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Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins: A Missouri Fairytale

Discover the majestic ruins of a 20th-century castle amidst the natural beauty of Ha Ha Tonka State Park, offering history and outdoor adventure.

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Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Ha Ha Tonka Castle, a European-style mansion built in the early 1900s in Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks, the castle remains offer a glimpse into a bygone era amidst stunning natural scenery.

A brief summary to Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the castle ruins and hiking the park's trails.
  • Bring water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking, as amenities are limited.
  • Visit in the spring or fall for mild temperatures and beautiful scenery.
  • Check the Missouri State Parks website for trail maps and any alerts or closures.
  • Consider visiting the park's visitor center for information and to rent kayaks.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Ha Ha Tonka State Park is located off State Road D near Camdenton, MO. From Camdenton, follow State Road D until you see signs for the park. There are multiple parking lots within the park providing access to different trails and attractions. Parking is free. The Castle Trail has two parking lots: a lower lot with a short, shaded walk to the ruins and an upper lot with limited parking for easier access. Parking near the Natural Bridge is available off Natural Bridge Road.

  • Walking

    From the lower Castle Trail parking lot, it's a short, uphill walk to the castle ruins. The path is paved and has benches for resting. From the upper parking lot, a continuous concrete path leads to the ruins, scenic overlooks, and interpretive displays. The Natural Bridge is a short walk from the Colosseum Trailhead parking lot.

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Discover more about Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins

Perched atop a bluff in Ha Ha Tonka State Park, the castle ruins evoke a sense of mystery and grandeur. The story began with Robert McClure Snyder Sr., a wealthy Kansas City businessman, who purchased the land in 1903 with a vision of building a European-style castle. Construction started in 1905, with Scottish stonemasons brought in to craft the elaborate design from local sandstone. Tragically, Snyder died in one of Missouri's first car accidents in 1906, leaving his dream unfinished. His sons completed a more modest version of the castle in the early 1920s, and it served as a family home and, later, a hotel. The creation of the Lake of the Ozarks in 1931 led to a lawsuit over property damage, and in 1942, a fire destroyed the castle, leaving only the stone walls. The state of Missouri purchased the property in 1978, transforming it into Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Today, visitors can explore the skeletal remains of the castle, wander through stone arches, and imagine the life that once filled its halls. The park itself spans over 3,700 acres and features a variety of natural wonders, including caves, sinkholes, a natural bridge, and Ha Ha Tonka Spring. Hiking trails wind through the park, offering stunning views of the Lake of the Ozarks and the surrounding karst topography.

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