Livin' The Lake Lifestyle: Ha Ha Tonka State Park

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - the Lake of the Ozarks is an AMAZING place to live! This week I'm introducing a brand new blog series that I hope to contribute to about once every month or so: Livin' The Lake Lifestyle. Each of these blogs will feature a great attraction or activity available right here at the Lake, some seasonally and some year-round. 

This week, we're kicking things off with one of the most beautiful natural attractions in all of Missouri: Ha Ha Tonka State Park.

Photo from FunLake.com

Ha Ha Tonka State Park - Natural Features

With over fifteen miles of hiking trails, Ha Ha Tonka boasts a huge variety of vistas and trails suitable for people of all ages and skill levels. From the paved, wheelchair-accessible Spring Trail to the 7-mile backpack camping Turkey Pen Hollow Trail, there is something for everyone at Ha Ha Tonka.

Ha Ha Tonka's breathtaking landscape features a huge variety of natural phenomena, including...

• Sink holes
• Caves
• Towering bluffs
• Natural spring
• Castle ruins
• Natural bridge
• Open savanna 

Ha Ha Tonka State Park - Park History

Photo from FunLake.com

Ha Ha Tonka's history is as unique as its landscape is. The land (2,500 acres) was originally purchased by Robert Snyder, a wealthy Kansas City businessman back in 1904, who fell in love the natural beauty of the landscape and decided to use is as his personal resort. He hired Scottish stonemasons and a European supervisor to oversee the project, and together they began to build a massive estate with a stone stable, nine greenhouses, 3.5 story castle, and an 80-ft water tower. All the buildings were constructed with stone and timber they acquired locally.

Tragically, Snyder was killed in 1906 in one of the very first car accidents in Missouri. His sons took over the project and the castle was completed in 1922, but tragedy struck again twenty years later when the castle caught fire and burned in 1942. The fire was large enough that it spread to the stables, carriage house, and water tower. The only thing that remains are the stone walls and foundations.

After the fire, the area was neglected for many years. Finally, in 1978, the area was converted into a state park and preserved for the enjoyment of both locals and travelers alike. 

Make Ha Ha Tonka A Part Of Your Lake Lifestyle!

Though it has only been a state park for less than forty years, Ha Ha Tonka has gained national recognition for its unique history and landscape. In fact, a nation-wide survey by USA Today in 2015 ranked Ha Ha Tonka as the fourth best state park in the country. Whether you call the Lake your full- or part-time home, you'll have to check out Ha Ha Tonka State Park so you can see for yourself all of the great things it has to offer.

Want to make the Lake Area are bigger part of your life? I would love to help you find your primary residence or vacation home at the Lake of the Ozarks. Contact me to schedule showings of condos or homes for sale in Osage Beach MO, Camdenton, Sunrise Beach, or any of the surrounding areas!

Susan Spica
Professional REALTOR®

BerkShire Hathaway HomeServices
101 Crossings West, Ste. 202
Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Office: (573) 365-6868
Susan's Cell: (573) 280-0484