ha ha tonka state park

Another couple and we went to check out this park. The castle was quite interesting and say on a beautiful spot on top of the mountain. A very easy walk to explore it. Then we looked at the natural bridge and the Ha Ha Sping. And we didn't have to pay anything! We saw a beaver swimming across the spring area and a bat flying above the mouth of the spring. This is something you're sure to enjoy when visiting this area.

Great views, hiking , fun for the entire family,free!had a great time would recommend a visit for all if your in the area

My first visit to the park...& I have been wanting to go for a while!Beautiful scenery, with something for everyone. Access to the Castle ruins is easy....it's a paved walkway all the way up. From the top of the bluff, there is access to lots of various trails. Following the boardwalk around the north & east will connect to the 316 steps descending 200 ft to the spring & sinkhole. It can be a bit physically challenging...but wonderful engineering as boardwalks & steps wind all the way down. From the spring, there is another route back to the top via a more natural, switchback trail. It's a bit easier than climbing all the steps, but it is a natural trail. From the SW side is also an easier access to the spring & island. There are lots of different access points and a wide variety of trails, from easy to difficult. There are picnic areas and park restrooms. I can't wait to go back & try another area.

Visitors here have many reasons to come--great trails, beautiful scenery, "castle" ruins, picnicking--there is much to do. This review focuses on the birding at the park. A special note: Missouri State Parks have no entrance fees.Anytime but a hot summer afternoon will bring a good variety of species to birders who sample the trails into the karst topography. Savannas, glades, woodland, a spring, lake frontage, lowlands and heights provide suitable habitat for nesting species and refuge for migrants. Warblers, flycatchers, tanagers, orioles, and nightjars nest here. Black Vultures have become regular among the Turkey Vultures roosting and soaring on the updrafts.Weekday and winter visits will be most rewarding for a birder wishing to avoid a crowded park. Even weekends often have some trails with little use.Of Special Note: The 5 eggs in the last known Common Raven nest in Missouri were collected in April, 1901, at Ha Ha Tonka. About six pairs were reported in the vicinity in 1907. This was the last report of ravens in Missouri.For additional birding information, look at the Audubon Society of Missouri Birders' Guide for this park at www.Mobirds.org.

A beautiful place. A must see if you are in the area. 13 miles or so from Lake Ozark but well worth the drive. Be sure to have walking shoes and you can spend the day walking in this area and enjoying nature. We were there late in the day. Park closes at sunset but we got to walk up to the castle ruins and enjoy the beautiful views from there. Would love to have seen this place before it was destroyed by fire. What a beautiful place it had to be!

We have visited the Castle Ruins at Ha-Ha-Tonka State Park many times and are amazed by its natural beauty and serenity. The castle was built in the early 1900's; with limestone from the area and local workmen.The castle was the dream of a Kansas City businessman who purchased many acres in 1901 and obtained a Scottish Master stonecutter to create an American Castle to rival the European ones.Although the Castle was in process of being built, the owner died in 1906 in an automobile accident. However his sons inherited the unfinished castle and had the work continued; it was finished in 1922. The family used it for many years but the proposed Lake of the Ozarks threatened to cover much of their property in the low lands. The Lake of the Ozarks was completed in 1931 but the eldest son died in 1937 and by that time the depressed economy and legal fees had drained the family fortune. The castle was converted to a beautiful lodge and rooms rented out but it was tragically destroyed in a 1942 fire. Years later Missouri State Parks system acquired the land for Ha-Ha-Tonka State Park.Don't miss the Castle Ruins on the bluff and the still standing stone water tower along with ruins of the stables and green house. There is also a magnificent view from the parking lot at Tonka Cove where boaters anchor on a sunny day. FIVE STARS for the entire area and BONUS for the trout springs and water caves at the back of the glen - great walking path through the glen and a hiking trail too - several hiking trails exist in the area of the park along with a great area for Kayaking - this is the Jewel of the MO. parks system.

We visited Ha Ha Tonka while our family was visiting the Lake of the Ozarks. It was a bit of a drive, but since it was through the Ozarks, it was a pretty scenic (albeit windy) drive. There are definitely a lot of different areas to explore, so if you have just a little bit of time, or a whole day, there's plenty to see. There are parking areas near most of the scenic points, but be prepared to hike, especially through wooded areas (during the warmer months, be alert in case of ticks or snakes). The hiking is fun, though, especially if you're with a group of people and looking to have an adventure.When we visited, the caves themselves were closed. However, we checked out a natural bridge (which was very cavelike) and walked along the lake/river front (and saw a ton of turtles). And of course, one should check out the castle. Although it's not as ancient and historic as European castles, it's still a cool piece of local history, with a lot of things to see. There's also a great view of the lake up near the castle.

Ha Ha Tonka is a favorite for people who visit and live at the lake. The views are fantastic, the many trails will keep you walking for along time or a lot of walks. There are trails that are paved and could be perfect for handicapped or small children too. Beautiful scenery, beautiful water, caves, springs, woods, picnic areas and ruins of a once fabulous estate.

This park is incredible, with boardwalk trails, natural trails, incredible history and story/history boards that explain what you are seeing and what to look for, you will have a blast. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for MANY steps and rocks on the different trails! You could easily spend a full day hiking all of the different trails. Its a sad story about the mans dream and the tragic fire.Check it out....

The park offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty and length in which one can experience much of the beautiful Ozarks. From vast open fields to the karst topography of the area there is something for all. The castle ruins are beautiful in their own right, and very photogenic especially in fall and spring.

I live a few coves down from Ha Ha Tonka. It is a great place to cove out in the summer with the family. There are wonderful hiking trails and the view is second to none. In the fall the leaves are amazing. There is no better place to experience our wonderful Lake of the Ozarks.

Being from New England, I wasn't expecting much in the way of hiking and views in Missouri, but I have to admit that this was a pretty good one. Not to far away from many camp sites (on Lake of the Ozarks etc.), this is a great day trip, hike around the castle ruins, which are really cool, and then there are also some other hiking spots down and around. Trails lead down the hill and to a dock. It was a lot of fun! Not very difficult hiking paths, and you can make as long of a day or as short of a day as you want.

ease of access,views, history, wildlife, photo opportunities, picnic areas , hiking trails for every ability. Beautiful!! and It Is FREE!!

We went in late October and enjoyed the walking trails to the castle. We enjoyed the views and exploring the grounds by the castle. Next time we are in the area we will bring proper attire to hike, etc.

If you have the time go to Ha Ha Tonka Park. The view from the castle ruins is great, has a small parking lot and short walk to castle area. Looks like the castle ruins you see in Europe, just not as big. Has observation decks and walkways along face of hill, that goes to a natural bridge area. Worth the time to see and other spots like springs, river cave-not open to public. The visitor center has modern restrooms and can ask person in center questions and get a map of the park