Missouri State Parks Second to None

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Click here to vote for Ha Ha Tonka as the best state park.

The remains of a 20th-century castle highlight Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which is currently in the running to be named the number one state park in America.

The remains of a 20th-century castle highlight Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which is currently in the running to be named the number one state park in America.

 

Bennett Spring was the first Missouri state park I ever visited. As I rolled down the long and winding hill that leads into the lush valley below with its mesmerizing spring creek, I began looking for a place to pay my entrance fee. After driving in circles for over 10 minutes, I finally gave up and went inside the park store to ask for help.

“You don’t have to pay to enter Missouri State Parks,” a sweet, grey-haired old lady explained to me.

Confused by this statement, I said, “But I don’t have an annual pass or anything.”

She explained further, “Missouri State Parks are open for everyone to enjoy. You have to pay to camp and fish here, but other than that, there is no fee to enter.”

I was stunned. Coming from Indiana, a state with beautiful state parks of its own, I was used to having to pay an entrance fee or purchase an annual pass. The concept of free state parks was something I had never considered. Now, I view this privilege as another in a long, long list of reasons why I consider Missouri to be the absolute best state in America for outdoor enthusiasts to live and visit.

Missouri’s state park system consists of 87 state parks and historic sites plus the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry. With over 200,000 acres, 2,000 structures, 3,500 campsites, 194 cabins, 2,000 picnic sites and 1,000 miles of trail, Missouri’s State Parks offer outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels opportunities to be outside, enjoying nature.

The primary reason why Missouri has such incredible state parks that are open to visitors without having to pay an entrance fee is the dedicated constitutional Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax of one-tenth-of-one-percent. This tax makes all Missourians investors in our state park system.

According to the Missouri State Parks website, the Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax provides about three-fourths of the division’s budget for operation and development of state parks. All additional funding comes from revenues generated in the state park system and some federal funds.

As investors in our Missouri State Parks, we should be proud to know that a number of our parks are often recognized as some of the very best in the country. Katy Trail State Park, which at 240-miles is the longest developed rails-to-trails project in the nation, is a nationally recognized destination. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is right now in the running for prestigious recognition.

The USA Today is currently conducting voting for Readers’ Choice Awards for the Best State Parks in America. From over 6,000 state parks across our country, 20 finalists have been selected. Ha Ha Tonka is respectively representing Missouri. Click here to vote for Ha Ha Tonka. 

Ha Ha Tonka is located on Lake of the Ozarks and features a 20th-century castle built high upon a bluff overlooking the lake. The park offers over 15 miles of trail that lead to sink holes, caves, natural bridges and the water. Ha Ha Tonka is truly a unique destination that draws people from all over Missouri and beyond.

Being situated way out here in the middle of the country, Missouri is often lumped in with other fly-over states, leaving folks from the coasts to wonder why they would want to visit our beautiful home. I think it would be wonderful to see one of our incredible state parks named the number one state park in America to give them a reason. If you agree, then you have the opportunity to vote for Ha Ha Tonka to claim this prize. Voting remains open until Monday, March 30 on the following website: www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-state-park/

To make reservations for camping at a state park this summer, visit www.mostateparks.com

See you down the trail…

Brandon Butler

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