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417 Magazine August 2024

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Experience the Natural Wonder of Christmas at Top of the Rock’s Lost Canyon Christmas

With twinkling lights, mysterious caves and cascading waterfalls, Top of the Rock's new Lost Canyon Christmas attraction is an instant family tradition.

by Ren Bishop

Dec 01 2022 at 8 a.m.

To experience the height of the Christmas season, it’s time to head to Top of the Rock .

Discover the magic of the season and the great outdoors at Lost Canyon Christmas, a 2.5-mile journey through an Ozarks winter wonderland. Twinkling Christmas lights illuminate the paved electric cart path and handcrafted bridges, lined with cascading waterfalls and grand holiday scenes designed to amaze and inspire wonder.

“Connection was the primary driving concept behind the Lost Canyon Christmas experience,” said Melody Matheny, the attraction designer for Lost Canyon Christmas. “The goal was to allow Guests to be inspired and come away with a deeper understanding of the natural world around them, what makes this place so very special, and how they are directly connected to it.”

PRESENTED BY

One core element of the attraction’s design: illuminate the present holiday season by honoring the past. In Chief Seattle’s letter of 1854, he recognized the sanctity of life and the integral, spiritual impact of Mother Nature. Chief Seattle’s themes of water, air, beasts, and ground are all connected, all serving as inspiration and guide for Guests on their journey through Lost Canyon Christmas.

“There is so much to celebrate this time of the year,” said John Mikolajczyk, director of operations for the Johnny Morris Foundation. “Lost Canyon Christmas features seasonal holiday traditions, along with honoring the great outdoors with special sculptures that celebrate animals, water, the earth and how we are all connected. Guests experience the cave trail in an all new, never before way that we hope will become a new family tradition during the holidays here in the Ozarks.”

Sip on hot chocolate or cider from The Bat Bar in Lost Canyon Cave as you wind past natural wonders, animal inhabitants, majestic vistas and mysterious caves on a magical journey.

From handmade replicas of ancient artifacts fabricated by Paragon 360 to a towering 40-foot Christmas tree, Lost Canyon Christmas hopes to wow at every turn!

“ Christmastime in the Ozarks is unlike any other,” said Bryan Nadeau, Vice President of Operations for the Johnny Morris Foundation Conservation Attractions. "Come together with the people you love and create those everlasting memories by starting a new holiday tradition at Top of the Rock. Be surrounded by family and the great outdoors, while feeling more connected to those of the area that came before us at Lost Canyon Christmas. ”

Explore the natural wonder of Christmas in the Ozarks at Lost Canyon Christmas!

Experience Lost Canyon Christmas

GET TICKETS

Lost Canyon Christmas opens December 1. Get tickets and experience the wonder at  topoftherock.com .

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Events Nature at Night on the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail

Nature at Night on the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail

November 3, 2023 at 5:00 pm - january 7, 2024 at 9:00 pm.

Experience the Ozarks after dark at Top of the Rock and join us for a 2.5-mile journey through Nature at Night! Enjoy this unique light tour experience with awe-inspiring displays resembling historic Native American scenes along with traditional holiday vignettes. Sip on hot beverages and be surrounded by twinkling lights and a festive spirit while connecting to the great outdoors. Make this season one to remember and start a new family tradition at Nature at Night on the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail!

Admission to Top of the Rock for Nature at Night requires a $15 Parking Fee (credit card only). Paid upon entry

• Adult prices start at: $29
• Child prices start at: $19
• Open November 3rd, 2023 – January 7th, 2024

For your safety weather may impact your tour, ice on the trail develops frequently during lower temperatures and may delay or cancel tours. Please check our website 2 hours prior to your tour time for updates. Cancelled tours will automatically be refunded to your credit card, please allow 5-7 business days to see that on your statement.

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Hollister, Missouri

• Ridgedale, MO

Lost Canyon Christmas

Paragon transformed Top of the Rock's 2.5 mile nature trail journey into an amazing Christmas experience.

Project Type

• Scenic Elements
• Fabrication

The Magic of Christmas

Top of the Rock has been transformed for the Christmas season with the Lost Canyon Christmas outdoor nature trail. The 2.5-mile trail features multiple scenes honoring Native Americans in an Ozarks winter wonderland, illuminated by thousands of Christmas lights nestled in the trees. As visitors travel along the paved golf cart path, they can enjoy hot chocolate and breathtaking views of handcrafted bridges, cascading waterfalls, cliffs, and holiday scenes.

"Connection was the primary driving concept behind the Lost Canyon Christmas experience," said Melody Matheny, the attraction designer. "Our goal was to allow guests to be inspired and come away with a deeper understanding of the natural world around them, what makes this place so special, and how they are directly connected to it."

"There is so much to celebrate this time of year," said John Mikolajczyk, director of operations for the Johnny Morris Foundation. “Lost Canyon Christmas features seasonal holiday traditions, along with honoring the great outdoors with special sculptures that celebrate animals, water, the earth and how we are all connected. Guests experience the cave trail in an all new, never before way that we hope will become a new family tradition during the holidays here in the Ozarks.”

Paragon’s service was unparalleled, and really delivered a win for us. The products that Paragon built and installed for us really exceeded any expectation we had.”

– John Mikolajczyk, Director of Operations, Johnny Morris Foundation

Custom-Built, Installed with Care

Paragon Fabrication spent almost three months creating the vision dreamed up by designer Melody Matheny. The challenge of fabricating elements that matched the existing majesty of the lost canyon trail was equaled by the task of installation across the rugged Ozarks terrain. Paragon 360 spent 3 weeks using construction equipment, heavy machinery, and a variety of lifts along the narrow paths and steep hill sides. Some of the elements were installed in areas where rock climbing and zip lines were the only access. Custom engineered rigging was required for the stalactite Christmas trees in the cave.

The custom fabricated elements created scenes that pulled inspiration from traditional Christmas elements, while honoring the local Native American history while also giving tribute to the military community. Replica native American art, spears, bead patterns, drums, teepee, and silhouettes created multiple scenes for visitors to enjoy. Life size internally lit elk, reindeer and bear light up the Ozarks rock outcrops as they cast reflections across a waterfall and cascade pools. A custom wood plank Christmas tree and hand carved Santa create more traditional Christmas scenes. Aluminum stalagmites suspended 60' foot in the air create a one of a kind experience as you drive through the cave and around the waterfall. In the main ticketing and lobby area, an internally and externally lit faux aged metal ribbon surrounds a 16-foot tall tree. Paragon also built a 120-foot long, waved American flag that stands 9' feet tall and service branch Christmas tree toppers as a tribute to the military community.

Creating Lasting Memories

"Christmas time in the Ozarks is unlike any other," said Bryan Nadeau, Vice President of Operations for the Johnny Morris Foundation Conservation Attractions. " Come together with the people you love and create those everlasting memories by starting a new holiday tradition at Top of the Rock. Be surrounded by family and the great outdoors, while feeling more connected to those of the area that came before us at Lost Canyon Christmas.”

"Connection was the primary driving concept behind the Lost Canyon Christmas experience. Our goal was to allow guests to be inspired and come away with a deeper understanding of the natural world around them, what makes this place so special, and how they are directly connected to it."

– Melody Matheny, Attraction Designer

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Lost Canyon Cave Tour & Ancient Ozarks Museum Visit

Discover the beauty of the Ozarks on a scenic golf cart tour through Lost Canyon Cave, complete with stunning views, waterfalls, and a visit to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.

$35.25 - $42.50 per person

More than 500 Miles from you

Local Selection: Exceptional experiences in your area that exceed expectations Learn more

Description

Experience the scenic wonders of the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail on a 2.5-mile electric cart tour. Starting at the Top of the Rock Welcome Center, this tour takes you through beautifully crafted trails showcasing spectacular rock formations, serene waterfalls, and breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake. Enhance your adventure with a refreshing stop at the Bat Bar for a drink. This tour also includes admission to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, offering a deeper dive into the region's rich history. With carts that can accommodate up to four people and a tour duration of 40-50 minutes, this is a must-do activity for all nature and history enthusiasts. Book online for the best rates and to avoid the ticket line.

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• Arrival: Begin at the Top of the Rock Welcome Center.
• Tour Start: Board your electric cart.
• Lost Canyon Cave: Drive through the cave, stopping at key scenic points.
• Bat Bar: Take a break and enjoy a drink at the Bat Bar.
• Continue Tour: Resume your journey, exploring more rock formations and waterfalls.
• Museum Visit: End your tour with a visit to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.

150 Top of the Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739

Packing List

• Comfortable clothing suitable for a golf cart ride
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen and hat for sun protection
• Camera for capturing scenic views

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Lost Canyon Christmas

For the first time ever, Christmas is coming to Top of the Rock’s Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail!

This article is presented in partnership with Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail.

Starting December 1st  experience Lost Canyon Christmas – a magical 2.5-mile journey throughout an Ozarks’ winter wonderland while sipping on hot beverages surrounded by over a million twinkling lights. Reconnect with the beauty of nature and Ozarks’ past by exploring natural wonders, animal inhabitants, majestic vistas, and mysterious caves. Learn from Chief Seattle and follow along on a guided adventure that celebrates the great outdoors and the sanctity of life.  

Chief Seattle gave a speech at Lincoln’s Address in 1854 regarding nature, conservation, and the sacredness of mother earth. In Chief Seattle’s intro, he states “Every part of the earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing and humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people. The sap which courses through the trees carries the memories of the red man. The perfumed flowers are our sisters; the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man – all belong to the same family.” 

This letter is an inspiration for Lost Canyon Christmas. The cave trail highlights themes from Chief Seattle’s words that honor and respect nature and teaches its importance such as water, rivers, air, beasts, ground, and connection. Be inspired by the wonder and the natural world around you through over 12 larger-than-life holiday scenes. Create memories that last a lifetime while feeling connected to your loved ones and the beauty of the Ozarks around you!

Experience the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail in a whole new never-before way that will become a new family holiday tradition right here in the Ozarks! Join us for Lost Canyon Christmas this holiday season from December 1st  through January!

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Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail

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Experience something unforgettable as you trek two-and-a-half miles on an electric cart along the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail. This attraction features the signature creativity and attention to detail Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Lodge founder Jonny Morris is known for creating.

Hundreds of hours were spent walking the land and painstakingly cutting a trail so that he could bring visitors into contact with dramatic features of nature. Along your journey you’ll see stunning rock formations, beautiful views of Table Rock Lake, waterfalls and come face-to-face with the remarkable Lost Canyon Cave that features the one-of-a-kind Bat Bar serving up signature drinks such as John L’s Lemonade.

The best time to soak in the beauty of the Ozarks? Enjoy this attraction just before sunset then head to Top of the Rock to experience one of the spectacular dining options as well as our signature sunset ceremony to cap off a truly extraordinary evening.

Information

Additional information.

Christmas In the Canyon...

Make magical memories this winter at Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve . Join us for Lost Canyon Christmas – our first-ever light tour at Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail . Experience the Ozarks after dark and join us for a 2.5-mile nighttime journey through illuminated, awe-inspiring displays resembling historic Native American scenes from Chief Seattle’s letter of 1854. Sip on hot beverages and be surrounded by twinkling lights and holiday magic while connecting to the great outdoors. Start a new family tradition at Lost Canyon Christmas !

For your safety weather may impact your tour, ice on the trail develops frequently during lower temperatures and may delay or cancel tours.  Please check our website 2 hours prior to your tour time for updates.  Cancelled tours will automatically be refunded to your credit card, please allow 5-7 business days to see that on your statement.

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Is my reservation time guaranteed?

We will do our best to ensure your reservation time is met. However, due to the self-guided tour and dynamic nature of the tour, these times may vary.

Can I cancel or change my reservation?

Yes! You can change your reservation day or time, however if there is a price difference in the times you will be required to pay the difference. You may also cancel your reservation, however due to reservation-based tickets, tickets not cancelled within 48 hours of reservation date are non-refundable.

Is parking included?

To park at Top of the Rock you'll need to purchase the Daily Access Pass. After 5pm the pass will be $15 for cars and $50 for vehicles with 10 or more guests. Credit card only.

Can I still visit the Museum?

Yes! A ticket to Lost Canyon Christmas still includes a same-day admission to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum as well! As per usual, this admission must be used on the same day as your reservation.

How long is the Lost Canyon Christmas tour?

This unique experience follows our 2.5 mile trail along the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail. Over 12 one-of-kind lighted scenes will be on display highlighting the Ozarks rich history and Native American heritage. We estimate about an hour to an hour-and-a-half to complete the trail.

Can I get out and take pictures?

To ensure everyone’s safety on the trail at night, guests will not be allowed to get out of their carts for photos. Our team will have a photo opportunity on the trail for guests to get out with one of our staff members available to take a group picture. A digital copy of this photo will be included with your ticket price.

When does Lost Canyon Christmas start?

The Lost Canyon Christmas tour will be opening November 5th! Lights will turn on at 5pm each evening and the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail will become the Lost Canyon Christmas experience!

What happens if the weather conditions are poor?

For your safety weather may adversely impact your tour, in those cases your tour maybe delayed, rescheduled, or refunded.  Check topoftherock.com for weather related updates!

Santa Claus is coming to WOW...

‘Tis the SEAson for wonder! Starting November 22nd through December 23rd on Tuesday and Friday nights, Scuba Claus is coming to town! We are decking the halls at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium and diving into the holidays with splashy lights, hot cocoa, and a reading of “Twas the Night Before Fishmas” from Mrs. Claus. Be WOW’d as Scuba Claus and his helper, Peppermint, go out to sea and dive in the Great Barrier Reef spreading Christmas cheer in a magical underwater wonderland.

Tour Details

At Lost Canyon you enjoy the entire tour riding through a magnificent mile of cliff-walled gorges in comfortable yet quaint horse-drawn carriages which carry 15 passengers each. The trips take a half hour and begin on the south shore of Lake Delton.

It was back in 1956 that Dr. R.O. Ebert started the horse-drawn wagon tours through Lost Canyon, the longest and deepest land canyon in Wisconsin. In 1967, the Kissack families took over the business and still operate it today, doing their part to maintain this natural treasure. Visitors ride through a mile of cliff-walled gorges in comfortable yet quaint horse-drawn carriages. At the narrowest passages, the guides must talk the horses through the tight squeeze. In some of the deeper parts, the sheer rock and sandstone wall have not felt the touch of the sun in more than 50,000 years.

Top of the Rock

Book your adventure at top of the rock, lost canyon cave and nature trail & ancient ozarks natural history museum tickets.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the Ozarks Heritage Preserve, where you’ll experience the adventure of a lifetime at Top of the Rock. Start your trip planning early by purchasing your Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail and Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum tickets online today.

While online reservations speed up the process once you arrive, allowing you to bypass the ticket purchase line at the Welcome Center, it doesn’t guarantee your tour time. Advanced tickets are only available online and provide the best pricing. Walk-ups are always welcome.

Our online Single Day Tickets are priced at variable rates offering you the opportunity to visit on a day that best fits your budget and schedule. Prices do increase daily, so the earlier you PICK-A-DAY, the more you’ll SAVE!

Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail Includes admission to Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum

Parking is required but not included in admission. General Parking Fee is $10; $25 valet (limited availability). Fee increases to $15 after 5pm during the holiday season. General Parking Fee may vary on holidays, or periods of peak attendance.

For groups of 20 or more, please contact our group sales department at 800-456-4812 or email us at [email protected].

190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, Missouri 65739

(800) 225-6343

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1 Tourist Is Dead and 2 Are Trapped After Ice Wall Collapses in Iceland

The tourists were part of a group exploring a glacier in southeastern Iceland when an ice canyon wall collapsed. A fourth tourist was rescued, officials said.

By Alexandra E. Petri

One person has died, two people remain trapped and one person was injured after an ice canyon wall collapsed Sunday during a group tour of a glacier in southeastern Iceland, the authorities said.

Emergency responders received a call at about 3 p.m. local time that a group of about 25 tourists with a tour guide were exploring ice caves and canyons on the glacier, Breidamerkurjokull, when the side of an ice canyon gave way, said Jón Þór Víglundsson, a spokesman for ICE-SAR, a volunteer search-and-rescue association.

The glacier is part of Vatnajökull National Park, one of Europe’s largest, spread across nearly 5,460 square miles.

Four people were hit by the falling ice, Lögreglan á Suðurlandi, the local police force, said on Facebook . Two of them were rescued, the police said.

One victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other was airlifted to Landspitalinn, the National University Hospital of Iceland, and is in stable condition, the agency said on Facebook late Sunday evening.

Two people remain trapped, the agency said, and their conditions were unclear. A search-and-rescue effort that was underway to find the missing tourists was suspended late on Sunday, the authorities said.

“Conditions during the search are difficult and darkness is now upon us,” the agency said, adding that it was dangerous to continue the search through the night. The search will resume in the morning, the police said.

Others in the group remained uninjured, according to the police.

It was unclear on Sunday evening where the tourists were from, what tour company organized the expedition or how many guides were on the trip.

At least 150 people are involved in the search-and-rescue efforts, Mr. Víglundsson said. Crews have a “good feeling” on where the two trapped tourists might be, he said, but the operation is complicated.

“Although we think we know the location of the two missing, it is hard to say what amount of ice is between them and the rescuers,” Mr. Víglundsson said. “It is a difficult situation.”

Because of the precarious location on the glacier, teams cannot use heavy equipment and are instead using hacks, chain saws and ice picks to move the ice by hand to “clear a path” forward, Mr. Víglundsson said.

Crews are working in teams of 12 and in shifts, he said.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey , Breidamerkurjokull is an outlet glacier that extends from Vatnajökull, Iceland’s largest glacier, into the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon .

Breidamerkurjokull is famous for its ice caves. The best time to visit is in winter, according to Adventures.is, an Icelandic tour operator.

Vísir reported that tourism companies that have signed a contract with the national park are authorized to organize ice cave trips and glacier walks year-round, and that the park “trusts companies to assess the conditions.”

Amanda Holpuch contributed reporting.

6398 Lost Canyon Ranch Road,  Castle Rock, CO 80104

Single Family

Sabina Kier

About This Home

Impeccably kept house on nearly an acre with easy access to Castle Rock. Nestled in the trees with beautiful views, the Perfect Colorado Backyard, and an amazing garage. Open, light and bright kitchen, with newer and upgraded stainless appliances, an oversized slab granite island, double ovens, a walk-in pantry, a gas cooktop, a stainless refrigerator, newly sanded hardwood floors and slab granite. Wet bar in the family room. New carpet in the family room, office and basement. Two water heaters, Dual AC and Whole House Fan. Tech Savvy House with a Wireless Alarm System, Blink Camera System, and Central Vac. Professionally finished basement with high ceilings, a game area, 2 more bedrooms or an additional office or craft room, and Pool Table (included). Incredible 5 car on-demand heated and insulated garage and workspace including WIFI garage doors, Side Lift garage door openers (no overhead), a HI LIFT garage door ready for a car lift (the door hugs the tall ceiling). The perfect, private Colorado backyard with full fencing, a wonderful perfectly working, pond-less waterfall, a gas firepit, hook-up for a gas grill, a DEK Drain system on the oversized Covered Patio, a stamped concrete patio and walkways, a newer HOTTUB (included), and perfect landscaping and flowers. Washer and Dryer included. Wonderful street in Castle Rock with great neighbors.

Built in 2004

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$304 per Sq. Ft.

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Donetsk Oblast

• 2 Understand
• 4.1 Travel from Russia
• 5 Get around
• 9 Stay safe

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The Donetsk Oblast is a region in Eastern Ukraine that is partially occupied by Russia, which claimed in 2022 to have annexed it.

• 48.008889 37.804167 1 Donetsk – primarily known for its plant for the production of sparkling wine bottles the classic way. Former industrial heartland of Eastern Ukraine, now annexed by Russia.
• 48.594722 38.000833 2 Bakhmut – tour the Salt mine and taste the town's sparkling wine
• 48.055556 37.961111 4 Makiivka — an important steel industry and coal mining centre that adjoins the capital.
• 47.130556 37.563889 5 Mariupol – A major industrial center, climatic and mud resort. Part of the Pryazovia area

The eastern and southern parts of the Russian-majority oblast declared its independence from Ukraine in 2014 as Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), following the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the Euromaidan protests in which Ukraine's pro- Russian government was overthrown by pro- EU protesters. The situation in Eastern Ukraine was until 2022 considered to be a "frozen conflict", similar to other post-Soviet breakaway states such as Artsakh, Abkhazia, South Ossetia, Transnistria, and its sister nation, the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).

The DPR and the Ukrainian government estimated that around 1,870,000 people (2014) — over 50% of the total population of Donetsk Oblast — lived in DPR-held regions. Of those who lived in the separatist controlled regions before the war, a third had left before the full-scale invasion of 2022, half of them to Russia, the other half to other parts of Ukraine.

In January 2021, the DPR and LPR stated in a "Russian Donbass doctrine" that they aimed to seize all of the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk Oblast under control by the Ukrainian government "in the near future". The document did not indicate any intention of the republics to be annexed by Russia.

The Donetsk People's Republic was recognized by few countries during its existence, even by Russia only in 2022 as part of its invasion against Ukraine. In September 2022, heavily policed referendums were held, in which the population was said to have voted to be annexed by Russia. Immediately after the referendum, Russia formally annexed Donetsk Oblast, including areas not under its control.

In 2014, Ukraine enacted a law making Ukrainian the sole official language. In 2020, the DPR similarly abandoned its policy of Russian and Ukrainian bilingualism, and established Russian as the sole official language. The languages are more or less mutually intelligible and many are bilingual in them.

As per the 2001 census taken in Donetsk, 74.9% of people spoke Russian as primary language, while 24.1% spoke Ukrainian as such.

As the battlefront crosses the oblast, you should choose what side to visit and accordingly enter from Ukraine or Russia. Access to much of the oblast may be restricted.

Before the invasion of 2022 foreigners were allowed to cross checkpoints into/out of the temporary occupied territories of Ukraine in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions provided they meet certain requirements including having an insurance policy certificate issued by a Ukraine-registered insurance company, or a foreign insurance company with an office in Ukraine or a contractual partnership with one of the Ukraine-registered insurance companies. The policy must cover the costs of COVID-19 treatment, observation, and has to be valid for the period of intended stay in Ukraine. See Ukraine Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information.

Entering DPR from Russia is illegal under Ukrainian law, and will result on a lifetime ban on entering Ukraine.

As of March 2021, the Donetsk International Airport is not operating.

Travel from Russia

Many Russian tourists and volunteers often visit the DPR and LPR, may it be for fighting in the War in Donbass or going on a vacation in Azov. You can go one a metro ride from Rostov-on-Don to a border village in Rostov Oblast and then visit the border, though Russian border guards usually deny the request. Before the invasion of 2022, access was granted for journalism on the conflict in Ukraine or to join the fight. From the border, you would have entered the Donetsk People's Republic.

• Donetsk Botanical Garden
• Forged Figures Park
• Donetsk Regional Museum
• Donetsk Opera House
• Art Winery in Bakhmut — see sparkling wines produced in vast underground tunnels

The 47.29 38.18 1 Khomutovskaya Steppe Reserve , which is 35 km away from the Azov seashore near the village Khomutovka (about 150 km away from Donetsk city), has more than 500 varieties of steppe plants including rare and endemic plants, and mounds from the Mongol period.

The Ukrainian hryvnia (₴) is more commonly used than the Russian Ruble (₽) due to a lack of low-denomination Rubles, but this may simply depend on proximity to the border.

The conflict in the region is ongoing and violence may erupt at any time. See the article on war zone safety . Your government probably will not be able to provide any assistance if you run into trouble. Lawlessness, arbitrary arrests and human rights violations are widespread.

The other oblasts of Eastern Ukraine border the Donetsk territory, as does Russia . Beware of the battlefront, which may be shifting quickly.

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Donetsk and Luhansk: What you should know about the ‘republics’

Who has followed Russia in recognising the controversial, Moscow-backed statelets in Ukraine? And what is life like there?

Kyiv, Ukraine – Moscow-backed separatists have controlled the southeastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, known collectively as Donbas, for almost eight years.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised them only on Monday, paving the way for the official presence of Russian troops in the rebel-controlled areas that occupy about a third of Donetsk and Luhansk.

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So far, only Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Syria have joined Putin in recognising Donetsk and Luhansk – along with breakaway Georgian provinces of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. They all did so also on Monday.

The central question is whether Russia would recognise them in their current borders. Should it decide to help the rebels “restore” their statelets to the original borders, it may spell a large-scale war between Moscow and Kyiv.

At the moment, Russia will recognise “the borders, where the leadership of the DNR and the LNR are executing their authority,” Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told the Interfax News Agency on Tuesday.

But the foreign ministry also said on Tuesday that the issue of the borders is yet to be resolved.

While Ukraine and the West try to avoid war, other questions loom.

What are the roots of the region’s separatism? What has kept these areas alive since 2014? And what is their future?

Neo-Stalinism

A 13.5 metre-tall statue of Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin still dominates the main square in Donetsk, the capital of the eponymous breakaway region in southeastern Ukraine.

And the constitution adopted by Lenin’s successor, Josef Stalin, has been restored by the Moscow-backed separatist leaders of Donetsk and neighbouring Luhansk after they broke away from the central government in 2014.

This constitution prescribes the death penalty for a number of crimes, making the separatist “People’s Republics” – and authoritarian Belarus nearby – Europe’s only homes to capital punishment.

After almost eight years of existence, the “republics” are understood to have evolved into totalitarian, North Korea-like statelets.

It is near impossible for foreigners to enter the areas. Ukrainians can only visit if they have relatives in Donetsk and Luhansk, and would have to cross into Russia first, which takes about 30 hours and costs $100 – a journey that also involves bribing officials at times. Residents need a Soviet-era residency registration.

In the statelets, secret police and “loyal” residents monitor every word, phone call and text message.

Dissidents or businessmen who refuse to “donate” their assets to the “needs of the People’s Republic” have been thrown in “cellars”, or dozens of makeshift concentration camps, without trial.

“It looks like the 1930s in the Soviet Union, a classic gulag,” Stanislav Aseyev, a publicist who was kidnapped in 2017 in Donetsk and was sentenced by a separatist “court” to 15 years in jail for “espionage”, told Al Jazeera.

For almost two years, he was incarcerated and tortured in these “cellars” until separatists swapped him and dozens of other prisoners in 2017.

Thousands of others were tortured and abused in the “cellars”, according to rights groups and witnesses. The grave human rights abuses make Donetsk and Luhansk far worse than today’s Russia, an international human rights advocate said.

“The cellars where prisoners are held in Donetsk, and the widespread use of torture, are among the most obvious human rights issues,” said Ivar Dale, a senior policy adviser with the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, a human rights watchdog group.

But there are much wider problems such as civil and political rights, he said.

“You could say that the political repression in Russia is doubly felt in Donetsk and Luhansk and other areas effectively under control of the Putin regime,” Dale told Al Jazeera.

Rust-belt ruins

These tendencies have gone hand in hand with economic degradation.

The living standards are “many times, if not dozens of times worse than in pre-war 2013”, said Aseyev, 32, who now lives in Kyiv and has published a novel about the events in Donetsk.

This regress looks even more staggering considering Donetsk’s and Luhansk’s not-so-ancient history. The cities were founded by two Brits.

Englishman Charles Gascoigne built a metal factory in what is now Luhansk in 1795, shortly after czarist Russia annexed Crimea and eastern Ukraine from the Crimean Khanate, a mostly-Muslim vassal of Ottoman Turkey.

Decades later, in 1869, Welshman John Hughes started a steel plant and a coal mine in what is now Donetsk, and the city was named after him – Hughesovka or Yuzovka – until the Soviet era.

The birth and rapid growth of both cities followed the czarist government’s drive to develop the immense coal and iron ore deposits of what is now eastern Ukraine.

Communist Moscow further spurred the region’s development, and tens of thousands of ethnic Russians settled there, making urban areas almost exclusively Russian-speaking.

Coal and mines grew deeper next to hillocks made of spent ore, and foundries, chemical and power plants dotted the region.

The political heyday of Donetsk began in 2010, when its native Viktor Yanukovych became Ukraine’s president – and brought cohorts of his cronies to Kyiv.

They tried to wrestle control of Ukraine’s politics and economy – but triggered months-long protests that began in November 2013 and ended in February 2014, when the Ukrainian parliament voted to remove Yanukovych from office.

The protests are known in Ukraine as the Revolution of Dignity – but Russian President Vladimir Putin still calls them a “coup”.

‘Russian spring’

In the czarist era, the region was known as Novorossiya – or New Russia – and the Kremlin would use the name in 2014 as it proclaimed the “Russian Spring” or “liberation” of Russian-speaking regions in eastern and southern Ukraine.

But pro-Russian rallies and uprisings in Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, and Odesa, its largest seaport on the Black Sea, failed.

However, thousands of Russian volunteers flocked to Donetsk and Luhansk to aid separatist militias – while many locals were ecstatic about the “Russian Spring”.

“Putin will come and restore order here,” one of their supporters, a rotund minibus driver named Valerii, told this reporter in April 2014 in Donetsk.

But four months later, after the separatists tried to confiscate his minibus, he locked his apartment, loaded the bus with his most valuable belongings, and left for Kyiv.

‘Price tag’

Even though Ukraine barred any economic ties to the separatist regions, they still exist – and even involve top politicians.

Pro-Western President Petro Poroshenko, who came to power after the Revolution of Dignity, admitted that he channeled government funds worth tens of millions of dollars in exchange for Donetsk coal in the winter of 2014-2015 because otherwise “half of Ukraine could have frozen”.

But Russia still had to bankroll the separatist provinces spending billions of dollars a year.

So, what are Moscow’s economic goals in Donbas?

“Very simple – to lower the price tag of maintaining the occupied territories,” Aleksey Kusch, a Kyiv-based analyst, told Al Jazeera.

To achieve that, Russia may want to remove the middlemen who pocketed the lion’s share of profits from the export of coal and steel and the delivery of humanitarian aid that was immediately resold on the black market.

“They kept up to 70 percent of the profits,” Kushch said.