Trail of Tears State Park


Trail of Tears State Park is a public recreation area covering 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. The park's interpretive center features exhibits about the Trail of Tears as well as displays and specimens of local wildlife. An archaeological site in the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.

Activities and amenities

Activities in the park include camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, and horseback riding. Fishing is provided at Lake Boutin and on the Mississippi River. A lookout offers a view of the river and Illinois on the opposite shore. The park has four trails: Peewah - ; Lake – ; Sheppard Point – ; and Nature –.