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Miss Laura's Visitor Center: A Glimpse into Fort Smith's Past

Explore Fort Smith's Wild West history at Miss Laura's Visitor Center, a restored bordello offering tours and information about the city's colorful past.

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Housed in a former bordello, Miss Laura's Visitor Center offers a unique glimpse into Fort Smith's Wild West history. This beautifully restored Victorian mansion provides visitor information and guided tours, revealing the stories of the women who once lived and worked here.

A brief summary to Miss Laura's Visitor Center

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Take the free guided tour to learn about the history of the building and the women who worked there.
  • Check out the exhibits to see period-correct artifacts and learn about Fort Smith's red-light district.
  • Ask the volunteers for recommendations on other things to see and do in Fort Smith.
  • Note that the tour content is the same for all ages, but it is recommended for ages 16 and up.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Miss Laura's Visitor Center is located at 2 N B St in downtown Fort Smith, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions and hotels. From the Fort Smith National Historic Site, head two blocks north. From Garrison Avenue, walk towards the riverfront; the visitor center will be on your left. There is no fee to enter Miss Laura's Visitor Center.

  • Public Transport

    The Fort Smith Transit offers bus service throughout the city. Check the local transit schedule for the nearest bus stop to Miss Laura's Visitor Center. From the bus stop, follow the street signs to 2 N B St. Bus fares typically cost around $1.25 for a single ride.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Fort Smith. Request a ride to 2 N B St, Fort Smith. The fare from the Fort Smith Regional Airport to Miss Laura's is approximately $15-$20. Drop-off is directly in front of the visitor center.

  • Parking

    Free parking is available at Miss Laura's Visitor Center. The parking lot is located directly in front of the building, making access convenient. Additional street parking is available nearby, but be mindful of any posted time restrictions.

Unlock the Best of Miss Laura's Visitor Center

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Discover more about Miss Laura's Visitor Center

Miss Laura's Visitor Center, located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, stands as a unique testament to the city's colorful past. Housed in a former bordello that operated for over three decades, it now serves as the city's official visitor center. The building itself is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, offering a glimpse into the world of the Old West and the women who shaped it. Built in 1898 by Laura Ziegler, Miss Laura's opened its doors as a brothel in 1903, quickly becoming one of the most celebrated in the Southwest. Ziegler, a working prostitute, borrowed $5,000 to purchase the building and transformed it into a high-class establishment. Miss Laura's was known for its sophisticated atmosphere, requiring the women to be fully dressed when downstairs and ensuring they had regular medical checkups. Located on what was known as "The Row," Fort Smith's red-light district, Miss Laura's was one of six brothels that thrived in the area. It operated until 1948 when Bertha Gale Dean, also known as Big Bertha, who took over Miss Laura's in 1911, passed away. In 1973, Miss Laura's was added to the National Register of Historic Places, and restoration began in 1983. After a brief stint as a restaurant, it reopened as the visitor center in 1992. Today, visitors can take free guided tours of the building, explore exhibits, and learn about the history of Fort Smith and its red-light district. The center provides wayfinding materials, information about local attractions, and insights into upcoming events. While the Fort Smith Visitor's Center will be relocating to Garrison Avenue, Miss Laura's will remain an important relic of the city's past, with plenty to offer to the community's future.

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