Lake of the Ozarks
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Recreation
Originally established as a national park, Lake of the Ozarks State Park was turned over to the State of Missouri in 1946. The park covers 17,300 acres and ranks as Missouri’s largest state park. Park facilities include two public beaches, picnic areas, 10 hiking trails, horseback riding stables, and airport. Boaters can enjoy the park’s aquatic trail. A free booklet is available at the park’s office that maps out the fourteen marked buoys. Lake of the Ozarks Park is located south of Osage Beach. Call (573) 348-2694 for additional information.
A wealthy Kansas City businessman, Robert McClure Snyder, had a vision of building a private retreat in the Ha Ha Tonka area. He acquired 2,500 acres of land and in 1905 he started construction on his 3½-story castle. Snyder was killed in an automobile accident in 1906. The castle was finally completed by Snyder’s sons in 1922. Tragically, 20 years later the grand structure was destroyed by a fire. In 1978 the State of Missouri purchased the land and created the Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The park is located on the shores of the lake five miles southwest of Camdenton. Visitors can see a variety of sinks, caves, natural bridges, and springs while hiking on the park’s trails. Call (800) 334-6946 for more information about Ha Ha Tonka State Park.