You don’t have to travel out of the country to view magnificent castles. There are plenty of castles right in Colorado.
Each castle is unique and magical in its own ways, and they’ll all make you feel like you’re royalty for the day. So, if you’re looking for some unique attractions in Colorado, consider visiting a castle.
The following 11 castles are all great stops during any vacation.
#1 – Bishop Castle
One man built Bishop Castle in Rye all by himself. When you see this massive structure, you’ll be even more impressed by his hard work. Jim Bishop bought the land with the intentions of building a cottage, but one he started building, he couldn’t stop! After 60 years of building, the castle became a whimsical structure that looks like it came straight out of a fantasy novel. To add to that magical feel, a steel dragon art installation was built on the roof. Luckily, this castle is open to the public and it’s free, making it the perfect getaway from reality.
#2 – Glen Eyrie Castle
You can find the Glen Eyrie Castle, also known as the Palmer Castle, in Colorado Springs. It was the dream home of General William Jackson Palmer, who made it for his wife in 1872. The castle grounds take up over 700 acres, and the great hall alone is 2,000 square feet. It has no shortage of space, including 17 guest rooms, 24 fireplaces, and seven meeting rooms. It’s considered a romantic location to visit, and it often hosts popular tea parties for visitors to enjoy.
#3 – Miramont Castle
This Manitou Springs castle now functions as a Victorian-era house museum. Tourists can explore the 14,000 square feet of the mansion. It was first built in 1895 using a mix of nine different architectural styles. The 40 rooms in this structure are unique because they’re rarely square-shaped. Instead, they usually have eight to sixteen walls instead. The castle is also full of many secret tunnels and escape routes. Many believe that the structure is haunted, but the staff seem convinced that it isn’t. You’ll have to be the judge of that when you visit.
#4 – Dunafon Castle
This 1941 castle near Ideldale is exactly what you’d expect a castle to look like, with lots of beautiful stone and brick patterns. Today, this castle is mostly used as an event venue. After all, it has some of the most gorgeous views of Bear Creek, and it has walkways that are easily accessible for everyone. The castle sits on 140 acres of land, which are also filled with courtyards and waterways. If you’re lucky enough to host a wedding or another event there, it’ll be an unforgettable experience.
#5 – Westminster Castle
The Westminster Castle is only 20 minutes away from Denver. It’s a beautiful historic landmark that’s often referred to as the “Big Red Castle.” It was built in 1892 as the Westminster University, but today it functions as classroom space for Belleview Christian Schools. If you’re hoping to get a look inside, you can schedule a tour of the structure. One of the best parts of the interior is the view from the 175-foot tower. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth stopping by this impressive landmark.
#6 – Falcon Castle
The Falcon Castle is certainly one of the coolest castles in Colorado, but not for the reasons you’d expect. Today, it’s mostly ruins, giving it an eerie feel. It was built in 1909 by John Brisben Walker, but it was destroyed by a fire in 1918. It’s found in the Mount Falcon Park in Morrison. So, many tourists hike the park’s trails to see what remains of this castle. The park is also known for its horseback riding trails and observation tower.
#7 – Redstone Castle
The Redstone Castle has a more modern appearance, and as the name implies, it’s located in Redstone. It was built around 1903, and it’s currently a private residence. However, public tours are offered if you purchase tickets online. The castle is situated on sandstone cliffs near Crystal River Valley. It has 24 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms inside. You might recognize it as a filming location for the 2006 film The Prestige.
#8 – Cherokee Ranch and Castle
The Cherokee Ranch and Castle was built from 1924 to 1926 with a 1450s Scottish style. It’s located in Sedalia on about 3,400 acres of land. The castle offers guided tours, and it’s most known for its beautiful collection of art inside, including paintings, sculptures, and antiques. It also hosts some unique art events, including a chance to paint the beautiful Colorado views from a castle. Like many of the other castles in Colorado, it’s also an excellent location for a wedding.
#9 – Richthofen Castle
This castle is located right in Denver. Unfortunately, it’s privately owned, so no tours are available. It was built in 1887 for Baron Walter von Richthofen. He was the uncle of the notorious WWI German fighter pilot known as the Red Baron. The castle is about 15,000 square feet with 35 rooms. It has stone-carved gargoyles, hand-carved woodwork, and leaded glass. One of the most notable events that occurred in this castle was when Gertrude Patterson shot her husband in 1911.
#10 – Cano’s Castle
Cano’s Castle in Antonito is certainly a unique sight. It’s made of a variety of metal objects, including beer cans and hub caps. Donald Cano Espinoza created this bizarre attraction as a way to thank God for his survival in the war. Near the two towers of the castle, you’ll also find a garage, house, and shed also made out of random materials. Unfortunately, it’s a private residence, so you cannot go inside it, but it’s still interesting to drive past.
#11 – Ice Castles
Ice Castles aren’t your typical castle, but they’re still a popular attraction that is worth mentioning. Every winter in Dillon, beautiful ice castles are sculpted. They are an art installation made of thousands of icicles. Dedicated artists work for six weeks to complete these castles, which stand 40 to 60 feet tall at certain points. The ice is also lit up with colorful lights to add to the beauty. These castles might not last forever like the other attractions on this list, but they’re an exciting seasonal attraction that you won’t want to miss. Some other states also hold similar ice castle events.
There are plenty of castles in Colorado, each with their own unique features. These 11 attractions are all impressive sights to see, so add some of them to your itinerary. Whether you’re impressed by history or architecture, castles are sure to make your Colorado trip exciting.