13 Fascinating Castles in Ohio Make Excellent Day Trip Destinations
There are a surprising number of castles in Ohio! All of them are worth a stop on your next Ohio day trip or weekend getaway.
Once, these regal feats of architecture were home to the elite—private mansions and estates with beautiful grounds. Today, some of these Ohio castles double as museums, libraries, events centers, or even bed-and-breakfasts.
There are, too, a few more recently constructed ones, built by castle enthusiasts and history lovers to replicate the medieval style.
Curious where these castles in Ohio are? There’s probably one closer than you thought!
Castles in Northwest Ohio
The Brumback Library
215 W. Main Street, Van Wert, OH 45891
The Brumback Library is the United States’ very first county library. It’s been in operation for more than 120 years and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
When you drive down Main Street, you won’t be able to miss the library’s Gothic- and Romanesque-inspired castle architecture, designed by a Toledo, Ohio architect named David Stine.
The Gothic castle is a fully-operational library. Take a seat, grab a book, and relax inside one of the most-loved Ohio castles.
Piatt Castle: Mac-A-Cheek
10051 Township Road 47, West Liberty, OH 43357
Take a self-guided tour of this iconic Ohio castle that’s been loved for decades. It’s a privately owned museum that details Ohio history dating back 200 years.
The drawing room, grounds and/or the full property are available to rent for private events. And don’t forget to check out their calendar for upcoming family-friendly programs.
Note: Mac-O-Chee Castle (about a mile away from Mac-A-Cheek) is temporarily closed for renovations. You can see photos and take a virtual tour of Mac-A-Cheek and Mac-O-Chee here!
GreatStone Castle
429 N. Ohio Avenue, Sidney, OH 45365
Constructed over 100 years ago from limestone with 3 turrets, this opulent, castle-like mansion was designed to make anyone who steps over the threshold feel like royalty. Ancient oaks lead up to the castle’s grounds, which feature 2 acres of lawns and gardens.
Today, GreatStone Castle operates as a luxurious bed-and-breakfast and spa. Stay overnight in one of their historic rooms with antique furniture and explore the parlor, conservatory, and ballroom.
Northeast Ohio Castles
Franklin Castle
4308 Franklin Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44113
Franklin Castle (formally known as Tiedemann House) was constructed about 140 years ago and has since been an iconic part of Cleveland’s West Side. At the time it was built, Franklin Boulevard was one of the wealthiest areas in the city.
But this Victorian-era Ohio castle isn’t just popular for its regality or architecture. Its grim history is well known to those intrigued by the paranormal. It has even made an appearance on the TV show Paranormal Lockdown.
NOTE: This Ohio castle is a private residence that isn’t open to the public.
Glamorgan Castle
200 Glamorgan Street, Alliance, OH 44601
Glamorgan Castle is one of Ohio’s lesser-known gems. After its initial construction (completed in 1909), the castle sat on 50 acres and cost $400,000 to build. Today, it’s on the National Register of Historic Places and is the home of Alliance City Schools’ central administration.
Step into the past and explore this gorgeous Ohio castle during one-hour guided tours held every Friday at 1 P.M. and 2 P.M., for a suggested $10 donation. Reservations are not required. Donations are used to help fund castle renovations.
Landoll’s Mohican Castle
561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842
After a two-year military tour in Europe, now-retired Army Veteran Jim Landoll promised to build a European-inspired castle in America. Landoll’s Mohican Castle was constructed room-by-room, surprisingly, without any blueprints.
This castle hotel opened to the public in 2002 as a destination for events, weddings, dining, lodging, and relaxation (yes—they have a spa!).
Guided castle tours are available daily, at 1:30 P.M., from April to October for $10. Experience the paranormal and explore the 1830s Heyd Cemetery during their Haunted History Tours, available nightly at 8 PM in September and October for $25.
Squire’s Castle
2844 River Road, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Squire’s Castle is not a full castle per se, but a gatehouse. The German and English baronial castle-inspired gatehouse was built in the 1890s.
Located in the North Chagrin Reservation (part of Cleveland Metroparks), it’s the perfect spot to explore both history and the Ohio outdoors. Its beautiful lawns and surrounding hiking trails are great places to spend the afternoon walking and picnicking. It’s also one of the more popular outdoor wedding venues in the area.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
714 N. Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
This historic estate is one of the largest homes in the US and is also a National Historic Landmark. Its 70 acres include 5 buildings and 10 gardens. Plus, the furniture in the estate is almost entirely original—it’s like taking a step back in time.
At one point, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens was home to F.A. Seiberling, co-founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The beautiful mansion is also one of the best Ohio castles to visit during the winter when festive lights and decorations adorn the property.
Castles in Central Ohio
The Castle Inn
610 S. Court Street, Circleville, OH 43113
This bed-and-breakfast is only 30 minutes from Downtown Columbus but will feel like being transported to another time. Inspired by European castles and originally built in 1895 by Samuel Ruggles, this Ohio castle is said to be a hotspot for haunts and was even featured on the A&E TV show, Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal.
The Castle Inn is a great romantic getaway spot, with dinner and massage packages and some rooms complete with heart-shaped jetted jacuzzis.
Southeast Ohio Castles
Marietta Castle
418 4th Street, Marietta, OH 45750
Step into 1855 when you tour this Gothic-Revival Ohio castle. It was once home to the influential elite, including lawyers and land speculators, and for years served as a location for essential business and community events.
Since 1994, The Marietta Castle has been open for tours as a historic house museum. Tours are available every day of the week except Wednesday.
The Ohio castle also hosts many programs for both adults and children, such as Archaeology Camp and historic Cemetery Tours.
Ravenwood Castle
65666 Bethel Rd, New Plymouth, OH 45654
Ravenwood Castle is one of the few (slowly disappearing) destinations where you can unplug. Its remote location surrounded by both Ohio state and national forests – and in close proximity to the popular Hocking Hills State Park – will immerse you in an age where screen time wasn’t a priority.
This medieval England-inspired castle in Ohio provides solace and ample time for relaxation, but they also host fun activities, such as Murder Mysteries and events, and provide plenty of space for avid board game players—including gaming conventions.
Not your cup of tea? Take a hike to explore one of the many nearby scenic trails before having dinner and a craft beer at their pub, and retiring to a themed room or cozy cottage.
Castles in Southwest Ohio
Loveland Castle
12075 Shore Drive, Loveland, OH 45140
The Historic Loveland Castle and Museum Chateau Laroche is almost entirely a full-scale replica of medieval keeps and includes inspiration from German, French, and English architecture. The property features a dry moat, a domed ceiling, stoop doors, hand-tiled ceilings, a collection of weaponry, gardens, and more.
Aside from its superficial features, the castle’s story is quite interesting, including its acquisition by Harry D. Andrews through his Boy Scout Troop and the Cincinnati Enquirer. When you visit, you’ll hear all about its eccentric, intriguing, and intellectual creator, Harry Andrews, and the Knights of the Golden Trail.
This castle in Ohio is open for self-guided tours daily from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. from April 1 through October 31, and Friday through Sunday from November 1 to March 31 (excluding certain holidays).
Frankenstein’s Castle
2655 S. Patterson Boulevard, Kettering, OH 45409
Although this building isn’t technically a castle, it’s a stone, turret-like structure with medieval-esque architecture. Surprisingly, you might stumble upon the tower while exploring the Hills and Dales MetroPark.
The “castle,” which is also known as The Witches’ Tower and Patterson Tower, was built in the early 1940s. It’s a popular spot of urban legend—many claim that it is haunted.
It’s been inaccessible to the public since the 1960s, after a tragic lightning strike resulted in someone’s death, but you can still see the tower from the outside.
Ohio Castles FAQs
What should I wear while exploring castles in Ohio?
It depends on what the Ohio castle offers. It’s best to wear closed-toe shoes for those featuring expansive gardens or nearby trails, such as at Stan Hywet and Squire’s Castle.
Are Ohio castles open year-round?
Most that are open to the public are open all year, but hours and tour times vary per location.
Is it free to visit castles in Ohio?
It depends. Some are available to tour for a small fee or donation. If the castle serves as a hotel, you should be able to explore it during your stay. Others are free to visit, such as Squire’s Castle, located in a park, and The Brumback Library.
Exploring Castles in Ohio
Don’t miss out on a chance to explore these amazing castles in Ohio. Grab a friend and start planning your Ohio castle road trip today!