Trail of Tears State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Trail of Tears State Park |
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 Trail of Tears State Park
Location in Missouri
Trail of Tears State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 3,415.39 acres (13.8216 km2) |
| Elevation | 486 ft (148 m) |
| Established | 1957 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Trail of Tears State Park |
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Trail of Tears State Park
Archaeological Site |
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| Nearest city | Oriole, Missouri |
| Area | 19.3 acres (7.8 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000326 |
| Added to NRHP | December 2, 1970 |
Trail of Tears State Park is a large public park in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri. It covers about 3,415 acres (1,382 ha) and sits right next to the Mississippi River. This park is a special place that remembers the Cherokee people and their difficult journey.
The park has a visitor center. Here, you can learn about the Trail of Tears. You can also see displays and examples of local animals and plants. An old archaeological site in the park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
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What is Trail of Tears State Park?
Trail of Tears State Park is more than just a place for fun. It is a memorial to a very sad time in American history. In the 1830s, the United States government forced many Native American groups, including the Cherokee, to leave their homes. They had to move from their lands in the southeastern U.S. to Indian Territory, which is now Oklahoma.
Why is This Park Important?
This forced journey was long and hard. Thousands of people died from sickness, hunger, and cold. This terrible event became known as the "Trail of Tears." The park in Missouri is named after this event. It honors those who suffered and died during this forced relocation. The park helps us remember this important part of history.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Trail of Tears State Park offers many activities for visitors. You can enjoy the outdoors and learn at the same time.
Outdoor Activities
- Camping: Spend a night or two under the stars.
- Picnicking: Enjoy a meal with your family and friends.
- Swimming: Cool off in the park's swimming areas.
- Horseback Riding: Explore the park on horseback.
Fishing and Views
You can go fishing in Lake Boutin, which is about 20 acres (8.1 ha) big. You can also fish in the mighty Mississippi River. There is a special lookout point in the park. From here, you can see amazing views of the Mississippi River. You can even see the state of Illinois on the other side!
Hiking Trails
The park has four different trails for hiking. They are great for exploring nature:
- Peewah Trail: This is the longest trail, about 9 miles (14 km) long.
- Lake Trail: This trail is about 2.25 miles (3.62 km) long.
- Sheppard Point Trail: This trail is about 1.3 miles (2.1 km) long.
- Nature Trail: This is the shortest trail, about 0.6 miles (0.97 km) long.
