Pythian Castle | Springfield, Missouri
The Knights of Pythias built this castle as an orphanage in 1913. In 1942, the US military took control of the building and used it for entertaining and rehabilitating soldiers during World War II. Today, the castle is privately owned, but it’s open to visitors for tours, murder mystery dinners, and escape rooms, as well as ghost and history tours. Each year, Pythian Castle hosts a New Year’s Eve party and a Valentine’s dinner and dance.
Find inspiration and tips for your next trip
Subscribe to the St. Louis Travel newsletter, covering big cities, small towns, and everywhere in between!
Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins | Camdenton, Missouri
In 1905, Robert Snyder purchased 5,000 acres and began construction on Ha Ha Tonka Castle. It was his dream to have a European-style castle in Missouri, but he died in a car accident the following year. His sons continued construction, and one of them lived in the castle for a time. The castle was later turned into a hotel until 1942, when it was almost completely lost to a fire. Since the 1970s, the castle ruins have been maintained by the state. Today, you can explore the ruins while visiting Ha Ha Tonka State Park.
Tiffany Castle | Kansas City, Missouri
Named after its original owner, Dr. Flavel B. Tiffany, Tiffany Castle was built in 1909 on bluffs overlooking the Missouri River. Given its prominent location, the castle can be seen from great distances after the leaves fall from trees in the autumn and winter months. Today, the Tudor-style castle is privately owned, but it’s available to the public through tours.
Givins Beverly Castle | Chicago, Illinois
Known as the Irish Castle, Givins Castle was built between 1886 and 1887 as the private residence of Robert C. Givins. The mansion, which was built of Joliet limestone so that it would resemble the castles of Ireland, cost $80,000. Today, the castle is home to Beverly Unitarian Church and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can view the castle by tour or attending services on Sunday. The space can also be rented for events.
Bettendorf Castle | Fox River Grove, Illinois
Theodore “Teddy” Bettendorf began building this castle shortly after moving to the United States from Luxembourg in 1931. The Gothic-style castle—with its moat, drawbridge, and wishing well—looks as if it was inspired by a fairytale. The castle is now a popular venue for weddings and group events, though you can also visit during public and private tours.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to reflect that Pythian Castle is located in Springfield, Missouri, rather than Illinois.
