Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins — Attraction in Camdenton

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the most fascinating and beautiful places in Missouri. The park features a variety of natural wonders, such as caves, sinkholes, natural bridges, and bluffs overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. But the most striking attraction is the ruins of a European-style castle that was once the dream home of a wealthy businessman.

The castle was built by Robert McClure Snyder Sr., who purchased 5,000 acres of land in the early 1900s and hired stone masons from Europe to construct his mansion. He named it Ha Ha Tonka, which means “laughing waters” or “big smile” in the local Native American language, referring to the springs on the property. Unfortunately, Snyder died in a car accident in 1906, before the castle was completed. His sons continued the work and finished the castle in the 1920s, but they also faced financial and legal troubles that forced them to sell the property. The castle was then used as a hotel until 1942, when a fire destroyed most of the building.

Today, the castle ruins are preserved by the state park and open to the public. You can walk around the stone walls and admire the architecture and the views of the lake. You can also learn more about the history of the castle and the Snyder family from the informative signs and exhibits. The castle ruins are a testament to the ambition, vision, and tragedy of a man who wanted to create his own fairytale kingdom in the Ozarks.

If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience, I highly recommend visiting Ha Ha Tonka State Park and exploring the castle ruins. You will...

I grew up in the Lake Area and Ha Ha Tonka has been my favorite state park my whole life! I’ve lived out of the area for a while now, but I still recommend this park to anyone that’s planning a trip to the Lake of the Ozarks!

If you’re the outdoorsy type, the park has so much for you! The castle ruins offer a spectacular view of the lake, and you can access them through the Spring Trail (which is also very picturesque but unfotunately not accessible for differently-abled people due to natural rock formations and stairs leading up the cliffs) or you can drive straight up to the top. The Natural Bridge and other trails make for great rambling with family (and pets!)

Got a boat? They’ve got a dock! Park your craft and enjoy the trails or stop to use the picnic area and enjoy the lake! There’s also a great playground and more covered picnic areas which make great places for family gatherings. My family has definitely done that often during the warmer months!

Don’t miss what, in my humble opinion, is the best free attraction in the whole Lake of the Ozarks area! You...

Great place. Just outside Camdenton. Steep hills and curvy roads give way to beautiful views. The castle sits on a bluff over a spring that drains into the Lake of the Ozarks. There is an upper and lower parking lot to visit the castle. Lower parking required walking up a paved trail to the castle ruins. The upper parking is near the elevation of the ruins and would require significantly less walking. I went in late October and the views were spectacular. There are trails to the side is your want to explore more in the forests. The carriage house and castle ruins are close by and don't take much time to visit. We went to the next parking area and took the spring trail to the grist mill, then across the island to the rapids exiting the spring. So clear and beautiful. The hike was short but rugged and steep. While I did not use the facilities, my friend did and said they were beyond horrible. We spent about two hours exploring at a fast pace. I think four hours would be better and allow for some time to enjoy nature and...