Ohio may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of castles, but the Buckeye State boasts several properties fit for royalty.
Whether you’re looking for castles in Ohio that the entire family can enjoy on a fun day out with the kids or something that’s best reserved for a romantic getaway with your knight in shining armor, we have recommendations to fit both occasions.
And while you’re here, check out more things to do in Ohio that we share.
Castles in Ohio to Tour
Castles to tour or castles to sleep in. We have options for both.
Squire’s Castle near Cleveland
Squire’s Castle is located in the North Chagrin Reservation which is part of the Cleveland Metropark System.
It was constructed in the 1890s by Feargus B. Squire, an executive with the Standard Oil Company, to be used as a gatehouse for his future estate, which was never built.
In 1922, he sold the property, and in 1925, ownership passed to the Cleveland Metroparks.
The property is open to the public free of charge. You’ll find hiking trails and picnic tables making this location an ideal place to get outdoors and relax on a beautiful summer or fall day.
Tip: The castle is also a beautiful setting for family photos in the fall when the leaves change color.
Address: River Rd, Willoughby Hills, OH 44094
Phone: 216-635-3200 | Website
Piatt Castles in Central Ohio
The Piatt family were descendants of French Huguenots and journeyed to America to escape religious persecution. Eventually, the family moved to Ohio and settled in Logan County.
Two brothers, Donn and Abram, built two three-story castles, Mac-O-Chee and Mac-A-Cheek, ¾ of a mile apart from each other.
Today you can travel to Central Ohio and take a self-guided tour of Mac-A-Cheek, a 19th century property and view the eccentric collection of the original homeowners.
In the past, both Mac-O-Chee and Mac-A-Cheek have been available for tours, but in 2019, Mac-O-Chee was sold at auction and is no longer open to the public.
That may change in the future as the new owners have stated that they don’t plan to use it as a private residence.
Until it reopens, you’ll have to be happy driving past and viewing it from the outside.
Mac-O-Chee
Address:2319 OH-287, West Liberty, OH 43357
Mac-A-Cheek
Address: 10051 Township Rd 47, West Liberty, OH 43357
Phone: 937-465-2821 | Website
Loveland Castle Near Cincinnati
Harry Andrews spent most of his life building Chateau Laroche, or Loveland Castle, along the banks of the Little Miami River near Cincinnati.
The European-style castle is modeled after many of the castles that Harry saw in Europe following WWI.
Built for his Knights of the Golden Trail, a Sunday School/Boy Scout troop, who spent a lot of time outdoors camping on the plots of land donated to the troop, Harry spent over 50 years on the construction of the building.
Upon his death in 1981, at the age of 91, ownership of the castle transferred to the Knights of the Golden Trail and knights still guard the castle.
The castle features towers, a dry-moat, hand-tiled ceilings, and a fine collection of period weaponry.
Tours of the castle are available April through September, and Family Castle Days are held the third Saturday of the month from April through August.
Address: 12025 Shore Rd, Loveland, OH 45140
Phone: 513-683-4686 | Website
The Historic Ohio State Reformatory
The prison is not a castle, but its sheer size and turrets may cause you to look twice. This imposing structure was designed by prominent architect Levi Scofield and built in the late 1800s.
Today, the Ohio State Reformatory may be best known for the role it played as Shawshank Prison in the Shawshank Redemption.
The prison is open for tours and has many special events throughout the year, like Inkarceration, the Shawshank Hustle 7k and Blood Prison in October.
The prison also invites ghost hunters to spend the night several times throughout the year. That’s not my cup of tea, but, if its yours, you could stay in a “castle” and haunted house all at once.
Address: 100 Reformatory Drive Mansfield
Phone: (419) 522-2644 | Website
Read our review of our tour inside the Ohio State Reformatory.
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio
This castle near Akron was built by F.A. Seiberling, founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, in 1915.
The main house is one of the largest homes in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The entire estate also includes gardens, a greenhouse, and a carriage house.
Tours of the 65-room mansion are offered from April 1 through December 30 and closed on Mondays. You can also rent the estate for private functions.
Address: 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH
Phone: 330.836.5533 | Website
Glamorgan Castle in Alliance OH
This 1904 residence was originally built for the family of Colonel William Henry Morgan and remained in the Morgan family until 1938.
The castle has changed hands several times and is now part of the Alliance City School District, where administrative offices are located.
Guided tours of all four floors are offered every Friday at 1:00 and 2:00.
The grounds also host special events throughout the year, such as car shows and weddings, and theatrical performances.
Address: 200 Glamorgan St, Alliance, OH
Phone: 330-238-8787 | Website
When in Alliance, check out the Troll Hole, Feline Museum or the 9/11 Memorial.
The Arts Castle in Delaware, OH
The Arts Castle was originally a family home built in 1854 for the Campbell family.
Mrs. Campbell was the daughter of a prominent pioneer who gifted the land to the couple at their marriage.
For most of the 20th century, the castle was part of the Ohio Wesleyan University campus, housing the Art Department.
After many years back in private ownership, the castle is now part of the Delaware County Cultural Arts Association.
Today, you can take a self-guided tour, or sign up for an art class inside the castle.
Address: 190 W Winter St, Delaware, OH
Phone: 740-369-2787 | Website
The Castle Historic House Museum, Marietta
Located in what is now Marietta’s historic district, this property was home to five prominent families between 1808 and 1974.
The castle was completed in 1855, and after extensive repairs and renovations, it opened as a museum in 1994.
Inside, you’ll see furnishings and other items from several of the families who lived here.
Tours are offered daily (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) with advance reservations, as well as field trips and special events.
Address: 418 4th St, Marietta, OH
Phone: 740-373-4180 | Website
Read this post for more things to do in Marietta.
Brumback Library in VanWert, Ohio
This Ohio castle was never intended to be a residence, and in fact, it is still serving its original purpose.
Completed in 1900, this was the first library in the United States to serve an entire county.
It is named after John Brumback, a local businessman and philanthropist.
As a library, it is open to the public every day except Sunday.
Address: 215 W Main St, Van Wert, OH
Phone: 419-238-2168 | Website
Ohio Castles for Overnight Stays
My husband and I have had the pleasure of staying in both of the castles listed here; Ravenwood and Landoll’s. Each is located in a popular part of Ohio for outdoor recreation.
Ravenwood Castle In Ohio’s Hocking Hills Region
Ravenwood Castle is located in southeastern Ohio, minutes from the popular Hocking Hills State Parks. This property features a medieval village and castle rooms for a unique lodging experience.
Unplug and enjoy your time away in this B & B style property.
You’ll find comfortable sleeping quarters, an onsite pub for food and beverages, a Game Master to introduce you to one of the dozens of board games available for guests, and special theme weekends that range from murder mysteries to beer tastings.
Outdoors, you’ll find a giant chessboard and pieces to play as well as hiking trails at the nearby state or national forests.
Breakfast is served daily in the Great Hall, and reservations are accepted for weekend dinners.
Lodging in the castle and village are available year-round, though keep in mind during the snowy winter months, a four-wheel-drive vehicle may make it easier to navigate the steep drive leading to the castle.
Address: 65666 Bethel Rd, New Plymouth, OH 45654
Phone: 740-596-2606 | Website
We’ve spent a lot of time in the area so make sure you read our post on things to do in Hocking Hills before you go.
Landoll’s Mohican Castle Near Mohican State Park In Loudonville
Built in 2002, The property features luxurious castle rooms, cottages and suites near Mohican State Park and the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country.
Onsite, you’ll find The Copper Mug Bar & Grille which was visited in recent years by celebrity Chef Gordon Ramsey.
The property is a popular venue for weddings and a great location to celebrate special occasions.
The castle offers special events throughout the year, including ghost hunts and an annual Christmas lights event that are held on property.
Read my review of Landoll’s Mohican Castle and decide if this property is for you.
Address: 561 Township Road 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842
Phone: 419-994-3427 | Website
Looking for things to do in the area? Read out post on things to do in the Mohican area.
Castle Inn in Circleville, Ohio
This Ohio Castle was built in 1895 by New York lawyer and politician Samuel Ruggles.
Inspired by the castles of Europe, he included towers, arches, and stained glass windows in this family residence south of Columbus.
Today, it is a well-restored bed-and-breakfast and a popular destination for romantic getaways near Columbus.
Each room has a private bath, queen-size bed, and a fireplace and/or jacuzzi tub. In the morning, guests enjoy a home-cooked breakfast.
For an extra-special overnight stay, visit on the last Friday of each month, when you’ll be part of the Monthly Murder Mystery party!
Address: 610 South Court Street, Circleville, OH
Phone: 740-412-2472 | Website
Grizer Castle in Whipple, Ohio
This medieval castle is tucked in the woods near Marietta and was only recently built in 2015 by the Grizer family.
While this Ohio castle may lack the history of others on this list, it’s still a castle and will be a great place to visit once completed.
The castle is currently a wedding venue and includes a 5000-square-foot great hall. Eventually there will be guestrooms for overnight guests.
Private tours are currently available.
Address: 1298 Scotts Ridge Rd, Whipple, OH
Phone: 740-516-6536 | Website
GreatStone Castle Resort in Sidney, OH
This castle has overlooked the town of Sidney for over 125 years.
The elegance and opulence of the original owners are still visible today, and as a bonus, you can spend the night at this castle!
It is now a bed-and-breakfast, spa, and lodge open to the public.
The first floor has many common areas to relax and enjoy the elaborate design or enjoy seating in the gardens or on the elegant front porch.
Choose from several suites and guest rooms, and don’t miss the luxurious spa treatments in the lower-level spa area.
Address: 429 N Ohio Ave, Sidney, OH
Phone: 937-498-4728 | Website
More Places to Visit in Ohio
30 of the Best Outdoor Places to Visit in Ohio
Road Trip along Ohio’s Scenic Byways
Give the Gift of Experiences: Things to do in Cleveland
Plan your Stay at the Hocking Hills Caboose
More Unique Lodging Experiences in Ohio
Plan your Stay at the Hocking Hills Caboose
Must-Have Castle Resources
Have you visited any castles in Ohio? Which would you like to visit?
Amanda Bowers
Saturday 7th of September 2019
Love this post!! I'm dreaming of a day when I get to see the castles of Europe. Who knew I only needed to go to Ohio?
Tonya Prater
Sunday 15th of September 2019
Come visit!
Emma Crosby
Tuesday 2nd of April 2019
I never knew there were castles like these in Ohio.I always thought I can only find these type of manor/castles in the UK!
Julie
Monday 7th of January 2019
I LOVE that you don't have to travel to Europe to explore castles but you can do it right here in the US!
Lara Dunning
Wednesday 1st of November 2017
I grew up in the Midwest and I never heard of these castles. I will have to check it next time I go home. The castle near Mohican State Park is first on my list!
Annemarie LeBlanc
Wednesday 1st of November 2017
Wow. I did not know there were such things in Ohio! This is a must see for me. I have a cousin who lives there. I will ask if she is anywhere close to any of these castles and if she has visited them.