Posted in Missouri Attractions, Sights & Landmarks January 20, 2021 by

Most People Don’t Know These 6 Castles Are Hiding In Missouri

Missouri is full of hidden gems, some of the royal variety. We’re talking about castles — the kind you’d except to find in Europe, but not necessarily the Show-Me State. But it’s true, and we have all the details on some of Missouri’s best-kept secret castles. Here are 6 hidden castles in Missouri — moats and dungeons, too!

1. Twin Turret Farm and Castle
Google/Jim McBride
This Bavarian-style castle sits on 700 lush acres, comes with its own lake, and has an indoor swimming pool. Now Twin Turret Farm and Castle is an AirBNB, and you can feel like royalty when you spend the night! We wax poetic on this beautiful castle here, and if you want to book a stay, visit the Twin Turret Farm and Castle AirBNB page here!
2. Bothwell Lodge
Mostateparks/Bothwell Lodge
Bothwell Lodge is a historic state property that began its 31-year construction period in 1890. It was built atop two of Missouri's 6,400 caves by a Sedalia lawyer John Homer Bothwell. Read more about this beautiful Missouri attraction here.
3. Kansas City Workhouse
flickr/pasa
Some castles are built to keep people in -- and the Kansas City Workhouse is one example. Constructed as a jail for petty offenders in 1897, part of their sentence included work, which is how it landed the name Kansas City Workhouse. Intrigued? Read more here!
4. Pythian Castle
Pythian Castle website
Pythian Castle was built in 1913. The castle was originally built by Knights of Pythias and taken over in 1942 by U.S. Military. Now owned by Tamara Finocchiaro, visitors can walk through the halls year round or even take a ghost tour. Pythian Castle was named one of Missouri's 100 "Best Kept Secrets" -- and we'd have to agree.
5. Cupples Mansion
flickr/puroticorico
Cupples Mansion isn't really a castle, but it is castle-like. On the campus of St. Louis University, this 42-room mansion was commissioned by St. Louis entrepreneur Samuel Cupples in the late 1880s. It was moved from its original location in 1908, and later used as offices and classrooms for St. Louis University. Today, the Samuel Cupples House is open to the public as an art gallery and museum.
6. Wallace House (Dupont) Castle
dupontcastle.com/castles/wallace.htm
The historic Wallace House Castle didn't really start out looking like a castle at all. It originally stood on Gladstone Boulevard, but was relocated in 1908. Wallace House was originally red brick; when the home was moved, it was covered in cut limestone to create its modern castle-like motif.

Missouri is full of hidden gems, but these castles just may be the coolest. And this list is just the beginning — we’ve got 13 more must-visit Missouri castles here.

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Address: 23957 Brushy Creek Rd, St Marys Township, MO 63673, USA
Address: 19349 Bothwell State Park Rd, Sedalia, MO 65301, USA
Address: 2001 Vine St, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
Address: Pythian Castle, 1451 E Pythian St, Springfield, MO 65802, USA
Address: Samuel Cupples House, 3673 W Pine Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA
Address: 3200 Norledge Ave, Kansas City, MO 64123, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Hidden Castles In Missouri

January 25, 2021
Sarah

What are some hidden gems in Missouri?

Missouri truly is a wonderful place to live -- it's a humble state that's full of hidden treasures and surprises. If you're looking for a stunning outdoor oasis -- right in the middle of the Midwest -- Rockbridge Memorial State Park will amaze you. This state park is full of impressive rock formations and great hiking trails. The main attraction at Rockbridge Memorial State Park is the Devil's Icebox cave located inside the park. It's truly one of the most unique and beautiful features of any Missouri park! 

Are there any castles I can stay at in Missouri?

If the thought of spending the night in a stunning castle sounds appealing to you, you're in luck! Located in Sedalia, the Parkhurst Castle (also known as Windmoor Bed & Breakfast) is a modern castle that brings Old World charm to today's upgraded modern luxuries. The castle has seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms and rests on 49 scenic acres. The inside is luxurious and regal, with rich woodwork, opulent tapestries and antique furniture brought over from estates in Italy and Europe. It features a ballroom, library, large family room, fireplaces, and some walls as thick as 2 feet. Read all about this must-visit destination here.

What's the most interesting castle in Missouri?

We've got a good one for you: the Ha Ha Tonka Castle. A man named Robert McClure Snyder started building The Ha Ha Tonka castle in 1905. The name comes from the local Native Americans who referred to the area as “ha ha tonka,” meaning “laughing waters,” for the springs that would be located below the castle. Sadly, Snyder was killed in an auto accident in 1906. The castle was completed by his sons Robert Jr., LeRoy, and Kenneth in the late 1920s. It was used as a hotel until it was destroyed by fire in 1942. Read more about the interesting story behind this castle here.