What would you say if I told you that the state of Ohio is a land of fairy tales? It surprises many people to learn that you don’t have to be a prince or princess or even travel all the way to Europe just to see beautiful castles that look like pages out of a storybook. Ohio’s castles have fascinating histories, and you can even stay overnight in some of them! Here are the top castles to visit in Ohio when you need a little magic and inspiration in your days in the Midwest.
Squire’s Castle, Willoughby Hills
One of the most iconic castles in Ohio is Squire’s Castle in Willoughby Hills. This local castle was the project of Standard Oil Company’s Feargus B. Squire. He sold the castle in 1922, along with the hundreds of acres that surround it to Cleveland Metroparks. You can visit this castle today because it is open to the public. The castle is rumored to be haunted, and you can attend historical lectures to learn more about the ghost who roams these halls. Take some time to explore the hiking trails and have a picnic in the area of the North Chagrin Reservation when you visit this park.
Loveland Castle, Loveland
The Loveland Castle is one of the top castles to visit in the United States. It resembles the ancient European castles and dates back to 1929 when Harry D. Andrews launched its construction. Andrews was a Boy Scout leader and gave the castle to the Boy Scouts in his will. Also called Chateau Laroche, this is a castle to visit when you’re in the Cincinnati area. You can visit the castle to see the historic weaponry, learn about its history, have a picnic on the shaded grounds, and experienced its haunted past. The admission fee is $5 per person over age five, and the castle is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 5pm.
Ravenwood Castle, New Plymouth
Another stunning castle is the Ravenswood Castle in New Plymouth, one of Ohio’s top destinations. It’s actually a castle hotel that you can spend the night in, perfect for a weekend away. The rooms of the castle hotel are decorated in a Medieval style with antiques and lovely fireplaces. However, you’ll also have all the modern amenities you want while staying here too, such as comfortable rooms, an on-site pub, games to play, and breakfast served daily in the Great Hall. The Ravenswood Castle regularly hosts fun events like beer tastings, murder mystery shows, corporate retreats, and birthday parties. It’s a nice place to stay when you are visiting nearby Hocking Hills State Park too.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron
If you enjoy castles, you’ll definitely want to visit the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron to see this National Historic Landmark. The co-founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, F. A. Seiberling, lived here with his family after the estate was built in the 1910s. This historic home is open to the public today.
Mac-O-Chee and Mac-A-Cheek Castles, West Liberty
The Mac-O-Chee and Mac-A-Cheek Castles are part of West Liberty’s Piatt Castles in Logan County, Ohio. Both these castles were built in the 1860s and 1870s and feature multiple stories, towers, and decorated ceilings. Mac-O-Chee and Mac-A-Cheek castles are less than a mile from each other and the creations of two brothers who descended from the French Huguenots. You can visit the museum here and even rent out space for special events in the castles. The admission fee to visit a single castle is $15 per adult, and a combination ticket for both castles is $25 per adult.
Landoll's Mohican Castle, Loudonville
Another castle hotel that will take you by surprise in Ohio is the Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Loudonville. It was opened in 2002 and looks like a historic castle that has European-style décor. This is a lovely place to stay while checking out the nearby Mohican State Park and Ohio’s Amish country. The Copper Mug Bar & Grille and offers a breakfast buffet. Meanwhile, you can join a ghost walk or ghost hunt to learn about the castle’s fascinating paranormal history. Both hotel guests and the public can sign up for these ghost events for $25 per person, and they’re particularly popular on the days leading up to Halloween in September and October.
The Castle, Marietta
The Marietta Castle was built in 1855 by Melvin C. Clark and features an impressive tower and spires. It was originally a family home but is now a public venue of the city that’s used for special events. This Gothic Revival-style castle hosts lots of fun events that include concerts, ghost tours, teas, workshops, and kids’ programs. The museum tour admission is $10, and the hours of operation vary by the season. Between April and December, the open hours are typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m..
The Castle Inn, Circleville
You can also head to Circleville, Ohio to see the Castle Inn, which is a castle that dates back to 1895. Samuel Ruggles designed this castle to resemble the ones that he saw while traveling in Europe. Today, the Castle Inn serves as a B&B with a vintage touch and a delicious hot breakfast each morning. This historic downtown B&B is a great romantic getaway because it has Jacuzzi suites, fireplaces, and candlelight. Book a murder mystery stay that includes meals and costuming. The Castle Inn is about 30 minutes south of Columbus and a great area to be in for the pumpkin show, hiking, horseback riding, antique shopping, and relaxing.
Glamorgan Castle, Alliance
The Ohio town of Alliance is home to the Glamorgan Castle, which dates back to 1904 and has a European castle look as well. William Henry Morgan moved here from Wales and built this impressive castle. It is an administrative building for the city’s school district today and hosts community events throughout the year, such as car shows, Shakespearean plays, the annual fire truck pump-in, and weddings. You can stop by for a one-hour guided tour at 1pm and 2pm on most Friday afternoons, and a $10 per person donation is requested for tours.
