Livin' The Lake Lifestyle: Bridal Cave

Several weeks ago, I introduced a new blog series that I've decided to call "Livin' The Lake Lifestyle." As your real estate expert at the Lake of the Ozarks, I have made it my mission to help educate you on all of the wonderful things our community has to offer. In this series, I'm featuring some of the unique features and attractions our beautiful area has to offer. This week, I'm continuing this effort by featuring one of our area's most spectacular natural attractions: Bridal Cave.

*Photos taken from www.facebook.com/bridal.cave.3

Bridal Cave Lake of the Ozarks

Nestled along the shoreline of the Lake of the Ozarks, Bridal Cave offers some of the most scenic vistas in our area - both above and below the ground. Above ground, they offer a gift shop, souvenir shop, hiking trail, picnic areas, and a dock. Below ground, the cave features one phenomenal feature after another - soda straws, giant columns, draperies, and more. Rated as one of the most scenic caves in America, the cave hosts thousands of visitors every year.

About Bridal Cave

Bridal Cave was first discovered by pioneering settlers. It was officially protected in 1948 and opened to the public for tours shortly thereafter. Today, guided tours leave every few minutes and last approximately one hour. The cave holds a steady temperature of 60° F, so it is pleasant to visit all year-round.

The cave originally got its name from the local folklore of a Native American wedding ceremony held within the cave sometime during the early 1800s. The cave's romantic origins hold true today, as over 3,000 couples have exchanged vows in the stunning Bridal Chapel. Countless additional couples have renewed their vows at the free event offered by Bridal Cave every Valentine's Day.

Mystery Lake

One of the cave's most famous features is shrouded in mystery and (aptly) named Mystery Lake. The Lake is 20 feet deep, and the waters are stunningly clear. The Lake gets its name from the slowly decomposing wooden ladder that is laying on the bottom of the Lake. No one knows how the ladder got there; there is no known record of a expedition that made it back far into the cave prior to the date the ladder was found. Not only that, but no one has been able to find a natural entrance to the cave leading to Mystery Lake that is large enough to fit wooden beams as long as the ones found in the cave. Experts are still researching and exploring in an attempt to find out the origins of the wooden ladder, but they have been searching for years already without any success.

Ready To Make The Lake Lifestyle YOUR Lifestyle? Call Me!

Though it's arguably the most famous cave at the Lake of the Ozarks, Bridal Cave is only one of several caves in the area. If you're a cave enthusiast, you'll have to also check out Ozark Caverns, Jacob's Cave, and Fantasy World Caverns. The countless natural attractions in our area make it an ideal location for any and all "outdoorsy types." To learn more about Bridal Cave, visit www.BridalCave.com

Interested in making the lake lifestyle a part of YOUR lifestyle? I would love to help you make that dream come true! Give me a call at 573-280-0484 to schedule showings of some of the homes for sale at the Lake of the Ozarks. I would be honored to assist in any way possible!

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

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