatest migrations, families gather to honor loved ones during Day of the Dead or Día de los Mu***os.

For many communities, the arrival of the monarchs is more than a sign of the changing season. These butterflies are seen as messengers, symbolizing the return of loved ones in spirit and serving as a beautiful reminder of the enduring connections between generations.

Traveling thousands of miles across North America, they depend on healthy habitats, including in parks, to rest, feed, and continue their journey.

What animal makes you feel connected to your family or community?

Several parks across the country host cultural Day of the Dead programming, including San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, among others.

NPS Photo taken at Amistad National Recreation Area

11/02/2026

Día de los Mu***os, or Day of the Dead, is a centuries-old tradition that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed. Its roots stretch back to Indigenous cultures of Mesoamerica, where ancestors were remembered through ritual, art, and celebration. When the Spanish arrived in what is now Texas, these native customs merged with Catholic traditions like All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day; creating the vibrant holiday we know today.

At San Antonio Missions, you can see this cultural fusion come to life. From colorful altars adorned with marigolds and candles to music, food, and stories, the park reflects how Spanish and Indigenous traditions shaped communities along the San Antonio River.

Come explore mission descendant ofrendas/ Day of the Dead altars while they are still inside the Mission San Jose granary for a few more days!

NPS Photo/ Andrew Shirey

10/31/2026

This is Halloween, this is Halloween
Pumpkins* scream in the dead of night!

Happy Halloween!

*No pumpkins have been observed screaming in national parks. You may be hearing a coyote, bobcat, fox, owl, or that marmot looking for Alan…or was it Steve?

Image: Boo! Carved jack-o’-lantern with ranger hat at Hartwell Tavern at Minute Man National Historical Park

10/26/2026

Join us for a day of Frontier Explorers programs on Saturday, November 7!

🗺️ 3:00 – 4:00 PM: Fort Smith’s Frontier Explorers
Join Ranger Justin for a program detailing how Fort Smith served as a jumping-off point for Western explorers from 1821 through 1859 to open the Southwest to westward expansion. You’ll learn about the many exploring parties, the sights they saw, dangers they faced, as well as the effects they had upon the landscape, its Indigenous inhabitants, and the America we live in today!

✨ 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Twinkle, Twinkle, Frontier Star: Night Sky Event
Travel back in time with park rangers through journal entries and star maps to experience the night sky like a frontier explorer. After, join us outside on park grounds for a star party!

Want more details? Check out the event calendar on our website: go.nps.gov/calendar-fort-smith

10/25/2026

A massive thank you to all who came out to enjoy the 7th Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival yesterday!! 🍂

Did you take a picture at the photo booth? Tag us or share below to show off your shots!

📸 NPS Photo

10/24/2026

Join us TODAY at the 7th Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival!
www.fortsmithfallfest.com

10/24/2026

TOMORROW is the day to join us at the 7th Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival!! Check out everything at www.fortsmithfallfest.com

10/22/2026

Fort Smith Fall Festival Partner Highlight!

Be sure and stop by the Fort Smith Visitor Center at 524 Garrison Avenue where they'll have chalk for sidewalk art, crafts for the kids, a dog watering station for the puppers and be sure and sign up to win this amazing basket! See you on October 24th!

10/22/2026

Fort Smith Fall Festival Parter Highlight!
Be sure and stop by the Fort Smith Museum of History for FREE entrance to meet Judge Parker and a host of historical characters. Also, don't forget about their ICE CREAM SUNDAE BAR! See you on October 24th! fortsmithfallfest.com

10/21/2026

Fort Smith Fall Festival Partner Highlight

Enjoy FREE trolley rides all day thanks to the Fort Smith Trolley Museum. You can board at their museum and right in front of the Fort Smith Museum of History. We'll see you on October 24th! fortsmithfallfest.com

10/20/2026

Join us at 1:00pm during the 7th Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival for You be the Judge! Kids' Court Photo Booth!

This activity will be located on the 2nd floor in the courtroom. Costumes and props will be provided but be sure to bring your own camera/phone to capture your kiddos in their 19th century getups!

NPS Photos

10/20/2026

Fort Smith Fall Festival -- October 24th
Stop by Pendergraft Park (200 Garrison Ave) as it will be full of FREE children's games like Dart Wars as well as vendors set up for facepainting! And enjoy the FREE LIVE MUSIC provided by the Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Society!

10/19/2026

Are you worried about parking at the Fort Smith Fall Festival? Don't be! There will be FREE buses that will take you to each event location! See you on October 24th!