May 10, 2007

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Inside the "Castle"

Water Tower/Watch Tower
Jeff & Baby Girl~Self Portrait
Who is that CHEEZY Couple???????
Sweet State Park sign!! Ha, ha...

I've been meaning to continue my explanation of our trip w/ the Blooms but have been side tracked. Here is a description of Ha Ha Tonka State Park where we "hiked" and saw the Castle.


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From dark caves to back-country hiking trails to castle ruins perched on a cliff, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is the ideal place for the adventurous. Ha Ha Tonka is a geological wonderland: sinkholes, caves, a huge natural bridge, soaring bluffs, and Missouri's twelfth largest spring.
Fifteen miles of trail traverse the park, leading visitors to spectacular scenery, natural wonders and the famous castle ruins. Accessible, paved walkways and rugged, rocky trails provide every hiking experience, from a casual boardwalk stroll to an overnight backpack trip.
Looming over all is the ruin of the turn-of-the-century stone castle built by a wealthy businessman. The empty shell of this great mansion overlooks Ha Ha Tonka Spring and Lake of the Ozarks from atop a 250-foot bluff.
The Ha Ha Tonka Savanna preserves an excellent example of pre-settlement landscape. Scattered oaks, prairie grasses and wildflowers, open rocky glades and valley woodlands form a savanna mosaic. A seven-mile backpack trail winds through much of this area so visitors can easily explore the savanna.
Rugged terrain, beautiful bluffs, dark caves and a castle on a cliff -- bring your camera because Ha Ha Tonka State Park has it all.

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3 comments:

Eryn said...

wow! good commentary! did you write that yourself? :)
oh, you have been tagged and heather too, but you will have to tell her, i guess. see my blog.

Anonymous said...

Did you have Senior Trip flashbacks? Ha ha Tonka is such a gorgeous place.

The Moore Family said...

I absolutely had Sr. Trip flashbacks. I actually called Steve to find out exactly where we were then, b/c it all looked very familiar! What a great time!

No, Eryn, I didn't write that...but thanks for thinking I'm THAT GOOD!!! :)