Arkoma OklahomaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Arkoma, Oklahoma.
1. Arkoma Park
SERENE OUTDOOR RECREATION SPACE
Arkoma Park offers a serene and picturesque setting spread across 6.5 acres for walkers and runners to explore. The park provides well-maintained trails catering to all fitness levels, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy amenities such as picnic sites, BBQ facilities, and restrooms while immersing themselves in the beauty of nature.
2. Arkoma School
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
Arkoma School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, representing an important piece of the town's educational heritage. The historic school building showcases architectural elements typical of its era and stands as a testament to Arkoma's community development. Visitors interested in local history find the school to be a significant cultural landmark worth exploring.
3. Fort Smith Convention Center
PREMIER EVENT VENUE
Fort Smith Convention Center is a highly-rated venue that hosts various events and gatherings just minutes from Arkoma. The center features modern facilities and spacious halls designed to accommodate conventions, concerts, and community events. Visitors from Arkoma frequently attend the diverse programming offered at this convenient neighboring attraction.
4. Fort Smith National Cemetery
HISTORIC MEMORIAL GROUNDS
Fort Smith National Cemetery is a solemn and beautifully maintained historic site near Arkoma with a 4.7 rating from visitors. The cemetery serves as the final resting place for veterans from multiple conflicts, offering a peaceful environment for reflection and remembrance. Visitors can walk the grounds to observe historic markers and monuments that commemorate military service and sacrifice.
5. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum
CULTURAL ART DESTINATION
Fort Smith Regional Art Museum showcases diverse artistic expressions in an accessible location near Arkoma. The museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical art, providing cultural enrichment for visitors of all ages. Art enthusiasts from Arkoma appreciate the museum's commitment to promoting artistic excellence and educational programming.
6. Trolley Museum
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION EXHIBIT
The Trolley Museum preserves the transportation heritage of the region with its collection of historic streetcars and related artifacts. Visitors can explore restored trolleys and learn about the impact of public transportation on the development of Fort Smith and surrounding areas like Arkoma. The museum offers an interactive experience that appeals to history buffs and families alike.
7. Fort Smith Museum of History
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
Fort Smith Museum of History documents the rich past of Fort Smith and surrounding communities including Arkoma. The museum houses extensive collections of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's development. Visitors gain insights into frontier life, Native American history, and the evolution of the community through engaging exhibits and knowledgeable staff.
8. Oklahoma Route 66 Museum
HISTORIC HIGHWAY SHOWCASE
The Oklahoma Route 66 Museum celebrates the iconic highway that played a crucial role in American travel and migration. The museum features exhibits on the history and culture surrounding Route 66, highlighting its significance to Oklahoma communities. Visitors from Arkoma can explore the evolution of road travel through interactive displays, vintage vehicles, and nostalgic memorabilia.
9. Oklahoma History Center
STATE HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Oklahoma History Center serves as the state's premier institution dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Oklahoma's rich history. The center features extensive exhibits covering Native American cultures, pioneer settlement, and the state's development through modern times. Arkoma residents visiting the capital can connect with their state's broader heritage through interactive displays and comprehensive collections.
10. Oklahoma Territorial Museum
FRONTIER HISTORY EXPLORATION
The Oklahoma Territorial Museum preserves the history of Oklahoma's territorial period and the dramatic land runs that shaped the state. The museum occupies the historic Carnegie Library building and houses collections depicting life during the territorial era. Visitors from Arkoma gain perspective on their state's formative years through exhibits featuring authentic artifacts and compelling narratives.
11. Oklahoma State Capitol Museum
GOVERNMENTAL HERITAGE SITE
The Oklahoma State Capitol Museum showcases the architectural splendor and political history of Oklahoma's seat of government. Visitors can tour the historic building to view governmental chambers, art collections, and exhibits detailing the state's political development. The museum provides Arkoma residents with insights into the workings of state government and Oklahoma's legislative history.
12. Miss Laura's Visitor Center
HISTORIC HOSPITALITY HUB
Miss Laura's Visitor Center operates in a restored Victorian-era former bordello, offering a unique glimpse into Fort Smith's colorful past. The center provides information about local attractions and events while preserving the architectural character of this historic building. Visitors from nearby Arkoma appreciate both the practical travel assistance and the opportunity to explore this distinctive cultural landmark.
13. Belle Grove Historic District
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE SHOWCASE
Belle Grove Historic District features an impressive collection of Victorian-era homes and buildings just minutes from Arkoma. The neighborhood showcases architectural styles ranging from Gothic Revival to Queen Anne, representing one of the best-preserved historic districts in the region. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to admire the ornate details and historical significance of these beautifully maintained structures.
14. Fort Smith National Historic Site
FRONTIER JUSTICE LANDMARK
Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves the remains of two frontier forts and the federal courthouse where Judge Isaac C. Parker, known as the 'hanging judge,' presided. The site features exhibits on military history, law enforcement on the frontier, and the Trail of Tears. Arkoma visitors can explore reconstructed gallows, jail cells, and interpretive displays that bring the dramatic frontier justice era to life.
15. Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
WILDLIFE EDUCATION FACILITY
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center offers educational exhibits and outdoor activities highlighting the region's natural history and wildlife. The center features aquariums, dioramas, and interactive displays showcasing the diverse ecosystems of the Arkansas River Valley. Visitors from Arkoma can enjoy hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife observation areas in this expansive natural setting.