Ha Ha Tonka State Park: Castle Ruins and Natural Bridge, Camdenton, Missouri

Way up on top of a bluff in Ha Ha Tonka State Park (natives called it “laughing waters”), sits the ruins of a dead man’s dream. Wealthy businessman Robert Snyder had an idea to build a castle in his beloved Missouri. Construction on the home had begun by 1906, the year Snyder was killed in one of Missouri’s first car accidents, but his idea of the dream castle would not die with him. After his death, Snyder’s sons continued work on the building and were able to complete the castle by 1920. After Snyder's youngest son took over the estate, it wasn't long before depression and poverty drove him from the building. It was opened as a hotel and lodge until 1942 when the entire building was destroyed by a fire. The state purchased the property in the 1970’s and has preserved the crumbled walls of Snyder’s dream home. Visitors can now explore the skeleton of the “castle” that brought down the Snyder kingdom. Rumors of ghosts persist on the grounds, with numerous visitors claiming that they feel watched inside the castle, with the occasional sighting of a full body apparition.
Just down the road from the castle ruins is Natural Bridge at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. It's an interesting geologic specimen just waiting for exploring! Join us this week for some unexpected surprises on the back roads of Missouri!