Ha Ha Tonka State Park
A roofless stone mansion above caves, sinkholes, a giant spring, and Lake of the Ozarks—all packed into one wildly varied park.
Artwork inspired by Rose O’Neill
Ha Ha Tonka is a landscape built by dissolving limestone. Across its 3,751 acres, sinkholes, caves, a natural bridge, steep bluffs, and a large spring reveal the Ozarks’ karst geology unusually close together. The spring pours into the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, connecting the park’s underground drainage to its broad lake views.
Above it all stand the roofless remains of a stone mansion begun in the early 1900s. The building changed hands after its creator died, later operated as a hotel, and was gutted by fire in 1942; stabilized walls now frame sky and water like a purpose-built overlook. The contrast between romantic ruins and much older geology is what makes the park feel so singular.
- Established
- 1978
- Trails
- About 15 miles
- Don’t miss
- Castle & spring
Quick guide
- First visit
- Castle + Spring trails
- Open
- 7am–sunset Apr–Oct · 8am–sunset Nov–Mar
Plan your park visit
- Start here
- Take Castle Trail to the ruins and lake overlooks, then choose the Spring Trail boardwalk or Natural Bridge area based on time and mobility.
- Easy win
- Castle Trail is 0.4 mile one way. The upper lot shortens the walk to about 521 feet and has accessible parking.
- For geology
- Link the spring, sinkholes, Colosseum, and natural bridge to see how dissolving limestone shaped the park.
- For a hike
- Devil’s Kitchen and Turkey Pen Hollow are rugged. Expect natural surfaces, steep grades, rocks, and seasonal heat.
- Bring
- Water, sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a park map. Cell service can be uneven around the bluffs and hollows.
Good to know
Parking nearest the castle is limited and prioritized for visitors with disabilities and older adults; use the lower lot when you can.
Notice these
- Early-1900s castle ruins
- Karst spring and sinkholes
- Lake of the Ozarks overlooks
- 15 miles of trails