Did you know there are over 145 castles in the United States? Some of those castles were built for the rich and famous. While others were fortresses manufactured for defense against foreign enemies. But we’re going to spotlight 13 unique castles in the United States that have such incredible back stories of why they exist. Their noble grandeur is an integral part of America’s history. And we think are truly worth the visit.

Definition of a Castle

A castle is a type of fortified structure built during the Middle Ages predominantly by nobility, royalty and military orders. Scholars debate the definition of the word castle. A castle’s usual connotation is a fortified residence of royalty.

However, castles aren’t just for the rich and famous. Historically and culturally, castles were built to serve many purposes. They serve as powerful government structures where important decisions are made.

Forts, also known as castles, were built of simple masonry and prowess to protect against foreign infiltration. Smaller mansions, also construed as castles, were built as family homes. All of which were constructed with eccentric architectural style, lavish masonry and artistic detail.

These magnificent mansions signify strength and power all through the centuries. They represent nobility, wealth, freedom, love and fairytale dreams too. And, each of these castles on American soil has an incredible back story to tell. 

So, let’s take a sneak peek at these 13 Unique Castles in the United States that are well worth your visit.

This blog article contains affiliate links. Full disclosure here.

Why You Should Visit These 13 Unique Castles in the United States!

1) Biltmore Estate

One of the most familiar castles in the United States, the Biltmore Estate. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, with the help of two architects, George Washington Vanderbilt constructed the majestic Biltmore in 1898.

Today, Biltmore Estate is a must-see attraction that presents the 250-room French Renaissance chateau also known as Châteauesque. Visitors can tour Biltmore’s 8,000 acres of woodland grounds and beautiful flower gardens. While you’re there, tour the Antler Hill Village and award-winning winery and vineyards. Lots of outdoor enjoyment, shopping, dining and so much more are awaiting your arrival.

Check out Christy Evers, Happily 4 Evers After’s  video 10 Tips for Visiting Biltmore Estates:

2) Castillo De San Marcos

Castillo is Spanish for Castle. Castillo de San Marcos, located in St. Augustine Florida, was constructed over three centuries ago. Argumentatively, this so called castle wasn’t built to be a fairytale dream or rich man’s mansion. It was actually a Spanish masonry fortress built for defense for the Spanish settlement on the western shore of Matanzas Bay.

Today, Castillo de San Marcos is a designated National Monument that memorializes the Spanish empire’s 300 year occupation of Florida. It stands as a reminder of how cultural groups helped build and unify what is now America. Visitors can explore almost every inch of the fort, including the prison, artillery, and museum.

3) Bishop Castle

Bishop Castle, has quite a story built within its’ walls and intricate iron work. Located in Rye, Colorado in the Wet Mountains, this intriguing work of art is still a continuous work in progress with a hint of rebellion against the local government. In 1969, very determined Jim Bishop and his father began constructing the castle using the stones from nearby lands. They also did their own blacksmithing right on site.

However, Jim was often met with much resistance from the local government because he refused to file building permits and abide by building codes. Bureaucracy aside, Bishop Castle lays claim to being the largest self-built castle in the United States.

Adventurous visitors can climb up and walk the exterior steel plank and metal mesh walkways. However, I warn you that some are extremely hazardous for those weak in the knees (I’ve done it twice!). And if you dare to climb up to the bell tower, reward your courage by ringing the bell. Be sure to check out the interior room of artist-created stained glass features. The fireplace bellows smoke out of the mouth of the fire-breathing dragon to the outside.

Trust me, you’ll want to visit this uniquely constructed monumental castle. You’ll see why Jim Bishop went through such trouble of building it. While you may be awestricken by its’ unique appearance, be cognizant of your personal safety upon entering Bishop Castle. 

4) Solomon’s Castle

ADDRESS: 4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865

WEBSITE: Solomon’s Castle

CONTACT:  Phone: (863) 494-6077 or email

In 2021, we took a cool field trip to visit Solomon’s Castle in Ona. From the outside, it looks like a castle wrapped in shiny aluminum foil. Hence, why some refer to it as the Aluminum Foil Castle. However, the closer you get, it’s exactly aluminum foil but old aluminum newspaper printing plates.

Built by Howard Soloman (sculptor, painter, author, builder of dreams) himself, In 1974, Soloman started construction. By the time he finished, his chrome castle towered 3 stories and 12,000 square feet. But, Soloman’s Castle isn’t the only shiny attraction here. His castle houses his repurposed metal and steel sculptures art collection. 

In the 1990’s, he created his “Boat in the Moat”. It’s an old 16th century Portuguese Galleon ship that has an actual moat around it. Today, it serves as a restaurant with an outdoor gift shop nearby. It didn’t take long for Soloman’s Castle to become a Roadside America sensation.

Sadly in 2016, Howard Solomon passed on. But his visionary legacy continues as his family runs the business and tells his story.

5) Hammond Castle

ADDRESS: 80 Hesperus Ave., Gloucester, MA 01930

WEBSITE: Hammond Castle Museum

CONTACT: (978) 283-2080 or email

While we were stationed up in Gloucester, Massachusetts, we’d frequent visiting Hammond Castle. This royal estate sits high on a cliff overlooking Gloucester Harbor. Its’ location is not far from the fishing village in the Magnolia area.

This American fortress took 3 years (1926 to 1929) to build this medieval style castle by the highly acclaimed inventor, John Hays Hammond, Jr.  He wanted a stately home to also be his invention laboratory. Hammond, known for holding over 400 patents, pioneered studies on remote controls. He was known as “The Father of Radio Control”.

But, Hammond was also an impressive collector. So, his castle housed his collection of Roman, Medieval and Renaissance historical and cultural artifacts. Ironically, one of the most notable of his collections according to History of Massachusetts is “one of his prized possessions still on display in the castle is a human skull rumored to be from one of Christopher Columbus’ crew members.”

6) Scotty’s Castle

ADDRESS: 123 Scotty’s Castle Rd, Death Valley National Park, CA

WEBSITE: Scotty’s Castle

CONTACT: (760) 786-3200 or Email

Scotty’s Castle is a unique attraction to visit considering where it reigns in Death Valley National Park. Built in 1922, the Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival architecture style castle was inspired by the illustrious and colorful Walter E. Scott. Known as Death Valley Scotty, the gold prospector became infamous for his con jobs and gold mining scams. He convinced Chicago couple, Albert and Bessie Johnson, to build a dream castle in the California desert.

Scotty’s Castle still stands but is closed to the public until 2023. an unprecedented flood in 2015 took out utilities and left mud and debris up to 10 feet deep. And later, a fire that destroyed the historic garage and complex in 2021.

7) Hearst Castle

ADDRESS: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, CA 93452

WEBSITE: Hearst Castle

CONTACT: Hearst Castle Contact Page

The Hearst Castle oftentimes can be seen sitting above the clouds in San Simeon, California. It was built in 1919 to serve as a private residence for American businessman, newspaper publisher, and politician William Randolph Hearst. 

Calling his fortress estate La Cuesta Encantada, Spanish for The Enchanted Hill, it sits atop a hill overlooking San Simeon. However, Hearst’s illness got the best of him, so he never got to see his castle finished.

The majestic castle includes 3 guesthouses and 2 turret-style towers. The estate grounds span over 127 acres of meticulously groomed gardens, water features, pools and fountains. Hearst’s third floor private suite and study, Casa Grande, was the highlight of his dream mansion. It is there where he proofread his newspapers before sending them off to print. The 165 room citadel fortress, now serves as a public museum.  

12) Singer Castle

How amazing it would be to live in a castle on its’ own island?! And that’s exactly what Frederick Bourne, fifth President of the Singer Sewing Machine Company did. 

Singer Castle sits majestically alone on Dark Island near Chippewa Bay on the St. Lawrence River in New York. According to Singer Castle history, the estate remained in the possession of the Bourne family, from 1905 until the mid 1960’s. When the Bourne family summered there, it was called The Towers, inspired from Sir Walter Scott’s Woodstock.

Today, the Dark Island fortress is open for guided public tours. However, the Singer Castle is only accessible by water. Regardless, who wouldn’t want to see such intricate architecture and mysterious secret passages in this magnificent 100-year old island fortress?

13) Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle

ADDRESS: 1375 E Buena Vista Dr Orlando, FL  32830

WEBSITE: Walt Disney World Resort

CONTACT: Princess’ don’t have a phone or email

We saved America’s most famous castle for last because of its’ grand popularity. And, for good reason, this American castle certainly deserves the red carpet treatment.

The Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort reigns center stage. It’s inspired by many real palaces, most notably the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. The fairytale castle took 19 months to build. It was originally intended to be where Walt Disney and his family would stay during their visit to the Disney theme park.

The Walt Disney World castle opened for dreamers and believers in July 1971. (I missed visiting it by a year in 1972 and later in 1981!) The grand mansion’s iconic white spires and blue roofs are the main attraction of Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Cinderella’s ‘sister castle’ duplicate is at the Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan.

The Cinderella Castle truly is made for a Princess or Prince (at heart). The Cinderella Castle Suite in Magic Kingdom is the most exclusive hotel room at Walt Disney World. But it can’t be rented. Only contest winners or guests invited by Walt Disney World can stay there.

According to Travel and Leisure, “This suite cannot be bought. Disney has allegedly declined bribes of up to $40,000 for just one night in the exclusive suite. So no amount of money will allow you to make Cinderella Castle Suite reservations.” Check out their 60 second video tourof Cinderella’s Castle!

As you see, not all castles in the United States are about wealth and power. These American fortresses continue to stand as a reminder to believe in your dreams. Their stories are a part of American history that makes our Country so interesting.

Check out these travel destinations:

Best Places to See Bison in America

Your Ultimate MOAB Adventure and Visitors Guide

Where Cars Can Get Their Groove on Musical Roads – Where Are They?

Best Great Lakes National Parks & Lakeshores to Visit in the Summer

Best Places to See Manatees in Florida (and Swim with them too!)

AMAZON DISCLOSURE:                                                                                                            This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.