The summer months can drag on if we don't find things to do. Vacations, baseball and softball leagues and golf try to fill the void, but for those who have a lot of time on their hands, like school-aged children, learning opportunities at Trail of Tears State Park might be just the answer. Adults will benefit from these programs as well.
The Trail of Tears State Park staff hope the summer programs will help entice more visitors to the 3,416-acre park this summer.
The park that was dedicated in 1954 has a lot to offer people from far and near.
Park naturalist Tiffani Addington hopes to attract more local visitors to the park's summer programs, which are open to everyone. However, the majority of the participants are people camping in the park.
Summer program activities on nature-related topics are held Friday nights, Saturday mornings and evenings, and Sunday mornings. They begin with a short lecture in the Visitors' Center. Most average between one and three hours long.
There are a variety of subjects that should interest almost everybody. Reservations may be required, so call the park in advance of the programs you wish to attend at 334-1711. All night programs are limited to 20 participants.
May 31
Nature Crafts - is a program at 9:30 a.m. The program is designed for anyone who loves to work with their hands. Crafts that can be made by items found in nature will be the focus. All materials will be provided by the park, and the crafty creations are yours to keep at the end of the program.
June 5
Missouri Bats - This program that will take the myth out of the flying mammals begins at 8:30 p.m.
June 6
Annual Wescoat Picnic is at noon. Visitors should bring their own picnic lunches for this event at the Wescoat shelter. The park will provide homemade ice cream and the staff will answer any questions about the maintenance and management of the park.
Flashlight Egg Hunt - This program at 8:30 p.m. requires a flashlight to participate in an egg hunt in the woods.
June 7
Survival in the Wilderness - Begins at 9:30 a.m. Visitors will learn wilderness survival techniques, a must for any nature lover. They will learn what items to take with them when hiking, how to avoid being bitten by snakes and what to do when emergencies strike.
June 12
Night Gliders: Flying Squirrels - Come learn about flying squirrels at 8:30 p.m.
June 13
Quarry Hike - begins at 9:30 a.m. This is a semi-rigorous hike that will take visitors along the old Quarry Trail, currently off limits to the general public. A park naturalist will accompany visitors, but comfortable shoes and water should be brought due to the nature of this hike. Children under 12 are not allowed.
June 13
Folk Music Concert - Come hear The Ill-Mo Boys at 8 p.m. perform their old-time country music. the concert will be held at the amphitheater behind the visitor center.
June 14
Life Cycle of a Tree - Begins at 9:30 a.m. This program includes a short hike to demonstrate how a tree lives, grows and dies in a Missouri forest.
June 19
Night Hike - bring a flashlight for this hike in the dark that begins at 8:30 p.m. Participants must be ages 16 and up.
June 20
Nature Scavenger Hunt - This program requires you to hike through the park with a scavenging group looking for items found in the park. A list is given and prizes are awarded. The hunt begins at 9:30 a.m.
June 20
Trail of Tears State Park History - Visitors will learn the history of the Cherokee, the Trail of Tears and their connection to the park. Park history will be addressed in some detail, including stories from Mocassin Springs residents and their family members. This program begins at 8:30 p.m.
June 21
Missouri Tracks - Visitors will learn how to identify several Missouri species by their tracks alone. They will also have the chance to make plaster casts of tracks that they find along a trail or in the woods. This program begins at 9:30 a.m.
June 26
Our Furry Friends: Missouri Mammals-begins at 8:30 p.m. This program will focus on the most common mammal species in Missouri, including coyotes, bobcats, squirrels, foxes, deer and bats. Visitors will learn how to spot and identify nest sites, dens, and tracks of certain animals.
June 27
Turtle Races-begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring your own turtle to this event. See how your turtle matches up against some of Missouri's fastest. Please no wagering.
Eyes in the Night-begins at 8:30 p.m. A sensory awareness program teaches people how animals communicate at night. Visitors will be asked to use other senses besides sight to find others in the night. Flashlights required.
June 28
The Great Water Crossing - Throughout history many groups of people have traveled by water, including the Cherokee Indians. Visitors will learn how difficult crossing a mighty river can be as they build and attempt to float their own rafts. This program begins at 9:30 a.m.
July 3
The Story of the Dreamcatcher-begins at 8:30 p.m. Visitors will hear the story of the dreamcatcher and learn how to create one of their own. Children may especially enjoy this hands on program.
July 4
Patriotic Sidewalk Art-begins at 9 a.m. Kids will be given sidewalk chalk and asked to create a patriotic artwork.
Family Feud State Park Style - This program begins at 8:30 p.m. It is modeled after the famous game show. Visitors will be divided into "families" and questioned about many state parks and historic sites in Missouri. Questions may be historical or nature-oriented and are fashioned for all age groups.
July 5
Lewis and Clark Adventure-begins at 9:30 a.m. This program will make you think about how Lewis and Clark documented their river explorations.
July 10
Moonwalk - Begins at 8:30 p.m. Visitors will journey to the moon and back ... by way of telescope! The park's telescope will be available for viewing the full moon and visitors will learn about the moon's many formations that can easily be seen from the Earth's surface.
July 11
Creek Hike - Begins at 9:30 a.m. Visitors will have the chance to wade through Indian Creek and view the many different forms of life that live in and around the creek. Wading shoes and appropriate clothing for wet activities are recommended.
Night Scavenger Hunt - is a scavenger hunt for items located within the park, but the difficulty level is stepped up a bit because it's in the dark. Flashlight required for this program that begins at 8:30 p.m.
July 12
Aquatic Insects - Begins at 9:30 a.m. Visitors will have the chance to wade through Indian Creek and view the many different forms of aquatic insect that live in and around the creek. Wading shoes and appropriate clothing for wet activities are recommended.
July 17
Missouri's Other Squirrel II: Night Gliders-begins at 8:30 p.m. Visitors will be introduced to the southern flying squirrel.
July 18
Program at 9:30 a.m. to be announced.
Tall Tales - Begins at 8:30 p.m. Visitors will be intrigued by the many different stories of times past that have been collected by park staff over the years. Many of which have been passed down for decades and are considered tall tales.
July 19
Wild Edibles Walk - Begins at 9:30 a.m. Wild plants served many purposes to the Native Americans and this hike will point out many of the wild edibles that can be found in Missouri. Visitors will be provided with several wild edibles recipes to take home and try for themselves.
July 24
Spider Sniff-begins at 8:30 p.m. Did you know you can locate spiders just by sniffing for them? Come out to Trail of Tears to see how it is done. In addition, you will have a chance to be inducted into a secret club designed only for those willing to let their nose lead the way. Flashlights required.
July 25
Cherokee Trail Walk - Begins at 9:30 a.m. Visitors will walk along the actual Trail of Tears that the Cherokee followed once they crossed the river back in the winter of 1838. Trail of Tears history will be discussed along the walk.
DNR: What Do They Do All Day? - Begins at 8:30 p.m. Park employees work hard each day to keep the park in excellent condition for its visitors. Visitors will learn what it takes to work for the state park system, as well as some of the differences between the different divisions within the Department of Natural Resources.
July 26
Program at 9:30 a.m. to be announced.
July 31
Frog Legs and Salamander Toes: Frogs and Salamanders of Missouri-begins at 8 p.m. This program will introduce visitors to many sounds and sights of Missouri's amphibians. Visitors will learn how to differentiate between different species of frogs based on their calls alone as well as how to tell who's who in the salamander family. A short walk and flashlights required.
Aug. 1
Beginning Bird watching-begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring field guide and binoculars to this program.
Program at 8:30 p.m. to be announced.
Aug. 2
Compass Course - Begins at 9:30 a.m. A compass is required for this program that tests your compass reading ability.
Aug. 7
Moon and Stargazing - Begins at 8:30 p.m. A program on astronomy and if weather allows the group will hop from star to star and the moon with the aid of a telescope.
Aug. 8
Program at 9:30 a.m. to be announced.
Bears in Missouri - Begins at 8:30 p.m. Visitors will learn about bears in Missouri.
Aug. 9
Quarry Hike - Begins at 9:30 a.m. A rigorous hike to the quarry, bring water and good hiking shoes. No one under the age of 12 permitted on this hike and it is recommended that parents accompany anyone under 16. Please call for reservations.
Aug. 14
Owl Prowl - Begins at 8:30 p.m. This program begins with a slide show on owls in Missouri. After the slide show the program moves outside to learn how to hoot for owls. The goal is to entice some owls to fly by the group.
Aug. 15
Camouflage Nature Walk - Begins at 9:30 a.m. Plants and animals are very good at being visible and invisible when they need to be. This walk will provide visitors with a first hand look at some of the interesting species that can be seen or unseen in Missouri's state parks and historic sites.
Nature Bingo - Begins at 8:30 p.m.
Aug. 16
Backyard Bird Zoo - Begins at 9:30 a.m. Visitors will learn how to attract birds to their own backyards with very little effort or money. Feeders, habitat requirements and landscaping will be discussed in detail. Bring a field guide and binoculars.
Aug. 21
Open Forum: Questions About Wildlife - Begins at 8:30 p.m. This open forum is for visitors who may have questions regarding a variety of wildlife related topics. A park naturalist will discuss such things as how to keep woodpeckers away from your home, how to get rid of that nasty skunk odor and how to care for abandoned baby critters.
Aug. 22
Missouri's "Pests": What they are and what they can do for you!-begins at 9:30 a.m. Several "pest" species will be discussed during this program, including raccoons, bats and snakes. Visitors will be enlightened as they learn the benefits of having these animals around their homes and farms.
Night Hike - Begins at 8:30 p.m. No flashlights are allowed on this hike through the woods.
Aug. 23
Missouri Reptiles - Begins at 9:30 a.m. Learn about reptiles that inhabit Missouri.
Aug. 28
Experiencing the Evening - Begins at 8 p.m. This program will focus on experiencing the evening as the creatures of the night do. Visitors may bring flashlights but will be encouraged to use their other senses to make their way through the darkness. Bats, flying squirrels and other nocturnal animals will be discussed. A short hike will conclude the program.
Aug. 29
Creek Hike - Begins at 9:30 a.m. Visitors will have the chance to wade through Indian Creek and view the many different forms of life that live in and around the creek. Wading shoes and appropriate clothing for wet activities are recommended.
Stargazing - Begins at 8:30 p.m. A program on astronomy and if weather allows the group will hop from star to star with the aid of a telescope.
Aug. 30
Water Olympics - Begins at 9:30 a.m. Can you make water defy gravity? This program will show visitors exactly how to do just that. Visitors will compete in the "Water Olympics" as they investigate the different properties that make water unique.
Connect with the Southeast Missourian Newsroom:
For corrections to this story or other insights for the editor, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. To learn about the Southeast Missourian’s AI Policy, click here.