Well, I went the entire month of June without a single post – but yes, I’m still alive over here. Our wanderings are very different here than they were in Korea – partially because it feels like we’re in the middle of nowhere and partially because money is just a LITTLE tighter these days (thanks, car payment), but we’ve still been trying to get out as much as possible. In May we ventured over to Ha Ha Tonka State Park and it was the perfect adventure for a spring Saturday before the weather got TOO gross hot.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton

Only about an hour away from Fort Leonard Wood, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is the perfect place to wander and really get away from it all (although, to be fair, Fort Leonard Wood also feels VERY away from it all… ha!). With an incredible stone bridge that you can walk under, “castle” ruins, and so many hiking trails, there is something for everyone here. We went with our besties (who have since moved and I am still salty toward the Army about it) and it made for an amazing day.

The areas are well-marked and there are signs pointing you toward the natural bridge and the castle ruins. In addition, just past the castle ruins are more markers showing different trails you can take. We took the one to the lake – which proved to be kind of a mistake as trying to keep 10 children from falling off the dock into the murky water was just a LITTLE too much for my anxiety. So if you’re at all like me, maybe skip that trail (although it IS a gorgeous trail) and take the other one.

A good portion of the trails that we trekked through were in the shade, but I would definitely say to bring sunscreen because so many portions are fully in the sun. Since we went in May it wasn’t TOO hot yet, but if you plan to go sometime in the next month or two, make sure you’re fully prepared for the heat. There are no water fountains that we found so pack PLENTY of water.

While you’re there, don’t forget to hit up the castle ruins. In 1900, a businessman by the name of Robert McClure Snyder purchased thousands of acres of land and set out to build a castle. Construction started in 1905, but unfortunately only one year later, Snyder was killed in an automobile accident. The castle – along with the stable, water tower, and nine greenhouses sat unfinished for a while, but Snyder’s sons picked up the project and completed them in 1922.

Twenty years later, the castle and stable were destroyed in a fire and in 1976, the water tower was also destroyed. Today, only the exterior remains of these structures – making it an interesting landmark and tourist attraction for the area.

It’s said a lot in this area (and I’ve said it as well) that there isn’t much to do around here. And while I have been finding it harder to find things to do than I have in previous duty stations, we are committed to finding all the things to love about this area. If you have a few hours to spare, definitely check out Ha Ha State Park!

’til next time…

Ash

Things to know about visiting Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Parking: There are multiple parking lots within the park. There is a parking lot by the Natural Bridge (which is absolutely worth taking the short hike to), a parking lot at the Castle Ruins (also worth visiting), and a lower lot. There may be more lots in other areas of the park, but these were the only three we saw. We parked at the lower lot because the lot by the Castle Ruins was full and we didn’t find the lot for the Natural Bridge until we hiked that way. Still, it was only short uphill walk to get to the ruins themselves (even with 10 children between our two families it wasn’t bad). The road does not have a sidewalk and on the weekends there is a decent amount of traffic so plan accordingly.

Amenities: There isn’t anything by way of amenities besides a [very smelly] bathroom at the lower parking lot. Pack plenty of water and snacks – especially if you plan on hiking through any of the trails.

Cost: FREE! All of the Missouri State Parks are absolutely free – which was something that we weren’t expecting, but was absolutely welcome and appreciated.