This Road Trip To Texas’ Most Majestic Castles Is Like Something From A Fairytale
Castles are some of the most magnificent buildings in the world. Normally, when we think about them, our mind instantly goes to the ones in Europe where queens and kings live. What if I told you Texas had its fair share of castles? It’s true – and while they may not be as grandiose as their European counterparts, they’re the next best thing without even having to leave our state. Here is a castle road trip in Texas that will take you to nine of the most majestic castles and make you feel as if you’ve entered a fairytale.
As usual, the Google Map has been created for you and can be found here. Have fun being king (or queen) for a day!
This castle road trip in Texas begins at the Captain Charles Schreiner Mansion which was designed in 1879 by British architect Alfred Giles. It's now a registered Historic Landmark in Texas and can be rented out for private occasions. Visit the castle's Facebook for more information.
Falkenstein Castle is a breathtaking architectural deep in the heart of Texas functioning primarily as a wedding chapel. There are few venues more romantic than a castle to tie the knot in. For more information on this castle, read our previous coverage.
(Editor's Note: Old Red Museum is moving and reopening as the Old Red Courthouse. Check the website for updates.)
Also a historic landmark, Old Red Museum was originally designed to be a courthouse but has been restored to a museum. It's open daily to the public for tours. For more information, visit the website.
Experience the Renaissance firsthand at this eclectic entertainment venue as you watch jousting tournaments, eat a king's feast, and see knights in shining armor stationed at every corner. You'll be taken far away from Texas, that's for sure. Read more about Medieval Times in our previous coverage.
This grandiose courthouse was built in 1885 and is meant to be reminiscent of an Irish castle. Today, it's the visitor's center for Shelby County and is open to the public daily.
Bishop's Palace was built in 1892 as a home for lawyer and politician Walter Gresham and his family. It acquired its current name in 1923 after being sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston. It's open for daily tours and can also be rented for special occasions. I've toured it many times and can vouch for its magnificence and Victorian beauty. Visit this webpage for more information.
As one of the most majestic castles in Texas, this was built in 1890 by Alfred Muller. Also in Galveston, It's over 7,000 square feet with a whopping 21 rooms and you can read the historical marker outside the property. For more information on Trube Castle, visit this webpage.
The Maverick-Carter House was also designed by Alfred Giles in the image of grand Roman castles. It's now considered one of the most historic landmarks in San Antonio (next to the Alamo, of course.) Visit the website for more information.
(Editor's Note: Elisabet Ney Museum is temporarily closed. Check the website for updates.)
Once home to its namesake, sculptor Elisabet Ney, this beautiful mansion has been converted into a museum where tours are offered. Ney was a royal sculptor for the court of King George V of Hanover, so needless to say, her skills were impeccable and are reflected in this marvelous piece of architecture. For more information, visit the website.
Are you ready to take a castle road trip in Texas? Let us know if you’ve been to any of these castles or if we missed any you think belong on this list.
Address: 7400 Park Rd 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Address: 100 S Houston St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA
Address: 2021 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207, USA
Address: Center, TX 75935, USA
Address: 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Address: 119 Taylor St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Address: 304 E 44th St, Austin, TX 78751, USA
Address: 1627 Sealy St, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Castle Road Trip In Texas
May 11, 2021
Melissa M
What scenic drives can I take in Texas?
With a state as big as Texas and with all the open roads, there are plenty of opportunities to take a scenic drive throughout the state. A 13-mile drive from Fredericksburg to Willow City along State Route 16 to the Willow City Loop will take you on a journey through fields of wildflowers that grow alongside the road. It’s absolutely breathtaking! Highway 207 meanders through towering red bluffs for some otherworldly views you will want to see. Learn more about these scenic drives and more in our Beautiful Byways In Texas article.
What are some of the best road trips in Texas?
The Lone Star State has an endless number of road trips anyone can take and we have put together several you may enjoy. Follow our Caves And Waterfalls Road Trip and stop at mesmerizing locations like Gorman Falls and Inner Space Caverns among others. This will be an experience to remember! If you love visiting paranormal locales, take our Terrifying Texas Road Trip which makes stops at Galveston’s Hotel Gavez which is known for its resident ghost, and Marfa which is home to some bizarre ghost lights of unknown origin.
Are there any other castles in Texas?
Yes, there are other castles in Texas but none as fun and fascinating as ShangriLama in Royse City. This replica of an Irish castle is home to numerous sweet, adorable llamas that you can visit. Take a Llama Walk around the castle and learn about these adorable creatures in the most enchanting setting.
Address: 7400 Park Rd 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611, USA
Address: 100 S Houston St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA
Address: 2021 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207, USA
Address: Center, TX 75935, USA
Address: 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
Address: 119 Taylor St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and changed her major twice (psychology, computer science, and finally criminal justice) before taking a leap of faith and dropping out to pursue a career in freelance writing.
Today, Katie writes for the Texas and Arizona pages of OnlyInYourState.com and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee, watching a crime TV show or scary movie.
