The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center sits on the south side of Fort Smith along the river, offering a free, family-friendly introduction to the natural history of the Arkansas River Valley. The centre has indoor aquariums displaying native fish species, touch tanks, and exhibits on the ecology of the river system. Outside, a network of short trails leads through bottomland forest where turtles, herons, and the occasional otter can be spotted.
The centre is operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and doubles as a good orientation point for the broader River Valley. Staff here are knowledgeable about fishing access, migratory bird patterns, and where to see specific wildlife along the river corridor. Free admission makes it a logical first stop before heading to the paid historic sites downtown.