Trail of Tears State Park

37°28′20″N 89°29′37″W / 37.47222°N 89.49361°W / 37.47222; -89.49361^[1]Area3,415.39 acres (13.8216 km²)^[2]Elevation486 ft (148 m)^[1]Established1957^[3]Visitors109,867 (in 2022)^[4]Governing bodyMissouri Department of Natural ResourcesWebsiteTrail of Tears State Park Nearest cityOriole, MissouriArea19.3 acres (7.8 ha)NRHP reference No.70000326Added to NRHPDecember 2, 1970

Trail of Tears State Park is a public recreation area covering 3,415 acres (1,382 ha) bordering the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. The state park stands as a memorial to those Cherokee Native Americans who died on the Cherokee Trail of Tears.^[5] The park's interpretive center features exhibits about the Trail of Tears as well as displays and specimens of local wildlife.^[6] An archaeological site in the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.^[7]

Activities and amenities

Activities in the park include camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, and horseback riding. Fishing is provided at 20-acre (8.1 ha) Lake Boutin and on the Mississippi River. A lookout offers a view of the river and Illinois on the opposite shore.^[5] The park has four trails: Peewah - 9 miles (14 km); Lake – 2.25 miles (3.62 km); Sheppard Point – 1.3 miles (2.1 km); and Nature – 0.6 miles (0.97 km).^[8]

See also

• Cherokee Nation (19th century)

References

External links

• Trail of Tears State Park Missouri Department of Natural Resources
• Trail of Tears State Park Map Missouri Department of Natural Resources