Exploring Castle Ruins... in Missouri

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

May 13, 2013

12:29 p.m.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Ha Ha Tonka is one of our favorite State Parks in Missouri - and with many beautiful, scenic, and historic state parks to choose from, the competition is stiff! With meandering hiking trails through the Ozark Mountains overlooking the Niangua River, the Lake of the Ozarks, a river cave, and the most famous landmark of the park - the imposing castle ruins.... a day at Ha Ha Tonka is an explorer's dream. Located in Camdenton, Missouri, Ha Ha Tonka is approximately 2.5 - 3 hours southeast from Kansas City.

We recently spent an afternoon enjoying the trails and exploring the park. This is one trip that requires a camera - you will find photo ops around every corner!

Ha Ha Tonka was purchased by Robert McClure Snyder, a successful Kansas City businessman, in 1904. Snyder built a fortune over the years with land, cattle, oil and natural gas wells, and investments. Upon purchasing Ha Ha Tonka he began construction of roads and started to develop the area with plans that, "Here I will spend my leisure, secure from the worries of business and the excitement of city life. I will fish and loaf and explore the caves of these hills, with no fear of intrusion." According to Ha Ha Tonka interpreters, "It was said that Snyder's business dealings were honorable and his name was synonymous with commercial integrity. His tragic death, in 1905, is one of the first automobile fatalities in Missouri, brought an end to the rise of a powerful businessman and his legacy."

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is unique in the quality and number of its remarkable geological features.

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.
High on a bluff overlooking 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.
More than 400 species of plants have been recorded here, with wildflower displays changing throughout the summer.

The castle / mansion was planned by Robert Snyder, who dreamt of a private retreat with a European-style castle overlooking the beautiful view of the Ozarks. He designed a mansion with a center atrium and skylight, and he also planned the 80-ft water tower and carriage house on the grounds. In 1905, construction began but was not completed after Snyder's tragic death. His sons took over the project and finished the castle. simplifying their father's original design. Over the years the house was sold and served as a hotel until a fire in 1942 ruined the interior. Today, the site of the castle and carriage house ruins are all that remain.

Tips for the Day at Ha Ha Tonka State Park:

Park Hours: Park Grounds Summer Hours (On-Season) April through October: 7 a.m. to sunset daily. Winter Hours (Off-Season) November through March: 8 a.m. to sunset daily. The outdoor interpretive area, restrooms and brochures are available during these times. The park gates are closed at sunset. PARK OFFICE HOURS Summer Hours (On-Season) April through October: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily. On occasion the park office may be temporarily closed while park staff assist large groups or conduct outdoor interpretive programs. Winter Hours (Off-Season) November through March: Office is not regularly staffed. Park staff are usually available in the park daily. The office telephone answering machine is monitored for messages during daytime hours. VISITOR CENTER HOURS Summer Hours (On-Season) April through October: 7 a.m. to sunset daily. Winter Hours (Off-Season) November through March: 8 a.m. to sunset daily. The outdoor interpretive area, restrooms and brochures are available during these times. The park gates are closed at sunset.
Visiting the Park is FREE!
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring. Some trails are paved, others are wood or gravel, and most are natural trails. Read these Ha Ha Tonka trail descriptions to plan your day. Note the variety of surfaces on our photos below.
Bring water and healthy snacks. Always remember not to litter - leave nature beautiful for others to enjoy.
Bring a first aid kit - we encountered a splinter on the way. When you're exploring nature - things can happen.
Bring the camera! Ha Ha Tonka is beautiful all year (we have visited in the fall and the spring and both are gorgeous!).
Decide what you want to enjoy and plan the day accordingly. You may hike, picnic, fish, boat, swim in the lake, or enjoy playgrounds. Click here for Ha Ha Tonka information.
Stop at the information center for restrooms (flushing - many outhouses are available throughout the park, the restrooms at the info center are modern), maps, souvenirs (if you're looking for books and nature themed gifts), and information. We asked which paths were best for a stroller and children.
Most trails are NOT ideal for wheels - we used the stroller, parked it, then carried the little ones or they walked / climbed, and returned to our stroller. We were able to use the stroller around the castle itself.
Binoculars are useful for viewing birds and wildlife. We watched hawks sore above the trees!
On Saturdays from June - August they offer interpretive programs on a variety of topics regularly scheduled on Saturdays from June through early August. Special group tours of the castle and interpretive demonstrations of the area’s karst geology can be arranged with the park naturalist in advance anytime of year.
You can camp at public campgrounds nearby or Lake of the Ozarks State Park.