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| Photo From: https://mostateparks.com/park/ha-ha-tonka-state-park |
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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CONTACT US
Phone: (573) 873-3465
237 Mission Bay Blvd.
Camdenton, MO 65020
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