State park plans events to mark 50th anniversary

This year the Trail of Tears State Park will celebrate 50 years of being a nature reserve rich in history.

"We're blessed that people had the foresight to set this area aside for future generations," said Denise Dowling, interpretive resource coordinator for the park. "There's a lot of things that came together in order to create this park and have it here."

During the free event open to the public, park staff and the former park property owners will discuss the passing of the bond issue that created the park.

The celebration begins at 10 a.m. June 2 at the park grounds off U.S. 61 north on Highway 177 near Jackson.

Throughout the day a variety of exhibits, demonstrations and entertainment will be featured as volunteers talk about area fish, birds, rare plants and trails. There will be pottery, furs and stone tools on display.

Demonstrators and presenters include officials from Southeast State Missouri University, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the U.S. Forest Service.

During the afternoon visitors can offer their suggestions to improve the 3,415-acre park. Park staff will talk about upgrades that have been made within the past year, such as revamping some of the picnic platforms and replacing some of the concrete outside the visitor's center.

At 7 p.m. the Sons of the Western Bootheel will perform a comedy routine mixed with singing a set of traditional Western songs at the park amphitheater.

Between activities and the folk music concert, Downing said, visitors could enjoy the park's natural amenities that include swimming, fishing, hiking and riding the equestrian trails. Tents will be set up where food and beverages are available.

Visitors also can explore the two miles of road in which the Cherokee Indians were forced to walk during their march west in the late 1830s.

"One thing about having a natural reserve in our backyard is we're able to come here to hike and camp and enjoy an area with significant history," Downing said.

"To be able to combine those things into a park makes for a pretty magnificent experience."

Downing said visitors are welcome to make a weekend out of the celebration and stay in the park's campground.

tkrakowiak@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 137