Embrace Your Medieval Side as You Explore These 30 Midwest Castles

Did you know there are dozens of castles throughout the Midwest? While they may not be the site of fire-breathing dragons, sword-welding knights, and elegant royalty — in fact, some are “castles” in name only — they are nonetheless scenic locations full of surprises.

Not all of them are accessible and some are on private property, but they all offer fascinating glimpses into history and architecture.

Beaumont Tower

East Lansing, Michigan

Standing tall in the middle of the Michigan State University campus, Beaumont Tower was constructed in 1928 and remains an iconic campus landmark. The tower is 104 tall and is known for its 49-bell carillon, which plays at scheduled times during the school year. Tours are regularly open to the public too.

DID YOU KNOW: Legend has it that couples who kiss in the tower’s shadow are said to be true Michigan State Spartans and destined to marry.

Piatt Castle: Mac-A-Cheek

West Liberty, Ohio

Visitors can immerse themselves in at least 200 years of history at this privately-owned museum on self-guided tours. The full property and different parts of it are available for rent and the “castle” also hosts family-friendly programs.

RELATED: Check out more magnificent castles in Ohio.

Chicago Water Tower

Chicago, Illinois

Originally built to hide a simple standpipe, this ornate Gothic Revival building stands as a reminder of the Windy City’s investment into its infrastructure. Completed in 1869, the tower famously survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and can be easily seen on Chicago’s architectural tours.

Pythian Castle

Springfield, Missouri

Originally built in 1913 as an orphanage, the Pythian Castle is a must-see attraction for residents and tourists who love unique attractions. The castle is a certified haunted castle and hosts a slew of events, including daytime history tours, nighttime ghost tours, murder mystery dinners, escape rooms, and holiday events.

Clayshire Castle

Bowling Green, Indiana

Visitors of all ages can travel back to a time of the War of the Roses at this Central Indiana castle. In September, the castle is the sight of a medieval fair, complete with jousting, armored combat, fairy glade activities for kids, an artisan marketplace, and more.

Joslyn Castle

Omaha, Nebraska

This massive, magnificent 35-room Scottish mansion was completed in 1903 after only 18 months. The four-story home includes a library, a music room, a reception hall, and many other rooms. The grounds, including the castle, are owned and maintained by the state and part of Nebraska’s Statewide Arboretum. Seasonal public and private tours are available.

Julien Dubuque Monument

Dubuque, Iowa

Nestled in the Mines of Spain Recreation Area, the Dubuque Monument — named after city founder Julien Dubuque —  was built in 1897 and overlooks the town, the Mines of Spain, and the Mississippi River. The limestone, castle-like tower is 25 feet high and an opening gives visitors a view of the mighty Mississippi.

The Castle

Lawrence, Kansas

One of the city’s most iconic structures dates back to 1894 as the home of Col. John Roberts and his family. The Roman-style building resembles a castle and has formerly been the site of the Castle Tea Room and a popular wedding venue. 

Castles of Ida Grove

Ida Grove, Iowa

The famous castles of Ida Grove are the brainchild of Byron Godbersen, who liked the castle design and built the designs into his industry’s buildings. The castles include:

• Airport Hangar Castle
• City Entrance Castle
• Golf Course Bridge
• Ida Grove Golf and County Club
• Lake Lajune Chalet and Hangar (a half-scale replica of the HMS Bounty sits on Lake Lajune)
• Midwest Industries
• Skate Palace

In some circles, Ida Grove is known as “Castletown USA” and continues to capture the imagination of residents and tourists alike who appreciate the castles’ architectural charm.

Easton Castle

Aberdeen, South Dakota

This historical and hidden Victorian South Dakota gem had many famous residents in its heyday, including The Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum. In fact, the home was once painted green and is thought to have inspired the Emerald City from Baum’s books. Today, visitors can tour the famous home or explore the beautiful flora surrounding it. It can also be booked for overnight stays and events.

Enchanted Castle Hotel

Regent, North Dakota

This unique and whimsical destination is the brainchild of Gary Greff and makes guests feel like royalty. The hotel features medieval-themed rooms, complete with decor and knights in armor. The Enchanted Castle is a family-friendly lodging option and also has a steakhouse and a tavern on-site.

Kelley Castle

Tomahawk, Wisconsin

Hidden in the woods of Oneida County, Kelley Castle is the three-story dream of Pete Kelley and a work in progress that began in 1987. Believe it or not, Kelley Castle sits on an island, which is accessible via a three-foot pedestrian footbridge. The castle is open for one weekend each fall, but from the outside, it looks like something straight out of a fairytale with a flag, a crest, and turrets.

Metamora Castle

Laurel, Indiana

A “Castle on a Hill” is just outside town on Mount Metamora and is a hidden gem that continues to pique the curiosity of residents and visitors alike. Built out of divine inspiration, it features medieval-style architecture, including a tower known as “The Tomb.” Its interior features cathedral windows, and a knight statue among other things. It is currently privately owned and empty but remains a fascinating local landmark.

Castle Farms

Charlevoix, Michigan

Formerly known as Castle VanHaver, Castle Farms was built in 1918 and once was a model dairy farm with state-of-the-art equipment. Over the years, it’s transformed into a concert venue, an artists’ mecca, and now serves as both a historic tourist destination and a premier wedding venue. Visitors can enjoy tours of the property, which includes an enchanted forest, and a wine-tasting room.

RELATED: Check out more unique castles in Michigan.

Franklin Castle

Cleveland, Ohio

Once known as the Tiedemann House, Franklin Castle has been a fixture on Cleveland’s West Side for over 100 years. While it’s now a private residence that’s not open to the public, it remains a popular spot for its architecture and possible paranormal history.

Elk Mound Hill Castle

Elk Mound, Wisconsin

In Elk Mound Park, visitors can visit a three-story observation tower that was built in 1937. It was later dedicated as a memorial to Dunn County Wisconsin post office employees and it’s said to be haunted. The “castle” is small, but offers a spectacular point of view.

Castle Museum of Saginaw County History

Saginaw, Michigan

From the outside, this museum looks just like a castle, but on the inside it pays homage to the area’s history and was once the site of the Saginaw Post Office. Today, visitors can take a look into the past with unique exhibits, including ones dedicated to lumbering and archeology.

Miller Castle

Nisswa, Minnesota

Built in 2008 on the Parker Scout Reservation after an idea to build a storm shelter, this lively castle features a dragon mural, banners, and knights in armor. The castle is available to rent when it’s not being used by the Scouts.

Landoll’s Mohican Castle

Loudonville, Ohio

The brainchild of Jim Landoll is a European-inspired castle that was constructed room by room with no blueprint. The castle opened in 2002 as a must-visit destination for lodging, weddings, dining, and even relaxation (including a spa).

Grand Army of the Republic Building

Detroit, Michigan

The former home of the Grand Army of the Republic in Detroit was built in the early 1900s and still stands as a testament to architectural beauty. It was once the site of numerous shops and Castle Hall in the G.A.R. Building still serves as a wedding venue. The building itself is no longer open for tours, but it still serves as a Civil War Memorial.

The Castle Inn

Circleville, Ohio

This charming B&B is a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown Columbus and transports visitors back to a simpler time. Built in 1895 and inspired by European castles, The Castle Inn is a paranormal hot spot and has been featured on TV. 

Lincoln Castle (Staley Building)

Decatur, Illinois

The Staley Building in Decatur is also known as “The Lincoln Castle” and the “Castle in the Cornfields.” The Neo-Gothic vision of A.E. Staley has stood proud since 1930 and is also home to the Staley Museum. The building has retained its grandeur with colored floodlights on the exterior and a lighted tower atop it that can be seen for miles. The building also features mahogany and marble interiors and rises 12 stories high.

Sauer Castle

Kansas City, Kansas

This massive Kansas City home was completed in 1873 and housed five generations of the Sauer family until it was sold. It stands as an example of Italianate architecture with a four-story tower, carved lions, arched double-hung windows, and other elements. It’s been closed to the public since the mid-1980s but has been the subject of some local ghost stories over the years.

The Henderson Castle

Kalamazoo, Michigan

The Henderson Castle was established in 1895 and has retained a castle-like design and features. It now serves as a full-service restaurant and B&B. It has formerly been the home of different secret societies and was also home to the Henderson family at the turn of the century.

Ravenwood Castle

New Plymouth, Ohio

Travelers looking to unplug can travel to Ravenwood Castle, near Hocking Hills State Park, and unwind without devices nearby. Inspired by English medieval castles, Ravenwood hosts a variety of fun events, including murder mysteries, and gaming events.

Coghlan Castle

Rolla, North Dakota

Built between 1906 and 1909, this large privately owned fieldstone farmhouse is about five miles north of Rolla at the start of the Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway. The home once belonged to entrepreneur Maurice Coghlan and his family and is the only castle in North Dakota. While the home is closed to the public, this marvel of architecture is open for appointment-only tours and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Turnblad Mansion

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Known locally as “The Castle,” the architecture of this impressive structure includes decorative lions, hand-carved gargoyles, and a storied facade embedded with million-year-old fossils.

Built from 1904-1908, the mansion is one of eight remaining structures from Park Avenue’s heyday as the “Golden Mile.” Tours are available on the campus of the American Swedish Institute, giving visitors a chance to see the majesty of the mansion up close.

Corn Palace

Mitchell, South Dakota

This one-of-a-kind attraction in the heart of the Plains isn’t a true castle, per se, but it’s still a sight to behold that draws thousands of visitors each year. Visitors of all ages can walk through the palace — made up of 13 different colors and shades of corn — snap selfies, watch a variety of lights at night over the palace, admire corn murals, and much more.

Caenen Castle

Shawnee, Kansas

Castles have often been seen as foreboding structures, but this one has been a Kansas landmark for more than 100 years and today presents visitors with one of the most unique and romantic dining experiences in the area. The “castle” is modeled after Chateau Chavaniac in France and has lots of regal features including two winding staircases, 14 rooms, and four fireplaces.

With a diverse array of menu options, including brunch and dinner options and wine flights, it’s perfect for a fancy meal in the heart of the Old West.

Explore the Wonders of Castles in the Midwest

Whether you’re a history buff, an admirer of architecture, a fan of the paranormal, or you just love curious attractions, Midwest castles are can’t-miss spots that are always worth visiting.

While not all of them may not be open to the public, many of them can be seen and admired from afar, giving anyone of any age a glimpse into the fascinating history and architecture that went into the creation of these castles.