Visit Missouri State Park in Lake of the Ozarks. Ha Ha Tonka National State Park

Parks are a perfect place to take kids, hike around and let them wear themselves out. Even teenagers. I will show you mine at the end of the video. I am sharing my personal experience with the park because it is a truly special place to visit with family. Enjoy!

Ha Ha Tonka State Park Location 1491 State Road D, Camdenton, MO 65020-9801

Park Office: 573-346-2986

Important Note: The caves in the park itself are closed right now, per the parks and recreation. It doesn't list Bridal Cave. Yes, people do get married in Bridal Cave!

The best time of year to come down is prime time autumn, October to enjoy the leaf colors. Spring is a perfect walking temperature. Summer, just make sure you have your water bottles with you and go early.

Stay at one of the hotels on the water so you can enjoy a sunrise and sunset on the lake of the Ozarks. We open or back glass door to take in the morning sunrises from the Inn at the Glaize, I added it towards the end of the video with another nice place right on the water that looks really nice. (this is not a referal link, it is just a recommendation based on personal visits here).

Bridal Cave is another stop and if you are brave, there is a look out tower on that road. Climb the tower that gives you the tremendous overlook. You will love the changing leaves in the Ozarks. It is a panoramic view.

In October, you can walk around the Heritage Festival. Parking at the Truman Damn and busing up to the Truman Visitors Center on the hill. Enjoy the foods especially the beans and BIG Turkey Legs. Watch they guys shoot the cannon and see how they used to blow up the trees to get timber. Take in the view over the lake and absolutely go inside the little white building with the band playing on the porch and purchase the BEST Fudge ever! They have some other homemade treats too. Love them all!

Ha Ha Tonka, it is an amazing experience to walk right up to the castle. Take a lot of pictures! A boardwalk trail leads to the Watch Tower. You can walk right up to it, but is is not accessible to the inside. Still worth seeing.

14 Hiking Trails. From .30 to 2.5 miles. Each one lists the distance and approximate time to complete the hike.

Don't pick the wild flowers! "Removal of plants, animals, rocks, downed timber, artifacts or relics is prohibited without written permission from the state park director."

Have your kids walk down the many steps to the natural spring at the bottom. Nice sleepy children by the time the car starts rolling.

Check out the other things to do in the lake of the Ozarks. If you have a boat, explore the lake. If you are feeling like high class food in a casual wear restaurant - go to Bentley's in Osage Beach. The best steak and lobster tail with very HIGH Quality Customer Service. A bit pricey but so worth every minute. We enjoyed the experience and treatment in a casual dress environment.

Brides - Check with the Missouri Parks & Recreation to see if you can secure this spot for photographing your engagement pictures or after your wedding. It would be so worth while to have some of the most amazing images ever. Consult your photographer to find out costs and there experience with this location and outdoor photography.

Biker Weddings and Outdoor Weddings in the Ozarks - Can you secure the parking area near the castle to have the ceremony? It would be the perfect back drop, overlook and wedding experience. You can have a "run for the Reception" at a much more laid back park, lake, or home afterwards.