Illinois
Trail of Tears State Park
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026
A Place of Remembrance
Trail of Tears State Park memorializes the tragic forced relocation of Cherokee people in 1838–39. This crossing point on the Mississippi River saw thousands pass during the brutal winter march. The visitor center tells their story.
Camping
| Campground | Sites | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi River | 18 (7 full hookup, 11 electric) | Year-round |
| Lake Boutin | 34 primitive | May–October |
| Backpacker | Primitive | Year-round |
Reservations: mostateparks.com or (877) 422-6766.
Trails
10+ miles of trails including the Peewah Trail (10 mi loop), Lake Trail, and Shepherd of the Hills Trail with Mississippi River bluff views.
Lake Boutin
35-acre lake with fishing (bass, bluegill, channel catfish) and seasonal swimming beach.
Why is it called Trail of Tears?
The park marks where Cherokee people crossed the Mississippi River during their forced removal from ancestral lands in 1838–39. Thousands died along the route, earning it the name “Trail of Tears.”
Last updated: February 20, 2026
