Lee Mcmillan Memorial Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Lee McMillan Memorial Park is a beautiful recreational area located in the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists due to its scenic views, fun activities and peaceful atmosphere.

One of the main reasons to visit the park is to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The park covers over 200 acres of land, including a large lake, hiking trails, and green spaces for picnics and relaxation. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking on the lake.

A notable point of interest within the park is the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, which offers educational exhibits and interactive displays about the local wildlife and environment. The center also offers programs and events for all ages, including wildlife watching, hiking, and birding.

Another interesting fact about the park is that it is named after Lee McMillan, a former mayor of Fort Smith who was instrumental in the development of the park. The park was officially dedicated to him in 2001, and it has since become a beloved gathering place for the community.

The best time of year to visit the park is during the spring and fall months when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. However, the park is open year-round and offers activities for every season, including winter sports like ice fishing and ice skating.

Overall, Lee McMillan Memorial Park is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors, learn about the local environment, and spend time with family and friends.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks