Experience the Great Outdoors at the
Lake of the Ozarks
Two of Missouri 's most popular state parks await travelers at Central Missouri 's Lake of the Ozarks . One centers on the ruins of a century-old European-style “castle.” The other – Missouri 's largest state park – features beautiful scenery and an abundance of outdoor (and underground) activities for visitors. Both offer a great way to explore the great outdoors in the heart of Missouri.
HA HA TONKA STATE PARK
Visitors won't want to miss Ha Ha Tonka State Park, preserving the stark ruins of an early 1900s castle and estate. Conceived and developed just after the turn of the century by Robert McClure Snyder, a prominent Kansas City businessman, the estate was constructed by Scottish stone masons and designed to rival the castles of Europe .
While the ruins conjure up visions of grandeur, Snyder's dream never fully materialized. One of Kansas City 's first car owners, he was killed in an auto accident in 1906, just a year after construction had begun. The interior remained unfinished until 1922 when Snyder's sons completed the upper floors. During the next 20 years, the family faced one adversity after another, culminating in a fire in 1942 which essentially gutted the entire building. Those who come to see this relic of the past will undoubtedly leave with a sense of adventure and awe at this visionary's dream as its shell towers from its impressive surroundings.
While the castle ruins mark the demise of one man's dream, the natural landmarks throughout Ha Ha Tonka are reminders of nature's diversity.
Prevalent throughout the park are geological formations, known as a “karst” type of topography, which are remnants of one ancient, colossal cavern system. Sinkholes, caves, underground streams, large springs and natural bridges are the stars of this “rock” show, first performed hundreds of years ago, yet still generating a standing ovation from its audiences today.
According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the existence of so many remarkable karst features within such close proximity is unparalleled in the state's natural history, and many examples can be seen from the trails that meander through the park, among them:
• The Natural Bridge – This remainder of the roof of a collapsed cave measures 70 feet wide, 60 feet long and 100 feet high. Until 1979, it was the only road access to the castle ruins.
• The Coliseum – According to legend, this expansive theater-like pit at the southern edge of the Natural Bridge was once used for Indian tribal meetings and church revivals.
• Whispering Dell – Used as a hide-out by criminals in the 1830s, this sink basin contains the remnants of elongated caverns that are capable of transmitting the slightest sounds from one end to the other.
• Ha Ha Tonka Spring – One of Missouri 's largest, this spring is the outlet of a large underground river and pumps nearly 48 million gallons of water daily.
Located by water between Mile Markers 14 and 15 in the Big Niangua Arm, Ha Ha Tonka is accessible by water; however, getting to the castle ruins from the docks below is not for the faint of heart. The only way to go is up via a 300-step staircase. Once at the top and during the trip back down, those who make the trek will realize that any huffing and puffing was well worth it.
For easier access, visitors can always get in the car and drive to the park instead, which is located just west of Camdenton off Hwy. 54 on Route D (if you cross the bridge over the lake you've gone too far). The park is open daily, year-round, during daylight hours. Admission is free. Most areas are handicapped-accessible, including trails to the castle and spring overlook. Stop by the Visitor Center near the park entrance for information, or phone: 573-346-2986. www.mostateparks.com/hahatonka.htm.
LAKE OF THE OZARKS STATE PARK
The largest in the Missouri state park system, the Lake of the Ozarks State Park is a 17,441-acre playground with 89 miles of shoreline. It includes two free sand beaches for swimming, picnic sites and shelters, boat launching facilities, campgrounds, horseback riding, hiking and bike trails, boat rentals, and an airport. Park personnel offer summer programs on the park's natural history, guided hikes and a variety of other activities for visitors.
There are nine developed trails in the park. One of the more unique “trails” is the Ozarks Aquatic Trail, designed for boaters who can stop at 14 designated buoys along the shoreline. A free booklet describing the significance of each stop is available from either of the park's gas docks or at the park office.
For details on all of the trails within the park visitors can stop at the Trail Center , located on Hwy. 134. From Hwy. 54 take Hwy. 42 east to either Lake Road 42-3 or Hwy. 134 and follow the signs. By water, the park encircles the Grand Glaize Arm of the lake. Park admission is free and is open daily, year-round during daylight hours. Campsites can be reserved in advance. Prices vary, call for details. Phone: 573-348-2696. www.mostateparks.com/lakeozark.htm.
When the Ozarks sun begins to blaze or just for a dramatic change of scenery, visitors can tour Ozark Caverns, a park-operated cave located off Hwy. 54 on Route A. Each adult visitor is given a hand-held lantern as guides take groups into part of the world many have never experienced before. The spectacular Angel's Shower is among the highlighted sights. This perpetual flow of water seems to spring directly from the rocks above into two massive basins below. Hours and admission prices vary, call for details. Phone: 573-346-2500. |
