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| Photo: Fun Lake |
In 1909, Governor Herbert Hadley proposed this natural wonder to be the first state park in Missouri, but it wasn't to be until 1978. The area has a number of geological features including a 70 feet wide natural bridge that spans 60 feet and reaches more than 100 feet in the air. The Colosseum is a steep-sided sinkhole measuring 500 feet long and 300 feet wide. There are two caves, which were used as hide-outs by criminals in the 1830's. Tall bluffs tower over Ha Ha Tonka Spring, Missouri's twelfth largest, and discharges approximately 58 million gallons of water daily. Trails and boardwalks make is easy for visitors to experience the tunnels, caverns, springs, and sinkholes.
High on the bluff overlooking the spring is The Castle Ruins. A wealthy businessman from Kansas City purchased more than 5,000 acres in 1903. Unfortunately he died in an automobile accident one year after construction had begun. His son finished building the estate his father had dreamed of, although not as elaborate as originally planned. In 1942, the entire interior was gutted by fire. Today only ruins remain.
Bridal Cave
Centuries ago, The Ozarks were inhabited by Osage Native Americans. They were thought to discover the pristine beauty that lies beneath Thunder Mountain. Local folklore tells of a legendary Native American wedding ceremony held in the early 1800's. Today this magnificent wonderland is called Bridal Cave. In the tradition of the Native American legend, the cave can be reserved as a wedding chapel. To date over 3,000 couples have exchanged vows in Bridal Cave. In 1948, the secret of "Mystery Lake" was officially uncovered and became a protected treasure for generations to come. Guided tours of the cave leave every few minutes and last approximately an hour. Tour guides will lead you through rooms of incredible mineral deposits, giant columns, delicate soda straws, and massive draperies of formations.
Swinging Bridges
The Swinging Bridges of Brumley are an experience not to be missed at the Lake of the Ozarks! They are original suspension bridges located on Swinging Bridges Road off Highway 42. The two bridges are located 1,000 feet from each other and still carry traffic. The Grand Auglaize Bridge was built in 1922 and is 500 feet long with a span of 414 feet. The Mill Creek Bridge was built in 1925 and is 135 feet long with a span of 95 feet.
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| Photo: Fun Lake |
At the time, Bagnell Dam was truly an engineering marvel, and dignitaries from all over the country and the world came to see it. More history and information can be found at Willmore Lodge near the dam, and you can view a real-sized turbine, which is how electricity is produced. To this day, the energy Bagnell Dam produces provides millions of hours of recreation for tourists, local residents, and second homeowners.
Explore Lake of the Ozarks at Your Isla Del Sol Condo
Isal Del Sol Condominiums offers private luxury without the upkeep of a residential home. Take advantage of maintenance free living and enjoy everything the Lake of the Ozarks has to offer. Get anywhere you need to in just minutes via the newly constructed roadway. For more information on these condos, contact us at (573) 552-8418.
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