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Trail of Tears State Park: A Memorial to Remembrance and Natural Beauty

Reflect on history and experience natural beauty at Trail of Tears State Park, a memorial to the Cherokee Nation's tragic journey.

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Trail of Tears State Park in Jackson, Missouri, commemorates the tragic forced relocation of Cherokee people in the 1830s. Today, the park offers a serene landscape of wooded hills, hiking trails, and views of the Mississippi River, providing a space for reflection and recreation.

A brief summary to Trail of Tears State Park

Local tips

  • Visit the park's visitor center to learn about the history of the Trail of Tears and the natural environment.
  • Hike the Peewah Trail for a challenging trek through the Indian Creek Wild Area, with views of the Mississippi River.
  • Bring your fishing gear to try your luck in the Mississippi River or Lake Boutin.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Trail of Tears State Park is located near Jackson, Missouri. From I-55, take exit 155 (Fruitland/Jackson) and follow US Hwy 61 North for 1 mile. Turn right onto MO Hwy 177 and follow it for 11.5 miles, staying right at 7.4 miles. The park entrance will be on your left. Parking is available within the park.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Trail of Tears State Park via public transportation, take a local bus from White River Basin to the major bus station in Cape Girardeau. From there, transfer to a regional bus service to Jackson, MO. Upon arrival in Jackson, use a taxi or rideshare service to reach the park at 429 Moccasin Springs Rd. Bus fares vary; contact local providers for schedules and fares.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From Cape Girardeau, a taxi or rideshare to Trail of Tears State Park will cost approximately $30-$40 and take around 30 minutes, but this is an estimate as taxi services are limited. Specify 'Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs Rd, Jackson, MO 63755' as the destination when booking.

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Discover more about Trail of Tears State Park

Trail of Tears State Park, located in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, is a poignant memorial to the Cherokee people who suffered and died during the forced removal known as the Trail of Tears. In the winter of 1838-1839, nine detachments of Cherokee were forced to cross the icy Mississippi River at this location, part of their journey from their homelands in the southeastern United States to Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). The park's visitor center offers exhibits detailing the history of the Trail of Tears and the natural history of the area. A 23-minute documentary produced by the National Park Service is also available. The park itself encompasses 3,415 acres of wooded hills, valleys, and bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. Visitors can explore the landscape via hiking and horseback riding trails, fish in the Mississippi River or Lake Boutin, and enjoy picnicking. The overlook provides scenic views of the river and the opposite shore in Illinois. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, with both basic and electric campsites available. There are four main trails: the Peewah Trail (10 miles, moderate to strenuous), the Lake Trail (2.25 miles, easy), the Sheppard Point Trail (1.3 miles, difficult), and the Nature Trail (0.6 miles, easy). The Peewah Trail provides access to the remote Indian Creek Wild Area, while the Lake Trail loops around Lake Boutin and the basic campground.

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