1. Boldt Castle – Alexandria Bay, New York
Boldt Castle is a storybook vision, rising on Heart Island in the Thousand Islands region. Built by millionaire hotelier George C. Boldt as a tribute to his wife, it’s a castle infused with romance and opulence. Its fairytale-like towers, grand halls, and waterside views make it a magical visit, perfect for couples or history buffs.
2. Hearst Castle – San Simeon, California
An architectural masterpiece of the Gilded Age, Hearst Castle is as grand as it is historic. Perched on a hill with sweeping Pacific views, this estate designed by Julia Morgan has 165 rooms filled with European antiques, art, and extravagant pools. You’ll feel like you’re in a royal palace as you explore its lush gardens and impressive Neptune Pool.
3. Biltmore Estate – Asheville, North Carolina
The largest privately-owned house in America, the Biltmore Estate is a true American castle. The Vanderbilt family’s lavish 250-room mansion is stunning inside and out, with its French Renaissance architecture, sprawling gardens, and impressive art collections. Strolling through its grounds is like stepping into a 19th-century novel.
4. Castle in the Clouds – Moultonborough, New Hampshire
High on a hill overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee, Castle in the Clouds lives up to its name. This Arts and Crafts-style mansion boasts incredible views, a waterfall, and even a horse stable. The mountaintop location makes it feel secluded and surreal, offering a perfect blend of nature and history that leaves visitors in awe.
5. Hammond Castle – Gloucester, Massachusetts
Built by inventor John Hays Hammond Jr., this seaside castle is equal parts quirky and historic. With medieval-style architecture, secret passageways, and even a drawbridge, it feels like a slice of Europe on the New England coast. The interior’s collection of artifacts and Gothic architecture only adds to its mysterious allure.
6. Iolani Palace – Honolulu, Hawaii
The only royal palace in the United States, Iolani Palace is a striking symbol of Hawaiian heritage and royalty. This former residence of King Kalākaua and Queen Liliʻuokalani features beautiful Hawaiian and Victorian architectural influences. It’s a deeply moving experience for anyone interested in the unique history of the Hawaiian monarchy.
7. Loveland Castle (Chateau Laroche) – Loveland, Ohio
Built single-handedly by a WWI veteran, Loveland Castle is a small but incredibly charming fortress with a true medieval vibe. It’s made from hand-carved stones collected from the Little Miami River. This labor of love, full of knights’ armor and stonework, transports visitors back in time, making it a hidden gem in the Midwest.
8. Gillette Castle – East Haddam, Connecticut
Sitting atop a hill with sweeping views of the Connecticut River, Gillette Castle was built by actor William Gillette. The eccentric design, complete with secret doors and intricate woodwork, gives it an almost theatrical feel. It’s the perfect spot for anyone with a sense of whimsy and adventure.
9. Bishop Castle – Rye, Colorado
Bishop Castle is perhaps the quirkiest on the list, as it’s been hand-built over decades by a single man, Jim Bishop. Its towering spires and unique ironwork give it a fantastical, otherworldly appearance. If you’re a fan of “dragon” sculptures and the idea of a “living” structure, this castle will leave you spellbound.
10. Thornewood Castle – Lakewood, Washington
Thornewood Castle, with its Tudor-Gothic architecture, feels like a portal to England. The manor was actually imported brick-by-brick from Europe. Known as the “House That Love Built,” it’s a popular wedding venue with lush gardens, adding to its romantic, old-world charm.
11. Fonthill Castle – Doylestown, Pennsylvania
Henry Chapman Mercer’s Fonthill Castle is a whimsical concrete wonder. It blends Medieval, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural styles, with tiles and mosaics decorating every surface. This one’s for lovers of the arts and unconventional architecture—it’s as much a work of art as it is a building.
12. Bannerman Castle – Beacon, New York
Bannerman Castle, perched on an island in the Hudson River, was originally a storage site for military surplus. Now a haunting ruin, it feels like a setting from a historical drama or mystery novel. Its picturesque isolation and crumbling walls make it perfect for anyone seeking something unique and a little eerie.
13. Scotty’s Castle – Death Valley, California
Though it’s technically more of a Spanish-style mansion than a medieval fortress, Scotty’s Castle in Death Valley National Park has its own storybook allure. Built in the 1920s, it’s full of Old West charm and legends of gold mining. Its location in the desert only adds to its mystique, making it an intriguing stop for history fans.
14. Lyndhurst Mansion – Tarrytown, New York
This Gothic Revival castle is nestled on the banks of the Hudson River. With its towering turrets and stunning glass windows, it’s a scenic masterpiece that has served as the backdrop for numerous films. The mansion’s sprawling grounds and ethereal architecture make it a haven for photographers and admirers of Gothic beauty.
15. Squire’s Castle – Willoughby Hills, Ohio
A true fairy-tale structure tucked away in the Cleveland Metroparks, Squire’s Castle is surrounded by greenery and trails, making it ideal for a day trip. Originally intended as a gatekeeper’s house for a grand estate, its empty shell still feels enchanted, as if it’s waiting for new tales to be written within its walls.
