Discover 22 Unexpected Castles Hiding Across the U.S.

The U.S. might not have the historical gravitas ubiquitous across the pond—but we don't need it. We've also got great architectural imagination and ingenuity. Europe: we'll see your Medieval castles and stony fortresses and raise you expansive American chateaus 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 a handful of incredible castles you might not expect to find hiding in the U.S.—but you'll be delighted that they are.

Historic Castles in the U.S.

Unlike Europe, the U.S. doesn't have the same historical bragging rights. But history is still an important part of our story. This is clearly evidenced by the historic castles across the country, which you can visit to this day. Here are some with compelling stories that feel straight out of a fairy tale.

1. Montezuma Castle - Arizona

• 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 millennium 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 that visitors aren't allowed to go inside, the views from below this ancient dwelling are not to be missed.

2. Curwood Castle - Owosso, Michigan

• Address: 224 Curwood Castle Dr, Owosso, MI, 48867
• Access: Open to the public from April 1 through December 31, 1 p.m. to 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 is undoubtedly a place of inspiration for writers, artists, and romantics. It's ridiculously cool, too, for kids and adults—you'll want to stay forever.

3. Smithsonian Castle - Washington, D.C.

• Address: 1000 Jefferson Dr. SW, Washington, DC, 20560
• Access: The Smithsonian Castle is currently closed for renovations, but 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.

4. Belvedere Castle - New York City, New York

• Address: New York, NY, 10024
• Access: Open 10 a.m. to 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 here, in the middle of one of the largest cities in the world, you'll find a hidden castle that's a fantastic little folly. One of the most iconic features in Central Park, Belvedere Castle, is a miniature chateau 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 to enjoy views of the surrounding landscape and skyline, and that's exactly what it remains. It is nothing short of absolutely jaw-dropping, and it truly feels like something out of ancient Europe... not the U.S.

5. Fonthill Castle - Pennsylvania

• Address: 525 E Court St, Doylestown, PA, 18901
• Access: Open Tuesday to Sunday: 10 a.m. to 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 Pennsylvania getaway.

Fonthill Castle is a charming chateau in Pennsylvania that was once home to Henry Chapman Mercer, an archaeologist, 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 resembles 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. Please be sure to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time; folks who are late will not be accommodated, so plan accordingly.

Castles You Can Stay In

Dreaming of a royal getaway in the U.S.? 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. Thornewood Castle - Washington

• Address: 8601 N Thorne Ln SW, Lakewood, WA, 98498
• Access: Located in a private neighborhood, only castle guests and invitees can access 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 (also known as "the house that love built" by the locals) sits on the shores of American Lake, and it is 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. It's truly a romantic labor of love, where you can experience the magic when you book an overnight stay.

7. Kentucky Castle - Versailles, Kentucky

• 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: Reserve your stay at this Bluegrass State Castle at at the Kentucky Castle website.

Deep in the heart of Kentucky, atop a hill in Versailles, sits 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 delightfully, deliciously unusual and has a top-rated spa, luxurious accommodations, and an award-winning farm-to-table restaurant.

8. Landoll's Mohican Castle - Ohio

• 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 glad you did.

9. The Norumbega Inn - Maine

• Address: 63 High St, Camden, ME, 04843
• Access: Book your stay ahead of time and enjoy the delights of the entire grounds. This one is popular for weddings and anniversary parties.
• 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. The Norumbega Inn fits right in with this vibe—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, the inn was sold to Susan Walser and Phillip Crispo, who 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 U.S.

Our country doesn't have royalty, per se, but you'll still find a handful of formal castles in the U.S. that have provided a setting for royal happenings, as well as homes to our country's very own royal dynasties. You're bound to feel like royalty yourself when visiting these show-stoppers.

10. Hearst Castle - San Simeon, California

• 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 next to the beach.

The town of San Simeon on the California coast is home to a real-life castle that commands attention. Hearst Castle was once the residence of California media mogul William Randolph Hearst from 1919 to 1947. Now, the 40,000-acre estate is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a spectacular museum.

On a tour of the property, you'll see Hearst'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, and the iconic outdoor Neptune Pool and indoor Roman Pool, lined with gold leaf tiles. A place of pure fantasy, Hearst Castle is the epitome of old Hollywood glamour.

11. The Biltmore Estate - Asheville, North Carolina

• Address: One Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803
• Access: Admission varies by season and can be reserved through the Biltmore website.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Stay on the Biltmore Estate; numerous accommodations are offered here to give you the full royal treatment.

The Biltmore Estate is easily the most famous castle in the U.S. and is a place of pure magic. The 178,926-square-foot mansion was built by George Vanderbilt between 1889 and 1895, and sits on 8,000 acres of pristine property just outside Asheville, North Carolina. It's the largest privately-owned home in the country, filled with stunning scenery, lush gardens, ornate architecture, and historic relevance.

While the house is a major attraction (the Biltmore draws over a million visitors each year!), the estate's massive and meticulously kept gardens are heavenly and only enhance the home's stunning beauty. The Biltmore is more than just a castle; it's an entire kingdom.

12. Iolani Palace - Hawaii

• 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.

As the one true royal dwelling on this list, Iolani Palace is Hawaii’s official royal residence and a place of majesty and beauty. It was built in 1882 in downtown Honolulu by King Kalakaua as a means of strengthening the then-Kingdom of Hawaii’s global 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's a beloved cultural center in Hawaii, and you'll definitely want to tour this pristine palace while you're there.

Quirky Castles in the U.S.

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 across the country. They're equal parts weird and wonderful—you won't want to miss them.

13. Castello di Amorosa - Napa Valley, California

• 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.

Napa Valley, California, is home to 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 stone, eight different levels, and an enormous wine-barrel room.

Castello di Amorosa even has medieval features like a drawbridge, dungeon, and a church. It's a huge tourist attraction today, and definitely worth the splurge to tour its glorious grounds.

14. Kelley Castle - Tomahawk, Wisconsin

• 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. Apparently, it's a "life-long work in progress" that makes for a dynamic, ever-changing experience for visitors. Even better? The structure is surrounded by a moat that may or may not be guarded by a mythical creature or two.

15. Bishop's Castle - Rye, Colorado

• 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 at this cozy cabin at the base of the Greenhorn Mountain.

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, who recently passed in 2024, began building his kingdom in 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, the place is truly a modern masterpiece.

16. Irish Bayou Castle - New Orleans, Louisiana

• 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 New Orleans, including this colorful bungalow near 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 1984. It was a labor of love, and although it's not open to the public, it can be admired from afar.

17. Walt Disney World - Orlando, Florida

• 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 castle-like 11 bedrooms!

The most ubiquitous castle in the U.S., Cinderella's 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 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.

Abandoned Castles in the U.S.

There's something inherently compelling about abandoned places—they offer a glimpse into life during another time. Several abandoned castles in the U.S. are royal residences with haunting and often bittersweet stories sure to capture your imagination. Spooky? Maybe a little. Intriguing? Absolutely.

18. Victoria Beach Castle - Laguna Beach, California

• 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 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 hidden 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.

19. Hovenweep National Monument - Colorado and Utah

• 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.

20. Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins - Missouri

• Address: Natural Bridge Rd, Camdenton, MO, 65020
• Access: It's free to visit these castle ruins, located in Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
• Where to Stay Nearby: Live like royalty when you book a stay at Old Kinderhook Cottage, a luxury rental in the Missouri Ozarks.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of Missouri's crown jewels, and its castle ruins are a breathtakingly beautiful place shrouded in intrigue and mystery. The ruins of the 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.

21. Boldt Castle - Alexandria Bay, New York

• Address: Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY, 13640
• Access: Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island and is only accessible by water. Both Canadian and U.S. visitors can find transportation by tour boat 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.

22. Gillette Castle - Connecticut

• 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: Spend the night with a stay at this incredible riverfront vacation rental 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.

There you have it: the most spectacular castles and beautiful places the U.S. has to offer. Ready to see these magical sights for yourself? Plan a visit to any one of these magical castles using Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your days.