Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a state-owned, public recreation area encompassing over on the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, about five miles south of Camdenton, Missouri, in the United States. The state park's most notable feature is the ruins of Ha Ha Tonka, an early 20th-century stone mansion that was modeled after European castles of the 16th century.Take a look at our Camdenton trip planner to schedule your visit to Ha Ha Tonka State Park and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.
The park also features caves, sinkholes, and bluffs overlooking the lake. It is a prominent example of karst topography, which is geological formation shaped by the dissolution of a layer or layers of soluble bedrock. A 70acre portion of the park was designated as the Ha Ha Tonka Karst Natural Area in 1981.
Construction of the Ha Ha Tonka castle was started by Robert McClure Snyder, Sr. in 1905, a Kansas City businessman who purchased the large property. Alluding to the natural springs on the property, "ha ha tonka" was said to mean "smiling waters."
Following Snyder's death in an auto accident in 1906, the castle was completed by his sons Robert, Jr.; LeRoy, and Kenneth Snyder in the late 1920s before the Stock Market Crash. The building was used as a summer and weekend home by the Snyder family, who lived in Kansas City. In the late 1930s it was used as a hotel, but was destroyed by fire in 1942.
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Ha Ha Tonka State Park reviews
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We loved going on several of the trails. Some were easy and some were moderate. The moderate ones definitely were challenging so was glad I had good tennis shoes on. Really neat how natural... more »
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Love this state park for so many reasons! Remote on various trails, family friendly, trails clearly marked. Gorgeous views no matter the season. Variety of intensity for different hiker abilities... more »
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I'd like to know, how did a billionaire heirs, not rebuild this massive structure? It would have been beautiful. Enjoyed it. Have been here many times, with my thoughts of dancing in the ballroom.. Its probably one of the most glamorous houses around, in 1920. I can only imagine how much that original 5000 acres cost, compared to land prices now. Well here are my thoughts of the state park. The natural bridge is fun. Lookout for rodents, spiders and snakes, oh my.
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This place is awesome. I didn't go with a lot of expectations and this place amazed me. There are lovely views, the castle is good, the viewing decks offer beautiful views of lake below, and the greenery adds to the charm. Most beautiful was the little hike down to the lake,, it was very green, misty and beautiful..
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