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There Are 14 Stunning U.S. Castles That Are Fit for a Fairy Tale

Here are 14 beautiful castles in the U.S. that will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale.
Castles are often associated with medieval Europe, but if you want to experience structures that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale, you don’t need to travel abroad. In some instances, architects, builders, and dreamers have used material from ancient European buildings to create gorgeous works of art across the country. From a 165-room castle overlooking California’s Pacific Coast to a castle estate on an island in upstate New York, these castles are scattered throughout the country. The palaces and mansions on this list have a castle-like appearance and feel, so it would be remiss of us not to include them even though their names do not include the word “castle.”


Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California
In addition to its 165 rooms, a legendary art collection, and elaborately tiled pools, the Hearst Castle boasts 123 acres of gardens and a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Because the castle is located right off the Pacific Coast Highway, it is a popular stop that is worth visiting.

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina
Originally built for George Washington Vanderbilt, the French Châteauesque-style house now attracts tourists around the world to witness its stunning exterior, explore the castle-like interior, and hike and bike on the estate’s 8,000 acres.

Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay, New York
In terms of location and awe-factor, Boldt Castle stands out on Heart Island near the U.S.-Canada border. The gardens and Alster Tower are elaborate and photogenic, but Boldt Castle’s six-story tower is just as impressive.

The Breakers, Newport, Rhode Island
This Newport mansion was built by the Vanderbilt family near the coast of Rhode Island just off the city’s stunning “cliff walk.

Bishop’s Palace, Galveston, Texas
Located in the heart of the city, Bishop’s Palace, also known as Gresham’s Castle, is a grand Victorian-style house of over 19,000 square feet.

Bishop Castle, Rye, Colorado‍
This castle (built entirely by one man, Jim Bishop) is a roadside attraction well worth a visit, with walking paths along the roof and a fire-breathing dragon.

Bannerman Castle, Beacon, New York‍
Visitors to this historic castle come by ferry, kayak, or canoe to see it on an island in the Hudson River. You can stop by Bannerman Castle for a movie night, show, or musical event to help support its continued stabilization.

Belvedere Castle, New York, New York‍
This Central Park castle looks slightly out of place with the Manhattan skyline in the background, but it only makes it even more famous. Atop Vista Rock, Central Park’s second-highest natural point, Belvedere Castle offers views of the city that are almost as captivating as the castle itself.

Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga, California‍
Dream of sipping wine from a castle perch? This California winery’s owners took their connection to the wine world (and Italian heritage) seriously.

Lyndhurst Mansion, Tarrytown, New York‍
A Gothic Revival mansion set on 67 acres along the Hudson River, Lyndhurst Mansion may not be called a castle, but it won’t disappoint those who want a castle experience.

Thornewood Castle, Lakewood, Washington‍
In case you’re looking for a European-style castle, visit Thornewood Castle. It was constructed from the bricks of a dismantled house imported from England from the 15th century. It had enough of a castle vibe to be used as a location for Stephen King’s film, “Rose Red,” even though it has a Tudor-Gothic look.

Hammond Castle, Gloucester, Massachusetts
Built between 1926 and 1929, Hammond Castle stands just off the wild Atlantic Coast. A major attraction of the castle is its laboratory, which houses the laboratory of John Hays Hammond, Jr., an inventor and scientist whose inventions included a gigantic pipe organ that benefited from his 19 patents on pipe organ technology.

Smithsonian Castle, Washington, D.C.
Located between the Washington Monument and the United States Capitol, the Smithsonian Castle is a must-see on the National Mall. The Gothic Revival-style castle was completed in 1855 and houses the Smithsonian Institution’s administrative offices and information center.

Grey Towers Castle, Glenside, Pennsylvania
In the lower floors of the castle, lectures are held, book readings are held, and conferences are held, which is inspired by the Alnwick Castle in England. Freshmen sleep on the third floor of Grey Towers Castle, which is modeled after the Alnwick Castle in England.

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