To experience the majestic views of castles, people travel all the way through Europe. But, do you know, that Ohio, also known as “Buckeye State” is a land of fairy tales too? Having fascinating castles with a rich history, their incredible architecture is bewitching as well. These are a few iconic castles in Ohio that one should not miss.
Loveland Castle
One of the top castles to be visited in the United States is Loveland Castle. Dating back to 1923, this castle was built by Harry Delos Andrews and the Cincinnati Enquirer. Also known as Château Laroche Historical Castle Museum, it is owned by Knights of the Golden Trail currently. The castle was built as an expression of grandeur during the era of knighthood. Its construction is done from bricks and stones collected from the Little Miami River. Quite similar to the appearance of French Norman Castle, the castle’s stairwells are winding and narrow. Having a French ballroom, watchtower, a chapel, and armory, there are swords and shields as well.
Important Details: Tours of the castle are self-guided, although 5 dollars is the entrance fee per adult. It has overnight accommodations for adults and operates on weekends from 11 am to 5 pm. Also, it can be rented for special occasions such as wedding ceremonies for 700 dollars for around 3 hours. It allows a maximum of 50 people inside and 65 people outside.
Raven wood Castle, New Plymouth
A stunning castle for a perfect weekend getaway, this place is a “Modern Castle” with the “Old Charm”. Tucked away in the scenic Hocking Hills in New Plymouth, this place is modeled after the 12th and 13th British Castles. Exuding the medieval style, the rooms of the castle are adorned with antiques and fireplaces.
Despite hailing from the ancient era, it has all modern amenities such as breakfast served in the Great Hall, an onsite pub, various games as well as activities such as beer tasting, murder mystery shows, corporate events, and birthday parties. One can also explore medieval villages or enjoy the hiking trails.
Marietta Castle
This Gothic Revival-style built castle, also known as Castle Historic House Museum is full of rich history from the Victorian period. It held its prominence for the flourishing business, family functions, and communities throughout its history. The castle opened as a museum in 1994 and besides tours, it offers Summer camps, archeology workshops, historically themed programs and so much more. It is open for tours from April To December and the entrance fee is around 10 dollars for adults and 7 dollars for students.
The Castle Inn
Despite being built by Samuel Ruggles in 1895, this castle is nothing less than a 21st-century accommodation. As it transformed into a Victorian-style bed and breakfast with Jacuzzi suites and other modern luxuries, it is suited well for a romantic getaway or overnight with the family. The castle is also notoriously known for being haunted and is popular for a “Murder Mystery” unsolved since 1976. But that does not resist anyone from visiting it. There are also wedding ceremonies held with themes ranging from Cinderella, Medieval or Traditional or Bridal Showers. It provides a typical home-cooked breakfast and also one can engage in activities such as biking, hiking, boating, horseback riding, wine tasting, flea shopping, and options galore. The square room tower costs around 159 dollars on weekdays and 379 dollars on weekends.
Schwartz Castle
The haunted Schwartz Castle is located on 6th Street and belonged to the wealthy druggist, Frederick Schwartz. Hailing from Germany, this castle was built by Frederick for his fiancée. The marriage never took place and surfaced the odd behaviors of Frederick. Currently, his turreted-style castle has been built into several apartments. It is not available for tours albeit one can rent a penthouse apartment for a whopping 6000 dollars a month. Also, the rumors are rife that the place is haunted to date.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
City’s largest historic landmark and currently is an accredited museum of the “American Alliance Of Museums”. Located in Akron, Ohio, it operates from 10 am to 4 pm.
Franklin Castle
Referred to as the most haunted house in Ohio with countless haunted stories & unexplained voices, this castle was also featured in the series, “Paranormal Lockdown” and “Ghost Adventures”. A Victorian stone house built in the American Queen Anne style, it has four stories, more than twenty rooms, and eighty windows. Built around 1881, it has been the most prestigious residential avenue in Cleveland. Currently, it isn’t open to the public and is a private property owned by Oh Dear Productions.
