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Trail of Tears State Park

Trail of Tears State Park, located near Piedmont, offers a solemn and poignant reminder of a dark chapter in American history. The park commemorates the forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States during the 1830s, a journey known as the Trail of Tears. Visitors can explore the park's interpretive center, which houses exhibits that delve into the history of the Trail of Tears, the resilience of the Cherokee people, and the impact of this tragic event on Native American communities.

One of the most moving aspects of the park is the Trail of Tears Memorial, a series of bronze sculptures that depict the suffering and resilience of the Cherokee people during their forced relocation. Visitors can walk among the sculptures, reflecting on the hardships endured by these individuals and families as they were driven from their homes and forced to march westward.

The park also features several hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forests and hills, offering opportunities for quiet contemplation and reflection. The trails vary in length and difficulty, providing options for hikers of all levels. As visitors traverse these paths, they can imagine the thousands of Native Americans who walked this same land under duress, leaving behind their homes and livelihoods.

The park's natural beauty, with its lush forests, tranquil ponds, and scenic overlooks, provides a stark contrast to the somber history it commemorates. Visitors can find solace in the park's peaceful atmosphere, observing the diverse wildlife and enjoying the serenity of the natural surroundings.

Trail of Tears State Park serves as a place of remembrance, education, and reconciliation. It honors the resilience of the Cherokee people and the enduring spirit of Native American culture. Visitors can learn about the history of the Trail of Tears, pay their respects to those who suffered, and reflect on the importance of cultural understanding and compassion.

Missouri State Parks
Trip Advisor

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Trail of Tears State Park

The trail earned its name as nine of the 13 Cherokee Indian groups that were relocated to Oklahoma Territory were forced to cross the Mississippi River during harsh winter conditions in 1838 and 1839, killing over 1,000 people, mostly the elderly, young, and infirmed. Thousands more died of exposure, starvation, and disease on the way to the reservation.

Attraction Advice

Trail of Tears State Park is open April through October from 7 AM to 10 PM and November through March from 7 AM to 6 PM. Admission is free.



Trip Advisor

The park features an interpretive center that provides information about the Trail of Tears and its impact on Native American tribes.
Trip Advisor

The park preserves a portion of the route traveled by Cherokee, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek), and Seminole tribes during the forced relocation.
Trip Advisor

Educational programs provide opportunities for visitors to engage with cultural heritage and the experiences of the Native American tribes who traveled the trail.
National Park Service

The park boasts stunning scenic overlooks that offer panoramic views of the Mississippi River, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas.

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