23 Castles You Might Not Expect To Find Hiding In The U.S.
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Sarah McCosham
Author
The United States might not have the historical gravitas that’s ubiquitous across the pond — but we don’t need it. Because we have something better: good, old-fashioned American imagination and ingenuity. Europe: we’ll see your Medieval castles and stony fortresses, and raise your expansive American chateaus complete with turrets, moats, drawbridges, and, yes, even a fire-breathing dragon.
All across the country, there are incredible American castles open for all to experience; some are hiding right in plain sight, while others are tucked away in the most unexpected places. Here are 23 castles you might not expect to find hiding in the U.S. — but you’ll be totally delighted that they are!
Historic Castles in the US
While the US doesn’t have the kind of historical clout as our brethren across the pond, history is still an important part of the American story. Today, you’ll find historic castles in the US you can visit, and they have compelling stories; true, blue American fairy tales.
1. Montezuma Castle - Arizona
Montezuma Castle National Monument, Montezuma Castle Rd, Camp Verde, AZ, USA
- Address: Camp Verde, AZ
- Access: As a national monument, there is a $10/adult fee for entry. Daily passes are available digitally to purchase from Recreation.gov.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay in a Conestoga Wagon at this nearby glampsite.
In Arizona, there is a striking desert castle that's literally built into the earth. The Sinagua people built this 20-room castle on a cliff an entire millennia ago in what is now known as Camp Verde, Arizona.
Established back in 1906, this natural monument was the third of its kind dedicated to preserving Native American culture and is one of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in all of North America. While Montezuma Castle is so fragile visitors aren't allowed to go inside, the views from below this ancient dwelling are not to be missed.
2. Curwood Castle - Owosso, Michigan
Owosso Curwood Castle, 224 Curwood Castle Dr, Owosso, MI 48867, USA
- Address: 224 Curwood Castle Dr, Owosso, MI, 48867
- Access: Open to the public from April 1 through December 31, 1-5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children under the age of 10.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Just 10 minutes from Curwood Castle, this gorgeous stone farmhouse is located on a 165-acre kingdom!
Tucked away in the town of Owosso, Curwood Castle is a marvelous treasure hiding in plain sight. The castle was constructed in 1922 by author James Oliver Curwood (known for works like "The Grizzly King" and "The River’s End"), an Owosso native who built the castle adjacent to his home on the banks of the Shiawassee River.
It was created to replicate a Norman French chateau. Today, the Michigan castle is open to the public and undoubtedly a place of inspiration for writers, artists, and romantics.
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3. Smithsonian Castle - Washington, D.C.
Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
- Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC, 20560
- Access: The Smithsonian Castle is currently closed for renovations, and you can visit the website for updates and more information.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Go big for your visit to our nation's capital city with a stay at this luxury VRBO just minutes from the action.
The Smithsonian is a national treasure, and its eponymous Smithsonian Institute is a modern-day American castle. Located near the center of the National Mall in Washington D.C., this red, Norman-style castle stands out in a sea of grey presidential monuments and monoliths. It was made from red sandstone in 1855 and originally served as the home and office of Joseph Henry, the first Secretary of the Smithsonian.
Today, however, it's the visitor center for the Smithsonian Institute, and its history and uniqueness have made it an iconic (and iconoclastic) place in our nation's capital.
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4. Belvedere Castle - New York City, New York
Belvedere Castle, New York, NY 10024, USA
- Address: New York, NY, 10024
- Access: Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Listen to an audio tour via the Central Park Conservancy website.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay in this newly renovated brownstone near Central Park!
New York City is probably the last place you'd expect to find a castle, but it's here in the middle of one of the largest cities in the world that you'll find a hidden castle that's just the most fantastic little folly. One of the most iconic features in Central Park, Belvedere Castle is a miniature chateau that's perched atop Vista Rock, the second-highest natural point in the park.
Created by Central Park co-designer Calvert Vaux and architect Jacob Wrey Mould in the mid-1800s, the structure and adjacent terraces and pavilions were all called "the Belvedere," which means "beautiful view" in Italian. Completed in 1872, Belvedere Castle was envisioned as a place from which to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape and skyline, and that's exactly what it remains to this day.
5. Fonthill Castle - Pennsylvania
Fonthill Castle, 525 E Court St, Doylestown, PA 18901, USA
- Address: 525 E Court St, Doylestown, PA, 18901
- Access: Open Tuesday – Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Closed Mondays. Purchase admission tickets through the Mercer Museum website.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay in this luxury log cabin with a hot tub for a relaxing PA getaway!
Fonthill Castle is a charming chateau in Pennsylvania that was once home to Henry Chapman Mercer, an archeologist, artifact collector, and tile maker. He built this castle in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, from 1908 to 1912. Reflecting Medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles, Fonthill Castle looks like something from an idyllic European countryside.
Today, visitors can tour the grounds, including the nearby Mercer Museum, and learn about the life and legacy of this American visionary.
Castles You Can Stay In
Dreaming of a royal getaway in the US? Book a night or two at one of these castles you can stay in, and get ready to be king or queen of your very own kingdom!
6. Kentucky Castle - Versailles, Kentucky
The Kentucky Castle, 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
- Address: The Kentucky Castle, 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY, 40383
- Access: Visitors to this extraordinary castle can opt to spend the night, reserve a table for dinner, book spa services, and more!
- Where To Stay Nearby: N/A - make a reservation at the Kentucky Castle website.
Deep in the heart of Kentucky atop a hill in Versailles, there is a majestic castle that overlooks a kingdom of rolling hills and pastoral countryside. The Kentucky Castle is a spectacular destination in and of itself; a place of pure revelry in the idyllic Kentucky blue hills. This majestic property is wonderfully unusual and has a top-rated spa, luxurious accommodations, and an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant.
The Kentucky Castle is as beautiful as it gets, and you'll be utterly blown away by this surprising royal treasure in the South:
7. Thornewood Castle - Washington
Thornewood Castle, 8601 N Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98498, USA
- Address: 8601 N Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood, WA, 98498
- Access: Located in a private neighborhood, only castle guests and invitees have access to Thornewood Castle.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay at the castle, where guests are invited to step back in time. The castle's romantic, luxurious suites are available for a special experience filled with old-world elegance, and can be booked at the Thornewood Castle website.
In Washington, Thornewood Castle (known as "the house that love built") sits on the shores of American Lake in Washington, and it is absolutely stunning. Thornewood's tale begins with Mr. Chester Thorne, one of the founders of the Port of Tacoma. Chester bought the 400-year-old Elizabethan manor in England and had it dismantled and shipped, brick by brick, to Lakewood to be included in the building of Thornewood. Chester had the castle and gardens built as a gift to his wife, Anna Thorne, and construction took three years to complete.
The gardens at this enchanting castle are extraordinarily beautiful and will sweep you off your feet. This castle is truly one of the most romantic labors of love in existence, and happily, you can experience the magic when you book an overnight stay.
8. Falkenstein Castle - Texas
Falkenstein Castle Way, Cypress, TX 77433, USA
- Address: Falkenstein Castle Way, Cypress, TX, 77433
- Access: No public tours are currently offered. The castle is available to Airbnb guests or those invited to special events held at the castle.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Book the Falkenstein Castle directly from Airbnb. It's the most enchanting castle Airbnb in the U.S.
Deep in the heart of Texas, there's a place that defies every Lone Star State stereotype... except, of course, the saying that "everything's bigger in Texas." Falkenstein Castle was built in 1996 by a couple inspired by a recent trip to Germany. Billed as "A Texas-Sized Fairy Tale in the Hill Country," the castle is a place of pure fantasy; a 14,000-square-foot palace with myriad balconies wherein guests can gaze upon the Texas Hill Country.
A kingdom of 133 acres, those who believe in fairy tale endings can even have their wedding at Falkenstein Castle, which also has its own cathedral and luxurious accommodations.
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9. Landoll's Mohican Castle - Ohio
Landoll's Mohican Castle - Luxury Hotel in Central Ohio, 561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842, USA
- Address: 561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH, 44842
- Access: Come for spa services, dining, or an overnight visit; there are many ways to experience Landoll's Mohican Castle.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Book one of the many suites and cottages at this Ohio castle.
Located deep in the heartland of central Ohio, Landoll's Mohican Castle is a place of unprecedented and unexpected luxury. As its name suggests, this one-of-a-kind spot was designed to emulate the beauty of European castles by local entrepreneur Jim Landoll. It opened to the public in 2002 and features myriad pointed towers and spires, as well as lush foliage and greenery that's downright enchanting.
Throughout the property, you’ll find more than a dozen stunning suites and rooms from which to choose, each more fantastic than the next. You definitely won't be expecting to find Landoll's Mohican Castle in the middle of Ohio, but you'll be most definitely glad you did:
10. The Norumbega Inn - Maine
The Norumbega, 63 High St, Camden, ME 04843, USA
- Address: 63 High St, Camden, ME, 04843
- Access: Currently closed for renovations with a tentative May 2023 reopening scheduled.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Book one of the well-appointed guest rooms at this real-life castle.
There's already a fairy tale quality to Maine, a place of rugged beauty and old edifices. And The Norumbega Inn fits right in with this Maine mood, as it's a distinguished and stately stone house that can only be described as a real-life castle. It was built in 1886 for duplex telegraph inventor Joseph Barker Stearns and remained a private home for about 100 years before becoming a bed and breakfast in 1984.
In 2013 it was sold to Susan Walser and Phillip Crispo, who have transformed it into the magical destination it is today. Come and spend the night in this winsome Maine castle; you'll dine on food fit for a king and enjoy kingdom-level views of Penobscot Bay from your fireplace-warmed room.
Formal Castles In The US
While America doesn’t have a royal family, per se, you’ll still find a handful of formal castles in the US that have provided a setting for royal happenings as well as homes to our country’s very own royal dynasties.
11. Hearst Castle - San Simeon, California
Hearst Castle, 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452, USA
- Address: Hearst Castle, 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA, 93452
- Access: Open for tours, and advanced registration is recommended but not required.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Check into this gorgeous garden cottage that's right next to the beach!
On the California coast, there is a real-life castle in San Simeon that commands attention. Once the residence of the business tycoon, Hearst Castle is now a historic house museum, California State Park, and listed on the National Registrar of Historic Places. The estate of California media mogul William Randolph Hearst, the eponymous castle was built between 1919 and 1947 on 40,000 acres purchased by Hearst's father, businessman, and politician George Hearst.
On a tour of the property, you'll see Heart's incredible collection of artifacts from around the world (including real Egyptian and Roman sarcophagi and white marble Greek statues), as well as opulent artwork, the remains of the old on-site zoo, the iconic, outdoor Neptune Pool, and the equally as impressive indoor Roman Pool, which is lined with blue glass and gold leaf mosaic tiles. A place of pure fantasy, Hearst Castle is the epitome of old Hollywood glamour, an iconic destination that's truly bucket-list worthy.
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12. The Biltmore Estate - Asheville, North Carolina
Biltmore Estate Drive, Biltmore Estate Dr, Asheville, NC, USA
- Address: Asheville, NC
- Access: Admission varies by season and can be reserved through the Biltmore website.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Stay *on* The Biltmore estate; there are numerous accommodations offered here that will give you the full royal treatment!
Easily the most famous castle in the United States, the Biltmore Estate is a place of pure magic. Built by George Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895, this 178,926-square-foot mansion is located on 8,000 acres of pristine property just outside of Asheville, North Carolina. As the largest privately-owned home in America, it's a place of stunning scenery, lush gardens, ornate architecture, and historic relevance.
While the house itself is a major attraction (the Biltmore draws over a million visitors each year), the massive and meticulously kept gardens on the estate are heavenly and only enhance the home's stunning beauty. The Biltmore is more than just a castle; it's an entire kingdom:
13. Iolani Palace - Hawaii
Iolani Palace, 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
- Address: 364 S King St, Honolulu, HI, 96813
- Access: Tour options vary based on the day of the week and the time. Ticket sales are online only.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this Hawaiian Dream Vacation VRBO located minutes from the palace.
The one true royal dwelling on this list, Iolani Palace is Hawaii’s official royal residence and a place of majesty and beauty. The extraordinary edifice was built in 1882 in downtown Honolulu by King Kalakaua as a means of strengthening the then-Kingdom of Hawaii’s global clout and prestige. When the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893 by the U.S., Iolani Palace served as the capitol building until it underwent extensive renovation, reopening as a museum in 1978.
Taking design inspiration from European palaces, Iolani is said to be the sole example of American Florentine style (a mix of Italian Renaissance and Hawaiian architectural styles) and is the only official royal residence on U.S. soil. It is a beloved cultural center in Hawaii, and you'll definitely want to tour this pristine palace while you're there:
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Quirky Castles In The US
Castles made of recycled material? Real-life sand castles? Frozen castle kingdoms? If you’re into unique roadside attractions, definitely check out these quirky castles in the US:
14. Castello di Amorosa - Napa Valley, California
Castello di Amorosa, 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515, USA
- Address: Castello di Amorosa, 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA, 94515
- Access: Open to visitors with a tasting or tour reservation only.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Check out this luxury estate that's fit for royalty!
Located in California's resplendent Napa Valley is the only authentic 13th-century Italian Tuscan castle in the country. Castello di Amorosa officially opened to the public in 2007 after being constructed over a span of 13 years. This commanding castle is a real-life kingdom; its 136,000 square feet include 107 rooms, 8,000 tons of stones, eight different levels, and an enormous wine-barrel room.
Castello di Amorosa even contains some truly medieval features, including a drawbridge, dungeon, and church. It's a huge tourist attraction today, and definitely worth the splurge to tour its glorious grounds.
Take a look at this video of Castello di Amorosa by @OnlyInYourState:
15. Kelley Castle - Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Kelley Castle, 2815 Rice Rd, Tomahawk, WI 54487, USA
- Address: Kelley Castle, 2815 Rice Rd, Tomahawk, WI, 54487
- Access: Every fall during Tomahawk’s Fall Ride, the castle opens to the public for one weekend. When open, guests are allowed to tour the property, which is brimming with photo-ops so make sure to bring a camera.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Check into a luxury lake home at Lake Mohawksin.
One of Wisconsin's most wondrous hidden gems, Kelley Castle is a vision. The three-story castle is the creation of Pete Kelley, who began bringing his royal dreams to life back in 1987 when he started clearing the land that’s now occupied by his namesake castle.
Construction on the castle itself began in 1994, but don’t assume it’s finished. The castle is a "life-long work in progress" that makes for a dynamic, ever-changing experience for visitors. Even better? This Wisconsin castle is surrounded by a moat that may or may not be guarded by a mythical creature or two.
16. Bishop Castle - Rye, Colorado
Bishop Castle, 12705 CO-165, Rye, CO 81069, USA
- Address: Bishop Castle, 12705 CO-165, Rye, CO, 81069
- Access: Bishop Castle is always open and free to visit.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Nearby accommodations can be found on the Castle's website.
Located in the tiny Pueblo County town of Rye is a place that stands as a fantastic testament to the power of the human imagination: Bishop Castle. This incredible 160-foot structure is billed as being an "inspiring castle built entirely by one man." Visionary Jim Bishop has been constructing his kingdom since 1969 when he purchased the land for just $450.
To be clear, though, nothing about Bishop Castle feels homemade; Bishop's attention to detail and craftsmanship are in a league all their own. With myriad spires and stairs, gorgeous stonework, and even a fire-breathing dragon, Bishop Castle is truly a modern masterpiece.
17. Irish Bayou Castle - New Orleans, Louisiana
Irish Bayou, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
- Address: 3262 Ridgeway Blvd New Orleans, LA, 70129
- Access: The castle is privately owned, but you are allowed to take pictures from the outside.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Accommodations abound in NOLA, including this colorful house in the French Quarter
Fisherman's Castle, also known as Irish Bayou Castle, is a 942-square-foot castle built on Irish Bayou between New Orleans and Slidell, Louisiana. Simon Villemarette created this stunning castle in anticipation of the New Orleans World's Fair in 1981. It was a labor of love, and although it's not open to the public, it can be admired from afar.
If you're curious to take a closer look, check out this video c/o Erik Ford:
18. Walt Disney World - Orlando, Florida
Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle, Orlando, FL 32836, USA
- Address: Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom, Cinderella Castle, Orlando, FL, 32836
- Access: The castle is a must-visit attraction for all Walt Disney World guests.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Book one of several rentals at Walt Disney World. Or, if you'd prefer something quieter, check out this immaculate luxury home with a shuttle service to nearby parks.
The most ubiquitous castle in the United States, the Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World is an American icon.
Inspired by several European castles (primarily Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria and Craigievar Castle in Scotland), as well as the castle in the Disney film "Cinderella," it took 19 months to build and opened to the public in July of 1971. This enchanting edifice is the symbol of Magic Kingdom and one of the most popular photo ops in the country.
Pro tip: Visit at night for the fireworks show!
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Abandoned Castles In The US
There’s something inherently compelling about abandoned places; these sites offer breadcrumbs that lead to another time that feels wholly foreign to us now. There are several abandoned castles in the US; these royal residences have haunting and often bittersweet stories sure to capture your imagination.
19. Victoria Beach Castle - Laguna Beach, California
Pirate Tower, 2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
- Address: Pirate Tower, 2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA, 92651
- Access: Open daily with no admission fees. Once you're at the bottom, you'll need to walk to the right around a rocky cliff to access the tide pool and tower. Unfortunately, you are not able to enter the tower, but you can walk right up to admire it.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Spend a night like royalty when you book this luxury beach cottage.
In the middle of one of the most popular beaches in Southern California, there's an anachronism that looks like something out of "Peter Pan" -- or "Pirates of the Caribbean." Victoria Beach Castle -- also known as the "Pirate's Castle" -- is a 60-foot spire built into a rocky cliffside in Laguna Beach.
This coastal treasure was actually constructed in 1926 by the owners of the house at the top of the cliff to serve as a private staircase to the beach. The owner, a wealthy SoCal eccentric, is said to have dressed up as a pirate and hide candies and coins between the rocks of the tower for the local kids to hunt and find. Today, Victoria Beach Castle is a real-life treasure on the California coast.
20. Hovenweep National Monument - Colorado and Utah
Hovenweep National Monument, Montezuma Creek, UT 84534, USA
- Address: Hovenweep National Monument Visitor Center Montezuma Creek, UT, 84534
- Access: This national monument requires a day pass for entry. Park entrance fees are collected at the visitor center.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Check into a cute desert rental near this captivating castle.
More than 2,000 years ago, long before European travelers landed in North America, Ancestral Puebloan people lived in what is now known as the American Southwest. A drought around 1300 A.D. forced the people to leave their dwellings behind and migrate south. Luckily, some sites, such as Hovenweep National Monument, still stand. These Ancestral Puebloan ruins once served as home to 2,500 people and were built between 1200 and 1300 A.D.
They are now part of the Hovenweep National Monument, which spans across southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah. These ruins aren't just staggeringly beautiful, but they're also one of the best places to go stargazing in the country.
21. Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins - Missouri
Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins, Natural Bridge Rd, Camdenton, MO 65020, USA
- Address: Natural Bridge Rd, Camdenton, MO, 65020
- Access: It's free to visit these castle ruins, located at the eponymous Missouri State Park.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Live like royalty when you book a stay at Old Kinderhook, a luxury rental in the Missouri Ozarks.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of Missouri's crown jewels, and its eponymous castle ruins are a breathtakingly beautiful place shrouded in intrigue and mystery. From its perch, the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle overlook the Missouri Ozarks, treating visitors to utterly sublime views of the Lake of the Ozarks and Ha Ha Tonka Spring.
Viewing this landmark is an epic adventure in and of itself; you'll find the castle via the park's Castle Trail, a scenic, ADA-accessible trek that's perfect for hikers of all abilities. Happening upon the ruins of what was once Ha Ha Tonka Castle, built between 1905 and 1922, will make you feel like a modern-day explorer.
22. Boldt Castle - Alexandria, New York
Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13640, USA
- Address: Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY, 13640
- Access: Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island, in the United States, and is only accessible by water. From both Canada and the U.S., visitors may find transportation on either a tour boat (a list of providers can be found at the bottom of this page) or by personal pleasure craft. Admission fees can be found on the Boldt Castle website.
- Where To Stay Nearby: This luxe townhouse is the perfect "home base" for your royal adventures.
Boldt Castle is a beautiful place with a heartbreaking story. George C. Boldt, the owner of New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel, built this 120-room castle on an island in the St. Lawrence River for his wife, Louise, in 1900.
Sadly, Louise died unexpectedly a few months before it was completed, and a heartbroken George ceased construction. The structure was left vacant for 73 years until the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority restored and opened it in 1977. When you’re out on the river and surrounded by the beauty of this region, you’ll think you’ve been swept away to a fairy tale land.
23. Gillette Castle - Connecticut
Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
- Address: Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam, CT, 06423
- Access: There are no fees for parking or visiting the park grounds at Gillette Castle State Park. The park grounds and restrooms are open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, year-round.
- Where To Stay Nearby: Play "king" or "queen" for the night with a stay at Smith Farm Gardens, an elegant country estate fit for royalty.
In 1914, actor, director, and playwright William Hooker Gillette (of Sherlock Holmes fame) built this eponymous castle in East Haddam, Connecticut, as part of his estate. What's so compelling about Gillette Castle is that even though the outside looks like ruins, the inside is full of modern luxuries and innovations. Gillette Castle is located on 122 staggeringly beautiful acres above the Connecticut River, and it's open for self-guided tours.
Come and marvel at Gillette's attention to detail (each of the 47 doors inside is unique because William felt that no two should be the same) while delighting in this fascinating, royal-inspired masterpiece.
Here's a preview of what awaits at this CT castle:
So, there are some of the castles in the U.S. you can visit. You don’t have to travel to Europe to enjoy a royal experience. Our wondrous country is home to some truly magical and impressive feats of the human imagination, inviting all to marvel and be inspired. Because when it comes to imagining truly great things, that’s where Americans shine most of all.
For more enchanting places to add to your bucket list, be sure to check out these 16 places around the U.S. that are straight out of a fairy tale!
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More to Explore
Castles in the U.S.
How many castles are in the US?
While there is only one official, royal castle in the US (Iolani Palace), there are literally hundreds of beautiful châteaux, mansions, and palaces across the country. Many are castle-like buildings and homes; some are historic mansions that, while no true "royalty" ever lived in them, were home to some of the most influential families in the US, such as the Du Pont Family and the Hearsts.
What are some American castles you can stay in?
The following are a couple of American castles you can stay in:
- One of our favorite American castles you can stay in is located in humble Kentucky. The castle that sits on a hill in Versailles, Kentucky has long been a fixture in the area and it's been thrilling to watch it come to life over the past few years. Now called the Kentucky Castle, it is a premier boutique hotel, restaurant, spa, and event space that offers a wide range of experiences throughout the year. From rooftop workout classes to themed dinners, the Castle is now the king of creative events and experiences on its property. We are partial, however, to its overnight accommodations, which let you feel like real-life royalty for your stay!
- Our favorite American "castle" to spend the night, however, is The Biltmore. America's real-life castle nestled in the idyllic hills of Asheville, North Carolina, is a place of stunning scenery, lush gardens, ornate architecture, and historic relevance. Attracting over a million visitors each year, the Biltmore is a must-visit destination for anyone with an appetite for wanderlust. And if you want to take your bucket-list experience of this bucket-list destination to the next level, opt to spend the night at The Inn on Biltmore Estate. With over 200 rooms adorned with antique furnishings, bespoke decor, and sumptuous extras, there's no other place in the country quite like this well-appointed inn. And the opportunity to see the sun rise over the kingdom built by American royalty? That's something you shouldn't pass up.
What are some unique castles in the US?
In terms of unique castles in America, there's nowhere quite as cool (pun intended) as the Ice Castles in Utah. Here are a few reasons why:
- A winter wonderland comprised of ice castles and sculptures totaling 25 million pounds, this experience is truly extraordinary.
- While this event now happens annually at a few locations across North America, the Ice Castles originated in Alpine, Utah, in the backyard of ice artist Brent Christensen, who created a frozen playland for his kids during one particularly long winter.
- Christensen's ice caves and castles proved irresistible for the neighborhood kids, and he began to imagine bigger winter wonderlands -- which brings us to today's epic Ice Castle events.
- Opening dates always depend on the weather, but the attraction is typically open from early January through early March.
- Ice Castles is an awe-inspiring, must-see winter phenomenon that brings fairytales to life, complete with dazzling LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, and fountains.