Most People Don't Know These Hidden Castles Are Right Here In Texas
By Kristen Lawrence|Published April 15, 2015
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Kristen Lawrence
Author
Texas staff writer for Only in Your State, blogger for Power of Positivity, and freelance health, wellness, and travel writer. I spend any chance I get traveling, enjoying nature, trying out new recipes, and meditating. I love sharing smiles, good food, and great conversation :)
My list of places to see in Texas keeps getting longer and longer, especially now that I know about these creepy castles! While they may not compare with the Buckingham Palace, they still are noteworthy sites to explore when taking a long road trip through the state. Check these out:
1) Capt. Charles Schreiner Mansion: located in Kerrville, Texas, this castle was designed by British architect Alfred Giles in 1879. It's now a historic landmark in Texas available to rent for private occasions.
2) Maverick-Carter House: also designed by famous architect Alfred Giles, this beautiful Romanesque style castle was built in 1883, and it's now also considered a historic landmark in San Antonio.
3) Falkenstein Castle: situated right in the heart of the Texas hill country, this looming castle sits between Burnet and Marble Falls. It's most famously used for weddings, and a complete royal wedding package costs just under $5,000. Plus, wouldn't it just be awesome to say you got married in an old castle? I think so.
4) Elisabet Ney Museum: once the Austin home of sculptor Elisabet Ney, the landmark is now open as a museum in downtown Austin. Elisabet was actually a sculptor in the court of King George V of Hanover, so you know this castle is legit. It's open for tours Wednesday - Saturday.
5) Pemberton Castle: located in the prestigious Pemberton Heights neighborhood in Austin, this castle is most famous for its appearance in the movie "Blank Check" in 1994. See, it's not just the castles in England that make it to the big screen...
6) Texas Military Institute Castle: now supposedly used as an office for a real estate developer in downtown Austin, this hill country castle dates all the way back to the 1870s. Although it has historical markers on the property, it's not open to the public for tours. You can still get a good view of it from 12th Street, opposite of Lamar Blvd, though.
7) Trube Castle: located in the coastal city of Galveston, Texas, this castle was built in 1890 by architect Alfred Muller. It features an impressive 21 rooms spread out over 7,000 square feet, and is open for tours, weddings, and other special events.
8) Temple of the FLDS in El Dorado, Texas: Unfortunately, this castle doesn't have the best history behind it, but it's still considered a castle nonetheless. It used to be the Fundamentalist Church for Latter Day Saints, also known as Yearning for Zion Ranch Castle. It was run by radical Mormon Warren Jeffs up until his arrest in 2007. The state of Texas now owns the property, and it still makes for an interesting landmark to see on road trips.
9) Medieval Times Castle: located in Dallas, this castle serves as a place for medieval entertainment and chowing down on food fit for a king. It's meant to take guests back in time as they witness epic battles, jousting tournaments, royal feasts, and knights suited up in full armor. Definitely check it out if you want to experience the Renaissance era first-hand!
10) Shelby County Courthouse Castle: located in Center, Texas, this castle was built in 1885 by an Irish architect to depict an authentic Irish castle. It's now a visitor's center open to the public today.
11) Bishop's Palace: another castle in Galveston, it was built in the late 1880s by architect Nicholas J. Clayton for lawyer and politician Walter Gresham and his family. It was then sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston in 1923 and became known as the Bishop's Palace. It's open for daily tours, and can also be used for special occasions.
12) Old Red Museum Castle: located in Dallas, this castle is considered a historic landmark in Texas and is open for daily tours. It was originally built to use as a courthouse in 1892, but has been restored as a modern museum.
So, there you have it – 12 different castles to visit in Texas that I bet you didn’t even know existed before today. I had only heard of the ones in Galveston, so I guess it’s time to hit the road and explore some more of good ol’ Texas! Are there any more castles in Texas we should know about? Tell us in the comments below!
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