10 Castles You Can Visit Right Here In The USA

Last updated Apr 8, 2021

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Americans are missing out on that exciting European trip. However, for anyone who enjoys visiting castles, you don’t have to go all the way to Europe. There are home-grown castles located in every American state, perfect for a staycation tour. Here is a selection of 10 American castles, just waiting for you to visit.

1. Mosher Castle, Fairhope, Alabama

Artist and historian Dean Mosher slowly transformed a cottage on his in-laws’ land over a period of several decades. Dubbed “Mosher Storybook Castle,” the structure consists of repurposed and recycled items, transformed into charming details. Mosher himself, along with various relatives, hand-crafted these details, including welded dragons and sculpted lions, which stand on guard to protect the fairytale fortress.

2. Palmer Castle, Palmer Alaska

This four-story castle stands overlooking Knik Glacier, around a 45-minute drive from Anchorage, Alaska. Welder Tom Hepola bought the building in 2004 and added on to the existing structure. He also decorated the interior with fascinating metal sculptures. Unfortunately, this lovely castle can only be viewed from the outside, as the building is not open to the public, which is sad, as it offers fantastic views of its surroundings from its battlements.

3. Tovrea Castle, Phoenix, Arizona

In 1828, sheet-metal tycoon Alessio Carraro had dreams of building a resort in the Sonaran desert. To that end, he created Tovrea Castle. However, the Great Depression had other ideas for his dreams. On top of this, some believe the smells and views of a nearby meatpacking plant, messed things up for Carraro. It is ironic that the estate was later bought by a family who made their fortune in meatpacking. However, these days, Tovrea Castle, with its domed top and beautiful cactus gardens, is now owned by the city of Phoenix.

4. Castle Rogue’s Manor, Beaver, Arkansas

Castle Rogue’s Manor is a sprawling seven-towered, 20-acre fortress constructed from native and salvaged wood. The brainchild of Smith Treuer, the Great Hall in the manor now hosts wedding receptions. This magnificent dining room features fire-breathing bronze dragons over the fireplace. Rogue’s castle also features a Gatekeeper’s Cottage, plus a barn, garage and wonderful views over the Ozarks.

5. Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California

American businessman and newspaper publisher, William Randolph Hearst asked architect Julia Morgan to build him a “little more comfortable” structure on his sprawling ranch. The result was Hearst Castle, with its white bell tower and flowing fountain. The castle was supposed to be a retreat for the aging tycoon. However, regrettably, it wasn’t completed in his lifetime. These days, Hearst’s former estate is a California State Park and hosts much of the tycoon’s extensive art collection.

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6. Bishop Castle, Rye, Colorado

Bishop Castle was hand-constructed by Jim Bishop, who originally purchased the 2.5-acre lot with his paper-route money when he was 15. At first, Bishop intended to build a small cabin for his family, but it seems he got somewhat carried away. The castle now stands 9,000 feet above sea level and its tower looms 35-foot in height, topped by a metal fire-breathing dragon head. The castle is free for anyone to visit. However, visitor donations are welcomed to go towards the structure’s continued construction.

7. Chrismark Castle, Woodstock, Connecticut

Chrismark Castle was built in 2003 for Christopher Mark, the great-grandson of Chicago industrialist Clayton Mark Senior. The structure cost some $4.1 million dollars and features guard towers, a bridge and a moat. At first, Christopher tried to start a number of businesses on the property, including a bed and breakfast, modeling business and private zoo. However, the zoo received bad headlines in 2010 after a camel reportedly died there. These days, the estate welcomes photographers and videographers and hosts live events.

8. Fort Delaware, Delaware City, Delaware

This fortress has an American Civil War history, as it was built in 1859 to house Confederate prisoners. The guns at the fort protected the ports of Philadelphia and Wilmington up until World War II. These days, Fort Delaware is a state park with a fascinating museum, staffed by appropriately costumed guides.

9. Solomon’s Castle, Ona, Florida

This vertical castle was built by the late Howard Solomon because the dry land on his estate was too small to build horizontally. Covered with repurposed aluminum printing plates, the structure is almost impossible to photograph in sunlight. However, the interior welcomes visitors with original art pieces by Solomon, as well as a restaurant, built into a replica 16th-century cargo ship. This one definitely sounds like fun.

10. Bonnie Castle, Grantville, Georgia

Bonnie Castle is also known as Colley House and the 1896 mansion was formerly a bed and breakfast, that famously hosted famous folk like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Jimmy Carter. These days, rumors say the house is host to an electrophobic ghost and a spooky cat, along with a variety of other ghostly inhabitants. Unfortunately, Bonnie Castle is not open to visitors, but stands as a treasured part of downtown Grantville’s historic district.

If these 10 castles have whetted your appetite, read more about these and many more castles in each state of the USA here.

Photo credit: Deposit Photos & Home Advisor