Activities

  • hiking

    Four hiking trails, varying in length, wind through the park. Click here for more information.

  • camping

    Basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites are available. Click here for more information.

  • fishing

    Cast your lines into the Mississippi River or Lake Boutin. Click here for more information.

  • picnicking

    Relax and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the numerous picnic sites or two picnic shelters. Click here for more information. 

  • Horseback Riding

    Explore one of the most remote areas of the park along Peewah Trail. Click here for more information.

  • backpacking

    A primitive backpack camp is located along Peewah Trail. Click here for more information.

  • boating

    Access both Lake Boutin and the Mississippi River using one of the two concrete boat launches. Click here for more information.

  • swimming

    The swimming beach on Lake Boutin features an accessible sidewalk and a restroom/change area. CHECK BEACH STATUS

  • Interpretive Programs

    Interpretive programs are offered during the summer months.

  • Playground

    Playgrounds are located at the Wescoat Shelter and at the lake picnic area.

  • metal_detecting

    Metal detecting is permitted. Click here for more information.

Park information

Gain a better understanding of one of the saddest chapters in American history at Trail of Tears State Park, where nine of the 13 Cherokee Indian groups being relocated to Oklahoma crossed the Mississippi River during harsh winter conditions in 1838 and 1839. The park’s visitor center tells the tale of the thousands who died on the forced march, as well as the park’s many natural features. The park also has a cheerier side: shaded picnic sites, hiking and horse trails, opportunities to fish in both the Mississippi River and Lake Boutin, and majestic views of the Mississippi River and beyond. Its location right on the river makes the park one of the best places in Missouri for viewing migratory waterfowl.

See video

Park Hours

Park Grounds
Open daily, year-round

Overlook hours

7 a.m. to dusk, daily

Visitor Center hours

Summer Hours (On-Season)

  • April
    10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday
    12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday through Friday
  • May through September
    9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
    12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • October
    9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
    12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday through Wednesday

Winter Hours (Off-Season)

  • November
    10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday
    12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday through Friday
  • December through February
    Closed
  • March
    10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday
    12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday through Friday

Beach hours

May 12 through Sept. 16, 2012
Sunrise to sunset, daily