MISSOURI STATE PARKS

Community service groups, youth groups, garden clubs, Scout troops, church organizations, families, schools, and private businesses are encouraged to get involved.

Volunteer groups will work directly with site staff to identify projects that are suitable for your group.  Projects such as; trail work, litter clean-up, painting, invasive species removal, general maintenance and more. 

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.