When you think of the great state of Maine, several things likely come to mind: amazing lobster rolls, beautiful shorelines, and postcard-perfect seasons. But castles? Probably not on your radar. But, explore a little deeper, and you’ll find some of the most stunning castles in the country, in humble, little Maine. From grand views over Penobscot Bay to creepy haunted dwellings in Cape Elizabeth, these hidden castles in Maine are definitely worth a trip. You can make it a weekend road trip to see them all; you’ll return home feeling like you’ve been weekending in Europe.
- Norumbega Inn
Norumbega Inn - Facebook Overlooking the Pebobscot River in Camden, the Norumbega Castle stands out from just about every other structure along the Maine coast. Built in 1886, it was privately owned and lived in for almost 100 years, before becoming a bed and breakfast that you can still stay in today. Fun Fact: The current owner of Lorumbega Castle was actually a winner on popular Food Network show, “Chopped.”
- Castle Tucker
Castle Tucker - Facebook Built in 1807, Castle Tucker is one of the oldest castles in Maine. It now operates as a museum allowing visitors to see how the last Victorian residents would have lived their daily lives.
- Gardiner Castle
Wikimedia Commons Gardiner Castle, also known locally as Oaklands Castle, was the vision of Dr. Sylvester Gardiner. He was later sent back to England (something about being a loyalist and some wacky Revolution stuff) but the castle remained in the family and can still be seen today.
- Mann Castle
West Paris Library - Facebook Mann Castle is the site of the present day West Paris Library. Unlike the others on this list, Mann Castle was never lived in, and was actually built in 1926 for the sole purpose of being a library.
- Beckett’s Castle
Doris Russell - Flickr Probably the eeriest of all the castles in Maine, Beckett’s Castle in Cape Elizabeth is reported to be haunted by the spirit of publisher Sylvester B. Beckett, who died in 1882.
Did you know about these castles in Maine? This little corner of the country sure is full of surprises — and a total hidden gem of a state. For more epic castle adventures, be sure to check out this Maine Castle Road Trip here
Norumbega Inn - Facebook
Overlooking the Pebobscot River in Camden, the Norumbega Castle stands out from just about every other structure along the Maine coast. Built in 1886, it was privately owned and lived in for almost 100 years, before becoming a bed and breakfast that you can still stay in today. Fun Fact: The current owner of Lorumbega Castle was actually a winner on popular Food Network show, “Chopped.”
Castle Tucker - Facebook
Built in 1807, Castle Tucker is one of the oldest castles in Maine. It now operates as a museum allowing visitors to see how the last Victorian residents would have lived their daily lives.
Wikimedia Commons
Gardiner Castle, also known locally as Oaklands Castle, was the vision of Dr. Sylvester Gardiner. He was later sent back to England (something about being a loyalist and some wacky Revolution stuff) but the castle remained in the family and can still be seen today.
West Paris Library - Facebook
Mann Castle is the site of the present day West Paris Library. Unlike the others on this list, Mann Castle was never lived in, and was actually built in 1926 for the sole purpose of being a library.
Doris Russell - Flickr
Probably the eeriest of all the castles in Maine, Beckett’s Castle in Cape Elizabeth is reported to be haunted by the spirit of publisher Sylvester B. Beckett, who died in 1882.
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Address: The Norumbega, 63 High St, Camden, ME 04843, USAAddress: Castle Tucker, 2 Lee St, Wiscasset, ME 04578, USAAddress: Gardiner Castle, Gardiner, ME 04345, USAAddress: 226 Main St, West Paris, ME 04289, USAAddress: 7 Singles Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Unique Castles in Maine January 18, 2021 Sarah What is Maine’s most haunted castle? Definitely Beckett’s Castle. The castle was the home of Sylvester B. Beckett, an eccentric publisher who died in 1882. Since then, Beckett Castle is said to be haunted by his ghost. According to people who have experienced sightings, the ghost of Beckett is said to appear in the form of a ball of blue light. His ghost has been known to yank blankets off of beds, hurl open doors, and rip paintings from walls. Sounds like a ghost on a mission! Can I spend the night in a Maine castle? Yes! The Norumbega Castle – one of the oldest in Maine – now operates as a working bed and breakfast. Recently renovated, this unique B&B now has 11 guest rooms, including 2 suites. The grounds are beautiful and the breakfasts are divine, making this unique attraction in Maine absolutely worth a trip. What’s the most under-the-radar castle in Maine? Casco Castle – ever heard of it? This is an odd one, to be sure. Built in 1903 by Amus Gerald, the castle was created to be a summer resort, complete with restaurant, hotel, and even a zoo. Today, the castle sits empty, as the former wooden hotel structure burned to the ground in 1914. There was talk that the resort’s financial troubles lead to arson, but no one really knows. But pieces of the old resort can still be spotted around the neighborhood, like the wolf pen, stone wall, and the most distinguishing feature: 185-foot stone tower that once served as a lighthouse for boats coming in on the Harraseeket River. Today, Casco Castle is more like castle ruins, but definitely worth exploring for history fans and castle enthusiasts.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Most Unique Castles in Maine
January 18, 2021
Sarah
What is Maine’s most haunted castle? Definitely Beckett’s Castle. The castle was the home of Sylvester B. Beckett, an eccentric publisher who died in 1882. Since then, Beckett Castle is said to be haunted by his ghost. According to people who have experienced sightings, the ghost of Beckett is said to appear in the form of a ball of blue light. His ghost has been known to yank blankets off of beds, hurl open doors, and rip paintings from walls. Sounds like a ghost on a mission! Can I spend the night in a Maine castle? Yes! The Norumbega Castle – one of the oldest in Maine – now operates as a working bed and breakfast. Recently renovated, this unique B&B now has 11 guest rooms, including 2 suites. The grounds are beautiful and the breakfasts are divine, making this unique attraction in Maine absolutely worth a trip. What’s the most under-the-radar castle in Maine? Casco Castle – ever heard of it? This is an odd one, to be sure. Built in 1903 by Amus Gerald, the castle was created to be a summer resort, complete with restaurant, hotel, and even a zoo. Today, the castle sits empty, as the former wooden hotel structure burned to the ground in 1914. There was talk that the resort’s financial troubles lead to arson, but no one really knows. But pieces of the old resort can still be spotted around the neighborhood, like the wolf pen, stone wall, and the most distinguishing feature: 185-foot stone tower that once served as a lighthouse for boats coming in on the Harraseeket River. Today, Casco Castle is more like castle ruins, but definitely worth exploring for history fans and castle enthusiasts.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Definitely Beckett’s Castle. The castle was the home of Sylvester B. Beckett, an eccentric publisher who died in 1882. Since then, Beckett Castle is said to be haunted by his ghost. According to people who have experienced sightings, the ghost of Beckett is said to appear in the form of a ball of blue light. His ghost has been known to yank blankets off of beds, hurl open doors, and rip paintings from walls. Sounds like a ghost on a mission!
Can I spend the night in a Maine castle?
Yes! The Norumbega Castle – one of the oldest in Maine – now operates as a working bed and breakfast. Recently renovated, this unique B&B now has 11 guest rooms, including 2 suites. The grounds are beautiful and the breakfasts are divine, making this unique attraction in Maine absolutely worth a trip.
What’s the most under-the-radar castle in Maine?
Casco Castle – ever heard of it? This is an odd one, to be sure. Built in 1903 by Amus Gerald, the castle was created to be a summer resort, complete with restaurant, hotel, and even a zoo. Today, the castle sits empty, as the former wooden hotel structure burned to the ground in 1914. There was talk that the resort’s financial troubles lead to arson, but no one really knows. But pieces of the old resort can still be spotted around the neighborhood, like the wolf pen, stone wall, and the most distinguishing feature: 185-foot stone tower that once served as a lighthouse for boats coming in on the Harraseeket River. Today, Casco Castle is more like castle ruins, but definitely worth exploring for history fans and castle enthusiasts.
