In the nineteenth century, several local residents had a wonderful talent for painting and went on to become famous nationwide for their work. In this exhibit, some of the work of different artists from Washington and Hempstead County in the late nineteenth century and up to the present will be on display.  Artwork of local residents Jenny Delony Rice, Mary Carrigan, Effie Anderson Smith, Carrie Carruth, Helen Bittick, and Ann Bittick will be some of the works on display. Open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Join a park interpreter for a guided hike to the Big Bluff Overlook, where we will observe an eagle’s nest in hopes of viewing the eagles. The Big Bluff Trail is moderately strenuous, so please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a water bottle.

September is the perfect time to make this beautiful “felicity” ornaments quilt and have it ready for the Christmas holidays. The ornaments on this quilt are connected with small colorful beads. The size of this quilt is 64” x 76”. You can make it larger by adding more ornaments or smaller by eliminating some – your choice. Held in the air-conditioned ambiance of the Bois d’Arc Conference Center, the Ozark Quilt Retreat is fun, productive, and relaxing. The skill level for making this quilt is “experienced beginner”. You need basic piecing knowledge.  Registration: $44.00 Teacher reserve fee: $50 Class fee: $115.00 The registration fee

Join a park interpreter at the Cameron Bluff Overlook learn how to help Mount Magazine State Park identify and count broad-winged hawks! Participants could potentially view broad-winged hawks in action, as they visit Mount Magazine on their long trip to Central and South America. Feel free to bring with you any level of bird-watching experience, and your favorite binoculars!

Join a park interpreter at the Lodge lobby and hike to a potential hawk-viewing site, Cameron Bluff Overlook. Once reaching the destination, stay awhile for a demonstration on how to help identify and count broad-winged hawks! Binoculars are recommended, as well as seasonally appropriate attire, drinking water, sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, and sunscreen (although this hike is very shaded)!

Learn about the early settlement of the area in the 1820s and 1830s and the beginning of the town of Washington. Take a tour of town and learn about some of the early settlers of town and what brought them to southwest Arkansas. For more information contact the park at (870) 983-2684.

Enjoy Lake Fort Smith’s history, scenery, geology, wildlife, and possible waterfalls and sunset on this boating adventure! Meet Park Interpreter Mystina at the marina dock. Binoculars and life vests are provided. Preregistration is required and space is limited. Register and pay at the marina before 3pm. This activity is dependent on weather and lake conditions.

Meet Park Interpreter BT to explore a couple of the lesser-known sites in the area – the YMCA “College Lodge” and the area where the “Hotel Petit Jean” was located around 100 years ago. Warning: beautiful scenery involved.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal Project created work groups during the 1930s Great Depression Era, such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA built public infrastructure like highways, public buildings, dams, and more. The legacy of the WPA lives here at Lake Fort Smith State Park with their creation of the original 1930s-built dam, lake, and recreation facility that later became the original Lake Fort Smith State Park. Join Park Interpreter Mystina in the visitor center Theater Room to explore the park’s WPA legacy and then enjoy a video documentary about FDR and his WPA.

Join Park Interpreter Mystina for a hike to put your sense of sight, touch, smell, and hearing to the test as you explore some of the natural things found in Lake Fort Smith State Park. Meet at the Warren Hollow trailhead near the group lodges.