Trail of Tears State Park is located adjacent to the Mississippi River. In 1804 Meriwether Lewis rode a custom made, 55-keelboat down the Ohio River and joined William Clark in Clarksville, Indiana. From there, Clark took the boat down the Ohio River and then up the Mississippi River passing by this spot. There is a Lewis and Clark wayside exhibit located at the main overlook within Trail of Tears State Park. The ADA accessible overlook is located roughly 160 feet above the Mississippi River. The overlook gives you a great view of upstream, downstream and across the river into Illinois.
The park marks another tragic event later in American history. In 1838 and 1839 the Cherokee were forced from their homes in Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama and Tennessee and were moved to the Indian Territory, known as Oklahoma today. There were 17 detachments of Cherokee. A few detachments traveled by steamboat along the Tennessee River, Ohio River, Mississippi River to the Arkansas River into Indian Territory. However the majority used the Northern land route and crossed the Mississippi River within Trail of Tears State Park. Moccasin Springs Road in front of the Visitor Center is part of the original route.
The park has a Visitor Center with exhibits and a video about the Cherokee Removal, two campgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas and a lake where you can fish and swim.
Riverfront park, North Water Street, Cape Girardeau, MO, USA
Distance: 9.44 mi (straight line)
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Mississippi River Tales Mural, North Water Street, Cape Girardeau, MO, USA
Distance: 9.46 mi (straight line)
Red House Interpretive Center, Aquamsi Street, Cape Girardeau, MO, USA
Distance: 9.75 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours
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Shawnee National Forest, Herod, IL, USA
Distance: 9.92 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes
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113 West Main Street suite 2, Jackson, MO, USA
Distance: 10.99 mi (straight line)
Tower Rock Natural Area, Pcr 460, Frohna, MO, USA
Distance: 13.40 mi (straight line)
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Weber's Farm Stay, Pcr 430, Frohna, MO, USA
Distance: 13.56 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Lodging Farms
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Saxony Hills Brewery, Maple Street, Altenburg, MO, USA
Distance: 14.25 mi (straight line)
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Distance: 14.39 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours
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8526 Main St, Altenburg, MO 63732, USA
Distance: 14.51 mi (straight line)
135 Riverview Dr, Thebes, IL 62990, USA
Distance: 14.74 mi (straight line)
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Thebes Courthouse, Oak Street, Thebes, IL, USA
Distance: 15.19 mi (straight line)
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, Hickory Ridge Road, Pomona, IL, USA
Distance: 15.88 mi (straight line)
Galleries and Venues Food and Drinks Wineries Lodging Walks and Hikes
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West End Tavern & Grocery, Highway A, Frohna, MO, USA
Distance: 15.90 mi (straight line)
Saxon Lutheran Memorial, Saxon Memorial Drive, Frohna, MO, USA
Distance: 16.01 mi (straight line)
Old Appleton Bridge, Millcreek Lane, Old Appleton, MO, USA
Distance: 16.83 mi (straight line)
Little Grand Canyon, Pomona, IL, USA
Distance: 17.50 mi (straight line)
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13022 Hwy C Brazeau, MO 63737
Distance: 18.00 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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