Share with friends!
FacebookPinterestWhatsApp
Imagine seeing towering turrets, secret passageways and grand halls filled with mystery and history.
While castles might bring to mind the misty hills of Europe, you don’t need a passport to visit these beauties.
Did you know that the United States is home to some incredible castles of its own?
From fairytale castles that Cinderella would gladly call home to medieval-style fortresses more suited to dragons, America is home to some of the finest castles around.
Join me as we explore these hidden gems!
1. Biltmore Estate, North Carolina
The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina is America’s largest home, built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895.
This stunning Châteauesque-style mansion has 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces!
It also sits on 8,000 acres of beautiful gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.
Originally a private residence, the estate is now a popular tourist attraction with features like an award-winning winery and extensive outdoor activities.
Fun fact: Biltmore even stored priceless art from the National Gallery of Art during World War II to keep it safe.
2. Bishop Castle, Colorado
Bishop Castle in Rye, Colorado is a hand-built fortress created by Jim Bishop over nearly 60 years.
This three-story castle features a Grand Ballroom, soaring towers and even a fire-breathing dragon!
Jim started building the castle at age 15 and has done all the work himself, using stones from the surrounding forest.
Visitors are welcome to explore this incredible site and they might even catch a glimpse of Jim continuing his lifelong project.
3. Gillette Castle, Connecticut
Gillette Castle is a quirky and fascinating stone mansion built by actor William Gillette, famous for playing Sherlock Holmes.
Constructed between 1914 and 1919, this 24-room castle features unique designs like hidden mirrors, secret passageways and custom wood-carved doors.
The castle sits atop a hill with breathtaking views of the Connecticut River and includes hiking trails that follow the route of Gillette’s personal miniature railroad.
Today, it’s a state park where people can explore both the stunning castle and beautiful grounds, making it a must-see attraction.
4. Castle Gwynn, Tennessee
Castle Gwynn is a stunning replica of a 12th-century Welsh border castle, built by Mike Freeman, who started the project in 1980 after dreaming about it since high school.
This incredible castle, with its two soaring towers and intricate brickwork, is the centerpiece of the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival each May.
Not only is it a private residence, but it also served as the enchanting backdrop for Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” music video.
You can tour this fairytale-like castle during the festival and discover its medieval charm and craftsmanship.
5. Hearst Castle, California
Hearst Castle, also known as La Cuesta Encantada or “The Enchanted Hill,” is a magnificent estate built by newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan between 1919 and 1947.
This sprawling castle has 165 rooms, 127 acres of gardens and two notable pools: the Neptune Pool and the Roman Pool.
Hearst Castle was a hotspot for Hollywood stars and political elites in the 1920s and 1930s, who were dazzled by its opulent rooms and breathtaking views.
Fun fact: the estate even has a private zoo that once housed exotic animals like zebras and kangaroos!
6. Newman’s Castle, Texas
Newman’s Castle in Bellville, Texas, is a medieval-style fortress built by local baker Mike Newman, who began construction in 1998 and completed it in 2006.
This whimsical castle features a moat, a 3,000-pound working drawbridge, dungeon and even a working trebuchet, making it feel like a fairytale come to life.
You can take a guided tour where kids can get knighted, play with wooden swords and explore the castle’s many fascinating features.
Fun fact: Mike Newman built the castle himself and even ran the tours himself up until 2024 when he passed away.
7. Boldt Castle, New York
Boldt Castle is a magical mansion built by millionaire George Boldt in the early 1900s as a grand love gift for his wife, Louise.
Located on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands, this six-story castle features 120 rooms, beautiful Italian gardens and even a yacht house.
Tragically, construction stopped when Louise died suddenly in 1904, leaving the castle unfinished and abandoned for decades.
Today, restored and open to the public, Boldt Castle is a popular tourist spot where you can explore its romantic history and stunning architecture.
8. Iolani Palace, Hawaii
ʻIolani Palace, located in Honolulu, is a stunning royal residence built in 1882 by King Kalākaua, the last king of Hawaii.
This unique palace, designed in the American Florentine style, was the first in Hawaii to have electricity and telephones, even before the White House!
It served as the home for the Hawaiian monarchy until Queen Liliʻuokalani was overthrown in 1893 and later imprisoned there.
Today, the beautifully restored palace is open to the public, where you can explore its grand halls, lush grounds and learn about its rich history and royal heritage.
9. Castle Farms, Michigan
Castle Farms is a magical stone castle built in 1918 by Albert Loeb, the Vice President of Sears, Roebuck & Co., as a model dairy farm.
It was inspired by the stone barns and castles of Normandy in France.
This enchanting estate features beautiful gardens, a giant hedge maze and Michigan’s largest outdoor model railroad, making it a fun destination for all ages.
In the 1970s and 1980s, it even hosted legendary rock concerts with bands like Aerosmith and Bon Jovi.
10. Old Louisiana State Capitol, Louisiana
Old Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge is a grand Gothic Revival building that looks like a medieval castle overlooking the Mississippi River.
Built between 1847 and 1852, it has a stunning interior with a cast-iron spiral staircase and a beautiful stained glass dome.
The building has seen many dramatic moments over the years, including a fire during the Civil War and fiery political debates led by Governor Huey P. Long.
Today, it’s a museum where you can explore Louisiana’s vibrant political history and enjoy interactive exhibits like “The Ghost of the Castle” multimedia show.
11. Bannerman Castle, New York
Bannerman Castle is a fascinating ruin on Pollepel Island in the Hudson River, built by Francis Bannerman VI in the early 1900s to store his massive military surplus.
The castle, designed to look like a Scottish fortress, was both a warehouse and a giant advertisem*nt for Bannerman’s business.
After a series of explosions, fires and decades of neglect, the castle now stands in picturesque ruins.
You can take guided tours to explore its intriguing past and enjoy stunning views of the Hudson Valley.
12. Belvedere Castle, New York
Belvedere Castle, located in New York’s Central Park, is a charming miniature castle designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould in 1869.
Perched on top of Vista Rock, it offers breathtaking views of Turtle Pond, the Great Lawn and the Ramble.
Originally built as an open-air lookout, it became a weather station in 1919 and now serves as a visitor center and gift shop.
Fun fact: the castle’s name actually means “beautiful view” in Italian, and it truly lives up to its name as it provides some of the most stunning views in Central Park.
13. Clark Tower, Iowa
Clark Tower in Winterset, Iowa, is a charming 25-foot limestone tower built in 1926 to honor early pioneers Caleb and Ruth Clark.
Located in Winterset City Park, this fairytale-like structure offers stunning views of the Middle River Valley, especially in the fall.
You can either hike or drive up to the tower, but be prepared for a narrow, pothole-filled road if you choose to drive.
Despite being struck by a powerful tornado in 2022, Clark Tower remains a beloved and enchanting landmark for all who visit.
14. Loveland Castle, Ohio
Loveland Castle, also known as Chateau Laroche, is a magical stone castle in Ohio built by World War I veteran Harry D. Andrews starting in 1929 and continued for over 50 years.
Andrews constructed the castle by hand, using stones from the Little Miami River and cement bricks he made himself.
The castle features four unique towers, a dungeon and beautiful gardens, making it feel like a real medieval fortress.
Today, it’s run by the Knights of the Golden Trail and open to visitors who can explore its enchanting rooms, learn about its history and even hear tales of hauntings from the knights on duty.
15. Smithsonian Castle, Washington D.C.
The Smithsonian Castle in Washington, D.C. is a beautiful red sandstone building designed by James Renwick Jr. and completed in 1855.
This Gothic Revival building was the first Smithsonian museum and once housed everything from research labs to the Secretary’s living quarters.
It now serves as the Smithsonian’s administrative hub and visitor center, featuring interactive displays and the crypt of James Smithson, the institution’s founder.
16. Castle Otttis, Florida
Castle Otttis in St. Augustine is a unique structure built by Ottis Sadler and Rusty Ickes between 1984 and 1988.
Modeled after a 1,000-year-old Irish castle, it stands over 50 feet tall and was created as a sculpture in remembrance of Jesus Christ.
The castle features 88 window openings without glass, allowing the elements to flow through and creating a mystical atmosphere reminiscent of an ancient abbey.
Today, you can explore this beautiful castle by appointment, enjoying its mystical atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
17. Castello di Amorosa, California
Castello di Amorosa in Napa Valley is a stunning medieval-style castle built by Dario Sattui starting in 1994.
This 14th-century Tuscan castle replica features 107 unique rooms, a moat, drawbridge and even a torture chamber.
It took 15 years and over 8,000 tons of hand-chiseled stone to complete, with many materials imported from Europe to ensure authenticity.
Today, you can explore the castle’s beautiful courtyards, grand halls and underground wine cellars while enjoying award-winning wines in a fairytale setting.
18. Falkenstein Castle, Texas
Falkenstein Castle in Burnet, Texas, is a fairytale castle built by Terry and Kim Young in 1996 after being inspired by Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany.
This enchanting castle features grand halls, beautiful gardens and stunning views of the Texas Hill Country from its elevated location.
Modeled after Bavarian castles, it even has a chapel and a knight’s armory, making it feel like a real medieval fortress.
Today, Falkenstein Castle is a popular venue for weddings and events, and you can even stay overnight by booking it on Airbnb.
19. The Kentucky Castle, Kentucky
The Kentucky Castle, located in Versailles, is a stunning medieval-style castle built in 1969 by Rex and Caroline Martin after being inspired by European architecture on their honeymoon.
This enchanting estate features 16 luxurious rooms, a grand ballroom and beautiful gardens, making it a popular venue for weddings and special events.
After sitting unfinished for nearly 30 years, it was bought and renovated by Thomas R. Post, who transformed it into a luxurious bed and breakfast.
Today, you can enjoy farm-to-table dining, guided tours and the fairytale atmosphere of this unique landmark.
20. Grey Towers Castle, Pennsylvania
Grey Towers Castle is a majestic Gothic Revival mansion built in 1893 by renowned architect Horace Trumbauer for sugar magnate William Welsh Harrison.
Located on the campus of Arcadia University in Glenside, this castle boasts 40 rooms, stunning French Renaissance interiors and intricate woodwork.
Originally one of the largest homes in the country, it features grand halls, a magnificent library and even 50+ gargoyles decorating its exterior.
21. Joslyn Castle, Nebraska
Joslyn Castle in Omaha is a magnificent 35-room mansion built in 1903 by George and Sarah Joslyn in the Scottish Baronial style.
This four-story castle features luxurious rooms, including a grand ballroom, a library and a music room, with interiors featuring carved wood, stained glass and mosaic tiles.
The castle sits on 5.5 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and even had a bowling alley in the basem*nt.
Today, Joslyn Castle is open for public tours and events, allowing visitors to explore its rich history and stunning architecture.
22. Curwood Castle, Michigan
Curwood Castle in Owosso, Michigan, is a charming, fairytale-like castle built by author James Oliver Curwood in 1923 as his writing studio.
This picturesque castle, inspired by a Norman chateau, features spires, a slate roof and decorative fieldstones that Curwood hand picked himself.
Located along the Shiawassee River, it now serves as a museum celebrating Curwood’s life and literary works.
You can explore its unique architecture and learn about the man whose stories once captivated millions of readers.
23. Irish Bayou Castle, Louisiana
Irish Bayou Castle, also known as Fisherman’s Castle, is a whimsical white castle built by Simon Villemarette in 1981 on the marshy shores of Irish Bayou in Louisiana.
Inspired by 14th-century chateaus, this two-bedroom castle was constructed as a unique fishing camp and has survived hurricanes like Katrina and Isaac.
With its medieval decor and distinctive round design, it stands out as a quirky landmark visible from Interstate 10.
Although it has changed owners and undergone renovations over the years, the castle still continues to capture the imagination of those who visit.
24. Berkeley Castle, West Virginia
Berkeley Castle, also known as the Samuel Taylor Suit Cottage, is a charming castle built between 1885 and 1891 by Colonel Samuel Taylor Suit as a romantic gift for his young wife, Rosa.
Perched on a hill above Berkeley Springs, this 15-room castle boasts a grand ballroom and stunning views of the surrounding spa town.
Colonel Suit passed away before the castle was finished, but Rosa completed it and hosted lavish parties there until her funds ran out.
While the castle was a private residence for many years, it has changed ownership several times and is now used mainly for local charitable functions.
25. Montezuma Castle, Arizona
This one is a little bit different to the other castles on this list as Montezuma Castle in Arizona is an incredible cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people around 1150 AD.
This five-story, 20-room structure is located 80 feet high in a limestone cliff, offering stunning views of the Verde Valley below.
Named by early settlers who mistakenly thought it was connected to the Aztec emperor Montezuma, the castle is actually a marvel of pre-Columbian architecture.
Today, you can see this well-preserved site and imagine life in this ancient “apartment complex” that once housed up to 50 people.
26. Hammond Castle, Massachusetts
Hammond Castle is a stunning medieval-style castle built by inventor John Hays Hammond Jr. between 1926 and 1929.
Perched on a cliff overlooking Gloucester Harbor, this castle features a drawbridge, bell tower and a Great Hall with a massive pipe organ.
Hammond filled the castle with artifacts from Europe and even designed quirky features like a whispering gallery and an indoor pool that could be drained with a switch.
Today, it serves as a museum where you can explore its fascinating architecture and learn about Hammond’s many inventions.
Related Posts
The 28 Most Beautiful Cities In The U.S. To Visit In Your Lifetime
Share with friends!
FacebookPinterestWhatsApp
