Trail of Tears State Park

Park Information

ATTENTION, CAMPERS: During the off-season (November through March), showerhouses are closed, and water is off at full-hookup sites. Potable water is available from the frost-free spigot at the dump station.

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.

Park Hours

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, click here to visit our Park and Site Status Map.


On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 24, 2023; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day. 

Park Grounds

  • 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., April through October
  • 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., November through March

Overlook hours

7 a.m. to dusk, daily

Beach hours

Beach closed for the season

Visitor Center hours

April through October (On-Season)

  • April
    10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
    Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday through Friday
  • May through September
    9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
    Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • Oct. 1 through Nov. 1
    9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
    Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday through Wednesday

Nov. 2 through March (Off-Season)

  • Nov. 2 through March 19
    Closed
  • March 20-31
    10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
    Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday
    Closed Monday through Friday

Park Office hours

Summer Hours (on-season)

April through September

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday

Noon to 5 p.m., Sunday

October

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday through Saturday

Noon to 5 p.m., Sunday

Closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Winter Hours (off-season)

November through March

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday

Noon to 4 p.m., Sunday

Closed Monday through Friday

On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 24, 2023; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day.