🏰 Hidden Castles You Can Visit in the U.S. (That Feel Straight Out of a Fairytale)
- Sherrie A
- May 9
- 2 min read
Estimated Reading Time: 4–5 minutes
🏞️ You Don’t Need to Fly to Europe for Royal Vibes
Castles might make you think of France or Scotland—but you can find some incredible fairytale-worthy castles right here in the U.S. Many are open to families, with tours, gardens, and even treasure hunts built right in.
Here are 5 magical castles you can visit with kids — no passport required!
🏰 1. Boldt Castle – Alexandria Bay, New York
🏞️ Why Visit | 🌟 Family Highlights |
Built on Heart Island as a love letter | Scenic ferry ride to the castle 🛥️ |
Gorgeous gardens, towers, and balconies | Room-by-room treasure hunt map |
📷 Tip: Ride the ferry in the morning for best light + shorter lines!
🏰 2. Bishop Castle – Rye, Colorado
🏞️ Why Visit | 🌟 Family Highlights |
Hand-built by one man over 60+ years | Spiky towers + stained glass everywhere |
FREE to visit and climb (with caution) | Dragon head that breathes fire! 🐉 |
🧗♂️ For older kids who love climbing—this place is an adventure!
🏰 3. Castle in the Clouds – Moultonborough, New Hampshire
🏞️ Why Visit | 🌟 Family Highlights |
Beautiful 1913 mansion with lake views | Horse-drawn carriage rides 🐎 |
Interactive kids’ scavenger hunt | Waterfalls, forest hikes, and stables |
🍂 Go in fall for peak colors + crisp weather.
🏰 4. Hammond Castle – Gloucester, Massachusetts
🏞️ Why Visit | 🌟 Family Highlights |
Built by an inventor who loved medieval Europe | Secret passageways and a drawbridge! |
Right on the ocean with stunning views | Annual kid-friendly Halloween events 🎃 |
🎭 Bonus: There’s a pipe organ that shakes the floor!
🏰 5. Loveland Castle – Loveland, Ohio
🏞️ Why Visit | 🌟 Family Highlights |
Real knights built it by hand! ⚔️ | Stone towers, armor displays, and a garden |
Mini-maze in the backyard | Great spot for imaginative play |
🌞 Bring lunch — there are picnic tables and river views!
🏰 Printable: “My Castle Quest” Travel Tracker
🏰 Castle Name | ✅ Visited | 🧭 Most Magical Feature | 🖼️ Photo Taken? |
Boldt Castle (NY) | ☐ | ________________________ | ☐ |
Bishop Castle (CO) | ☐ | ________________________ | ☐ |
Castle in the Clouds (NH) | ☐ | ________________________ | ☐ |
Hammond Castle (MA) | ☐ | ________________________ | ☐ |
Loveland Castle (OH) | ☐ | ________________________ | ☐ |
🖍️ Kids can draw their favorite castle in the blank space or build their own at home with blocks!
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