| One of the most beautiful locations at the Lake of the | | | | still remains in part today, overlooks the breathtaking |
| Ozarks is Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Over 3,679 acres | | | | Ha Ha Tonka Springs and the Lake of the Ozarks. All |
| of land in the Niangua Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks | | | | of this beautiful scenery is taken in while you stand |
| are available for nature lovers of all ages. You will | | | | upon a majestic 250 feet bluff. |
| have a chance to explore dark caves or travel down | | | | Of course, it is not only the beauty of the area that |
| the backcountry hiking trails. You can view castle ruins | | | | takes Lake Ozarks visitors in when they visit the state |
| as you overlook the land below you while standing on | | | | park. The history of Ha Ha Tonka is also something |
| a cliff overlooking the lake. If you are a nature lover | | | | that makes people interested in the park, itself. The |
| who is visiting the Lake of the Ozarks, you will adore | | | | vision of Ha Ha Tonka was created by Robert |
| Ha Ha Tonka State Park. | | | | McClure Snyder around the turn of the century. |
| Located five miles directly southwest from | | | | Snyder fell in love with the rugged and simplistic beauty |
| Camdenton, this state park offers so much to do. You | | | | of the area and acquired as much land as he could, |
| will have the opportunity to explore hiking trails that | | | | which turned out to be around 5,000 acres. |
| send you to Turkey Pen Hollowland and the Devils | | | | The goal at this point was to transfer this area of the |
| Kitchen. In addition to these caves you will see others, | | | | Lake of the Ozarks into an amazing private retreat |
| as well. If you are looking for a less adventurous | | | | that was created with the style of European castles. |
| activity during your stay in Lake Ozarks you can enjoy | | | | Stone masons came from Scotland and supervisors |
| a lengthy picnic with family and friends in the picnic | | | | of European decent were used to ensure authenticity. |
| area or rent one of the shelters for larger gatherings, | | | | The main castle was designed as a three and a half |
| such as a family reunion. | | | | story mansion that was unlike anything in the area. |
| Following the Lake Ozarks tradition of outdoor activity, | | | | Sadly, Snyder would never live to see his dream of |
| you will find 15 miles of trails to explore in Ha Ha Tonka | | | | the private Ha Ha Tonka resort. While construction |
| State Park. On these trails, you will become lost in the | | | | began in 1905, Snyder died in a fatal car crash in 1906. |
| beauty of the scenery while remaining in awe of the | | | | It would take until the 1920s (around the time the Lake |
| natural wonders that surround you. From the ruined | | | | of the Ozarks was officially being formed) for |
| castle, which was the beginning basis to the Ha Ha | | | | Snyders sons to finish the upper floors of the castle. |
| Tonka legacy to the numerous caves, bluffs, sinkholes, | | | | Later the Snyder sons would spend years trying to |
| and the natural bridge, the nature all around you is | | | | keep their fathers dream in the family. Unfortunately, in |
| simply astounding. | | | | 1942 a fireplace in the castle started a fire that would |
| Hikers of all experience levels that are visiting the Lake | | | | destroy the castle to its present ruins that are |
| of the Ozarks will appreciate Ha Ha Tonka for various | | | | viewable today. In 1978, the state of Missouri |
| reasons. The castle, which was destroyed in a fire, but | | | | purchased the land and opened it as a state park. |