Visit the Castle Ruins and Geological Wonders of Ha Ha Tonka State Park!

Imposing architecture and breathtaking scenery combine to make Ha Ha Tonka State Park one of Missouri’s most treasured spots. Located at the Lake of the Ozarks, the park features the stone ruins of a turn-of-the-20th-century castle built atop a bluff. More than 15 miles of trails lead visitors to sinkholes, natural bridges, caves and down to the lake.  Unique attractions such as Ha Ha Tonka make Camdenton the perfect place for a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Photo From: https://mostateparks.com/park/ha-ha-tonka-state-park

Ha Ha Tonka History

High on a bluff overlooking the Ha Ha Tonka Spring and Lake of the Ozarks sits the ruin of a stone mansion that represents the most intriguing story associated with the park.  Robert M. Snyder, a wealthy Kansas City businessman, was so impressed with the land that he eventually purchased more than 5,000 acres to build a private retreat featuring a European-style castle, with a center atrium rising three and a half stories to a skylight. Snyder also planned an 80-foot-high water tower, greenhouses and a carriage house. Construction began in 1905 only to be halted a year later with his untimely death in one of the state's first automobile accidents. Snyder's sons finished building their father's dream, though not quite as elaborately as originally planned. Eventually, the property was leased for use as a hotel, until tragedy struck in 1942. Sparks from a chimney ignited the roof and the entire interior was gutted by the fire.  The carriage house burned the same day and in 1976, the water tower was burned by vandals. Today only ruins remain.

Ha Ha Tonka's Geological Features

The park is Missouri's premiere showcase of karst geology and is unique in the quality and number of remarkable geological features.  Trails and boardwalks make it easy for visitors to experience this honeycomb of tunnels, caverns, springs and sinkholes. Visitors can peer into caves, trek through and around sinkholes, or climb from the spring to the castle on wooden steps that circle the spring chasm. These geological wonders include:

• A natural bridge, 70 feet wide, spans 60 feet and reaches more than 100 feet into the air. 
• The Colosseum is a steep-sided sinkhole measuring 500 feet long and 300 feet wide.
• Whispering Dell sink basin is 150 feet deep with two bluff shelters -- Counterfeiter's Cave and Robber's Cave -- both of which were used as hide-outs by criminals in the 1830s. 
• Tall bluffs -- 250 feet high -- tower over the gorge through which Ha Ha Tonka Spring, Missouri's twelfth largest, discharges approximately 58 million gallons of water daily. 

All of these wonders are the result of the collapse of underground caverns in ancient geological times.

Ha Ha Tonka Park Hours 

Park Grounds & Visitors Center: 

• Summer Hours: April - October, 7 AM to Sunset Daily 
• Winter Hours: November - March, 8 AM to Sunset Daily

The outdoor interpretive area, restrooms and brochures are available during these times.  The park gates are closed at sunset. 

Park Office: 

• Summer Hours: April - October, 10 AM to 5 PM Daily 
• On occasion the office may be temporarily closed to assist large groups or conduct outdoor programs. 
• Winter Hours: November - March
• The office is not regularly staffed, but the answering machine is monitored during daytime hours.  Park staff are usually available in the park daily.

So come on down to the Lake of the Ozarks and enjoy all the beauty the area has to offer.  While you're here, be sure to check out the community at Mission Bay. We offer living at its finest with gorgeous lakefront and Lake view Homes at Lake of the Ozarks!  With the new improved Highway 5, its just minutes from grocery stores, restaurants, and more! 

For more information on Ha Ha Tonka State Park visit: https://mostateparks.com/park/ha-ha-tonka-state-park

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Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

Lake Event this Weekend: 64th Annual Dogwood Festival!

Camdenton is the perfect place for second home owners at the Lake of the Ozarks!  The striving community always has something going on and this weekend its the 64th Annual Dogwood Festival! This spectacular event is a Lake favorite with fun for all ages.  Check out this year's schedule of events below!

Thursday, April 24th

• Fine Art Display - 9 AM-4 PM - First National Bank 
• Senior (65+) King & Queen Contest - Noon                        - Quails Nest Motel
• Lake Area Woodworker's Display - 5:30 PM                   - Camden Co. Museum 
• Carnival - 5-10 PM - Middle School Parking Lot, S. Bus. Hwy 5   ($20 Wrist Band from 5 - 9 PM) 

Friday, April 25th

• Garage Sale - 7 AM-4 PM - St. Anthony Church, N. Bus Hwy 5
• Garage Sale - 10 AM-6 PM - Our Savior Lutheran Church, 422 E Hwy 54
• Fine Art Display - 9 AM-4 PM - First National Bank 
• Lion Club Fish Fry - 4 PM-7 PM - Middle School Commons Area
• Shoe Box Float Displays - 5:30 PM - Camden Co. Museum 
• Dinner Theater - 5:30 PM; Melodrama, 7 PM - Camden Co. Museum 
• Lake Area Woodworker's Display - 10 AM-5:30 PM - Camden Co. Museum 
• DECA Craft Show - 5:30-8 PM - Middle School Gym 
• Food & Craft Booths - 5:30 PM-9 PM - Middle School
• Education Foundation Elegant Evening - 6-8:30 PM - High School 
• Live Entertainment - 6:30-9:30 PM - Middle School Parking Lot
• Carnival - 5-10 PM - Middle School Parking Lot  ($20 Wrist Band from 5-9 PM) 

Saturday, April 26th

• Pancake Breakfast - 7-9:30 AM - United Methodist Church, W. Hwy 54
• Fine Art Display - 9 AM-4 PM - First National Bank 
• Garage Sale - 8 AM - 1 PM - Our Saviors Lutheran Church
• Garage Sale - 7 AM-1 PM - St. Anthony Church
• DECA Craft Show - 9 AM-3 PM - Middle School Gym
• Cabin Fever Quilt Show  -  9 AM-3 PM - Community Christian Church 
• Food and Crafts - 10 AM-6 PM - Middle School Parking Lot
• Dogwood Festival Parade - 10 AM - Downtown Camdenton 
• High School Fine Art Gallery (K-12) - 12-3 PM - High School 
• Young Eagles Flight - Noon-4 PM - Camdenton Airport, S. Bus. Hwy 5
• Dog Contest (cutest, ugliest, etc.) - 3 PM - Middle School Parking Lot
• Live Entertainment - 12:30 PM-6:30 PM - Middle School Parking Lot
• Dinner Theater - 5:30 PM; Melodrama, 7 PM - Camden Co. Museum
• Shoe Box Float Displays - 5:30 PM - Camden Co. Museum
• Lake Area Woodworker's Display - 10 AM-5:30 PM - Camden Co. Museum 
• 5K Run/Walk Into Awareness - 7:30 PM - Bob Shore Stadium
• Carnival - 10 AM-10 PM - Middle School Parking Lot  ($20 Wrist Band from 5-9 PM) 

*Schedule is subject to change.  Contact the Camdenton Chamber for more information.

While you're in town for the festivities, stop my Mission Bay to check out our beautiful community. We offer living at its finest with gorgeous lakefront and Lake view Homes at Lake of the Ozarks! With the new improved Highway 5, its just minutes from grocery stores, restaurants, and more!

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Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

Check out these Easter Events at the Lake of the Ozarks!

Spring is finally here and Easter is this weekend!  The Lake of the Ozarks is home to many different events throughout the year.  With a second home at the Lake of the Ozarks, you can enjoy all these events and everything the Lake has to offer.  We wanted to be sure to let you know about all the great Easter events going on over the weekend!

Adult Easter Egg Hunt - April 19

Adults age 21 or older with a valid ID can head on over to Mitch and Duff's at Dogwood Hills Golf Course at 3 pm to register for the event.  The hunt for over 400 filled eggs and one Golden Easter Egg grand prize of $1,000 will begin at 4:30 pm.  Admission is $12 for early bird tickets or $15 at the door.  The event is on rain or shine and food & drink specials will be available throughout the event.

"He is Risen" Easter Pageant - April 20

This annual Easter event is a favorite of the Lake community.  The 46th annual performance of "He is Risen" will take place from 8:30 - 9:30 am on the grounds of Kent Memorial Lutheran Church in Sunrise Beach.  Admission is free to watch over 40 performers depict the story of the Easter Resurrection with music.

10th Annual Easter Egg Hunt in the Park - April 20

Sponsored by the Eldon First Assembly of God Church, this popular event will feature free food, inflatables, games, clowns, entertainment and egg hunts!  There will be over 14,000 Easter eggs stuffed with candy and prizes.  Join the fun at the Miller County Fairgrounds from 11 am to 2 pm and admission is free!

Easter Buffet at Rafferty's at the Country Club Hotel & Spa - April 20

Stop by the Country Club between 11 am and 3 pm to enjoy this extravagent Easter meal!  For adults its $24, kids are $12 and children 5 & under eat free.  The buffet will include: freshly carved glazed pit ham, freshly carved roasted inside round of beef, smoked salmon with dill cream cheese, deviled eggs, an omelet station, biscuits & country gray, breakfast potatoes, bacon, link sausage, farm style green beans, mixed green salad, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, spring vegetable medley, cornbread muffins, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy, cream cheese blintzes with assorted fruit toppings, cheesecake, carrot cake, chocolate cake, chocolate covered strawberries and more!

Tan-Tar-A Resort's Easter Day Buffet - April 20

Enjoy a delicious Easter dinner at Tan-Tar-A between 11 am and 3 pm.  Reservations are required for the buffet featuring carved glazed bone-in ham, carved prime rib with au jus and horseradish cream, chicken breast with mango pineapple salsa, salmon provencal, roasted pork loin with creamed mustard demi and much, much more!

So grab your Easter baskets and head on down to the Lake of the Ozarks for a fun filled weekend! While you're here, be sure to check out the beautiful community at Mission Bay. We offer living at its finest with gorgeous lakefront and Lake view Homes at Lake of the Ozarks!  With the new improved Highway 5, its just minutes from grocery stores, restaurants, and more!

Connect with us for the latest community news!

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CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

10 Boating Safety Tips for Summer Fun at the Lake of the Ozarks

Boating Season is finally here and Summer Vacation is just around the corner!  No matter how much experience you have out on the water, its always a good idea to review some boating safety tips before you depart from land. DiscoverBoating.com has a great list of 10 basic boating safety tips for you to remember.

1. Be Weather-Wise - Always check the weather before you head out on the water.  The last thing you want to happen is to get stuck in a storm while on a boat.  If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.

2. Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist - Be prepared for any possible situation while on the water. From compliance with fire safety regulations to tips for fueling up, following a pre-departure checklist will ensure no boating safety rules or precautions haven't been overlooked.

3. Use Common Sense - One of the most important parts of boating safety is to use your common sense.  This means operating at a safe speed at all times, especially in crowded areas, being alert at all times, and steering clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted by their ability to stop or turn around.  Buoys and other navigational aids have been placed there for a reason, so be respectful of them.

4. Designate an Assistant Skipper - Make sure that more than one person on board is familiar with all aspects of handling the boat.  In case of the primary navigator being injured or incapacitated in any way, having someone else that can follow the proper boating procedures to get everyone safely back to shore is important.

5. Develop a Float Plan - Be sure to let someone, whether it be a family member or the staff at your local marina, know that you are going to be out on the water.  This should include where you are going and how long you are going to be gone.  A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader, name and phone number of all passengers, boat type and registration information, trip itinerary, and types of communication and signal equipment on board.

6.  Make Proper Use of Life Jackets - Did you know that the majority of drowning victims as a result of boating accidents were found not to be wearing a life jacket?  Make sure that your family and friends aren't part of this statistic by assigning and fitting each member on board with a life jacket prior to departure.  For more information on life jackets, click here.

7. Avoid Alcohol - Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, and studies have also shown that the affect of alcohol is exacerbated by external effects such as sun and wind.

8. Learn to Swim - If you are going to be in and around the water, it is important to know how to swim.  You can't always rely on someone else being there to help you.  Local organizations such as the American Red Cross and others offer swim training for all ages and abilities, so check to see what classes are offered in your area.

9. Take a Boating Course - Whether you are a beginner or expert boater, you need to be familiar with boating safety rules of operation. Boater education requirements vary by state with some requiring validated completion of at least one boating safety course.  Regardless of these requirements, it's always important to be educated, aware and prepared for everyday circumstances that might arise. You can learn boating safety rules by taking a local course or participating in online tutorials.  For more information on boating courses, click here.

10. Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check - The US Coast Guard offers complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and Federal regulations.  They also offer virtual online safety checks as well.  To find a vessel Safety check examiner near you, click here.

Pack up your life jackets and water toys because its time to hit the water at the Lake of the Ozarks! While you're here, be sure to check out the beautiful community at Mission Bay. We offer living at its finest with gorgeous lakefront and Lake view Homes at Lake of the Ozarks!  With the new improved Highway 5, its just minutes from grocery stores, restaurants, and more! 

Connect with us for the latest community news!

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CONTACT US

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020

New Lake Front Villa with Commanding View of the 32 MM on Lake of the Ozarks

Mission Bay is the place to be at the Lake of the Ozarks!  Located on the West Side of the Lake at the 31 MM, these waterfront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks are just 6 miles from Camdenton via the new and improved Highway 5.

This new, Lake Front Villa with a commanding view of the 32 MM has a total of 3 floors.  The first 2 floors are finished, while the 3rd floor is dry-walled and can be finished to the buyers specifications. The main floor has a huge Master Suite, Open Great Room with vaulted ceilings, and large covered deck. The middle floor features a Family room, 2 bedrooms & 2 full baths and another large covered deck.  Features of the home include ceiling fans, jetted tub, walk-in shower, sound system wiring, tiled floors, and walk-in closet.

Park your car in the attached 3 car garage to keep it out of the weather.  Amenities at Mission Bay include maintenance free yard, indoor & outdoor pools, hot tub, and clubhouse.  Boat slips up to 14 x 40 are available with cart paths to all community docks.

Mission Bay is the newest, residential development on the West side of the Lake! Models are open Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 3 PM.  We offer living at its finest with gorgeous lake view and lakefront homes at the Lake of the Ozarks.  Come visit the Lake of the Ozarks and be sure to check out the beautiful community at Mission Bay!

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CONTACT US
Kevin Winters, Listing Agent
Cell:  573-216-5311

Phone: (573) 873-3465

Info@MissionBayLakeOzark.com

OUR LOCATION

237 Mission Bay Blvd.

Camdenton, MO 65020