Lost Mine Airpark on Bull Shoals Lake
MO — Lost Mine Airpark (O56) on Bull Shoals Lake in Missouri offers custom home sites where you can build your house and/or an airplane hangar. Now is your chance if you’ve always dreamed of living in the Ozarks. Let’s take a look at what makes Lost Mine Airpark so unique.
What’s the history of Lost Mine Airpark?
Lost Mine Airpark (O56) has a rich history. It was initially known as the Jake Nave Estate, and it encompassed 465 acres at the time Grant Finley purchased it. Grant Finley owned the Western Engineering Company in Harlan, Iowa, which his father started. The company began as a bridge-building business but quickly expanded into asphalt. Eventually, they had projects throughout Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Grant attained his private pilot’s license to decrease travel time between job locations. The airplane was used for business and leisure; eventually, Grant decided he wanted a vacation home. However, he didn’t want a vacation home in just any location. He wanted a vacation home in an area where he could truly relax.
As it turned out, this area would be the Jake Nave Estate on Bull Shoals Lake. The Jake Nave Estate was located at Point 13, across the lake from the Pontiac Marina. Of course, Point 13 and the Jake Nave Estate aren’t the mysterious and possibly spooky lost mine. However, the lost mine was revealed when Grant went to purchase the property.
While researching the deed for the old Jake Nave Estate, someone came across a mining lease. This lease was dated in 1900 and had a 99-year duration. At the time Grant was looking at the property, it was 1971, which meant that the lease had another 28 years on it. The good news was that no one remembered anyone doing any mining in the area, and no one knew who owned that mining lease. Grant went ahead with the purchase.
When Grant bought the property, he had two partners: Don Tweedy and Ray Tredway. Don thought to build an airstrip and offer homes near it so that pilots could fly their airplanes and live near the runway.
After some years, the partners divided the land between them, with Grant taking the plat that included the runway. He lived there with his wife and turned that property into a horse ranch known as Lost Mine Ranch.
Don died in 1997 in a horse accident. However, his dreams for the Lost Mine Airpark did not die with him. Today, it’s a place where pilots can build custom homes and hangars.
What is Lost Mine Airpark like Today?
Lost Mine Airpark (O56) is now owned by Mike Sierra Aviation LLC (MSA). The community has an HOA, and members of the community can use the runway and associated parking lot at their leisure. It’s located 12 miles from Theodosia. The community has several full-time residents, vacationers, and weekend warriors. It was designed with pilots, vacationers, and people who like to hike, fish, and boat in mind, and despite being first activated in 1973, there are still a couple of homesites and hangar sites available.
What type of runway does Lost Mine Airpark have?
Runway 11/29 is for private use by the residents of the community. It is 3,000 feet long by 48 feet wide and paved. The traffic pattern is to the left for both runways, and the approach to Runway 11 contains a hill and trees. There are five aircraft based on the field. The field is unattended and includes a wind sock. Pilots can contact the CTAF on frequency 122.9. Parking and tie-downs are available for residents and their guests.
What makes Lost Mine Airpark unique?
Aside from the fact that there could be a lost mine somewhere in the area, the airpark is unique because it was purchased with remoteness in mind. After all, when Grant Finely purchased it in 1971, he was looking for the ultimate vacation spot to relax and unwind from his hectic work schedule.
Today, the property is still remote. Theodosia is classified as a village with a population of 188. It encompasses 1.57 square miles and contains a Dollar General, a Cash Saver Pantry, and a Do It Best hardware store. It’s also home to the Theodosia Marina Resort, and you can grab a bite to eat at Cookie’s Diner.
Where can you find out more about Lost Mine Airpark?
Lost Mine Airpark has a website where you can learn more about the community, airstrip, and sites and homes available for sale. If you plan to fly your airplane to the community, you’ll need prior permission to land. All in all, Lost Mine Airpark could be right for you if you’re looking for a remote place to relax and unwind in nature.