There’s something about castles that evokes a sense of magic and magnificence. While many castles exist in distant lands, or perhaps only in our imaginations, a fair amount can be found right here in Colorado. Looking for proof? Simply take this beautifully-curated road trip to the most beautiful castles in Colorado to be astounded by the combination of architecture and imagination that inspired these buildings. Whether you have a special place in your heart for fairy tales or can’t resist a good ol’ fashioned drive, you’ll be enchanted by these utterly unique places in Colorado.
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- Dunafon Castle (Idledale)
Heather Balise / flickr Dunafon Castle in Idledale is one of Colorado’s premier wedding destinations, and it’s no mystery why. This incredible stone structure was built in 1941 on a perfectly picturesque peninsula. Make a reservation to visit and learn more, and you’ll truly feel as though you’ve been transported to another land and time altogether. Curious to learn more about Dunafon Castle? Click here!
- Cherokee Ranch & Castle (Sedalia)
Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation / Facebook Located in Sedalia, the jaw-dropping Cherokee Castle is housed on a stunning 3,400 acres that serves as a sanctuary for both wildlife and native ecosystems. Built in the 1920s, Cherokee Castle is a 1450s Scottish-style castle that features exquisite details, historic furnishings and artwork, and views that you have to see to believe. As far as unique places in Colorado, the Cherokee Ranch & Castle is an absolute must-see. You can learn more information about Cherokee Ranch & Castle by clicking here.
- Glen Eyrie Castle (Colorado Springs)
Wikimedia Commons If you are ready to get out and stretch your legs, you have come to the right place. This awe-inspiring 1903 English Tudor-style castle offers tours, high tea, and even overnight accommodations for weary travelers. Can you imagine a more picturesque destination to stay for a truly enchanting evening? For more information on booking your stay at Glen Eyrie Castle, click here.
- Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun (Colorado Springs)
caribbeanfruit / TripAdvisor Also located in Colorado Springs, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a commemorative shrine that was named for humorist Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash during the construction of the castle. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. As you drive up the windy road to the attraction, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking scenery along the way. Learn all about Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun by clicking here.
- Bishop Castle (Rye)
Flickr/Chris Waits Welcome to Jim Bishop’s own 160 ft. tall stone castle, which has been a work-in-progress since 1969. Why a castle, you might ask? After buying the land for a mere $450, Bishop intended to construct a cottage for his family but went above and beyond after hearing comments from neighbors about how the stones made it look like a castle. You can learn more about visiting this castle by clicking here.
- Cano’s Castle (Antonito)
GailGarber / TripAdvisor What better way to end this road trip than with the wonderfully bizarre Cano’s Castle: a four-tower masterpiece that was constructed entirely of beer cans and other recyclables by Vietnam veteran Donald Espinoza. Both visitors and residents of Colorado agree that Cano’s Castle is folk art at its finest. For more information on this unique Colorado attraction, click here.
What are your thoughts on these wonderfully whimsical castles in Colorado? How many have you experienced in-person? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Heather Balise / flickr
Dunafon Castle in Idledale is one of Colorado’s premier wedding destinations, and it’s no mystery why. This incredible stone structure was built in 1941 on a perfectly picturesque peninsula. Make a reservation to visit and learn more, and you’ll truly feel as though you’ve been transported to another land and time altogether. Curious to learn more about Dunafon Castle? Click here!
Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation / Facebook
Located in Sedalia, the jaw-dropping Cherokee Castle is housed on a stunning 3,400 acres that serves as a sanctuary for both wildlife and native ecosystems. Built in the 1920s, Cherokee Castle is a 1450s Scottish-style castle that features exquisite details, historic furnishings and artwork, and views that you have to see to believe. As far as unique places in Colorado, the Cherokee Ranch & Castle is an absolute must-see. You can learn more information about Cherokee Ranch & Castle by clicking here.
Wikimedia Commons
If you are ready to get out and stretch your legs, you have come to the right place. This awe-inspiring 1903 English Tudor-style castle offers tours, high tea, and even overnight accommodations for weary travelers. Can you imagine a more picturesque destination to stay for a truly enchanting evening? For more information on booking your stay at Glen Eyrie Castle, click here.
caribbeanfruit / TripAdvisor
Also located in Colorado Springs, the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun is a commemorative shrine that was named for humorist Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash during the construction of the castle. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. As you drive up the windy road to the attraction, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking scenery along the way. Learn all about Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun by clicking here.
Flickr/Chris Waits
Welcome to Jim Bishop’s own 160 ft. tall stone castle, which has been a work-in-progress since 1969. Why a castle, you might ask? After buying the land for a mere $450, Bishop intended to construct a cottage for his family but went above and beyond after hearing comments from neighbors about how the stones made it look like a castle. You can learn more about visiting this castle by clicking here.
GailGarber / TripAdvisor
What better way to end this road trip than with the wonderfully bizarre Cano’s Castle: a four-tower masterpiece that was constructed entirely of beer cans and other recyclables by Vietnam veteran Donald Espinoza. Both visitors and residents of Colorado agree that Cano’s Castle is folk art at its finest. For more information on this unique Colorado attraction, click here.
For even more lovely palaces, check out 10 Captivating Castles You Won’t Believe Are In Denver!
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Address: 6113 Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia, CO 80135, USAAddress: Glen Eyrie Castle, 3820 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USAAddress: 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, USAAddress: Bishop Castle, 12705 CO-165, Rye, CO 81069, USAAddress: Cano’s Castle, State St & E 10th Ave, 285 E 10th Ave, Antonito, CO 81120, USAAddress: Dunafon Castle, 24020 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453, the address is correct but when using google navigation everyone misses the turnoff for the driveway, Lakewood, CO 80401, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Castles in Colorado June 22, 2020 Beth C. What’s the most beautiful castle in Colorado? As you can tell from our road trip that leads to the most incredible castles in Colorado, each of these landmark holds its own kind of beauty. Yet most agree that the most beautiful castle of all is Cherokee Ranch and Castle. While it’s not your typical castle, this striking attraction appears like something out of a dream. Not only is the exterior striking, but the interior also holds a treasure trove of things to see. The building itself is made from locally-sourced rhyolite and petrified wood and inside, you’ll find a collection of rare art, books, and culturally-significant items. Are there any haunted castles in Colorado? Colorado is known for many things: stunning mountains, unique hiking trails, local breweries, and family-friendly attractions. Fewer people realize that the Centennial State is also home to its very own haunted castle. Miramont Castle Museum is a building from 1895 that houses historic artifacts, a tea room, and, according to legend, a bit of paranormal activity. Otherworldly encounters include the sound of singing from the tea room, footsteps when the building is otherwise empty, and doors slamming shut on their own accord. Are you intrigued by Colorado’s most haunted places? You’ll be interested to check out our abandoned places road trip. What are the most unique attractions in Colorado? Colorado is home to some of the most unique attractions in the world, and it can be difficult to try to narrow down the options. Fortunately, there are a few that many agree are simply non-negotiable when you’re visiting for the first time. Some of these places include Mesa Verde National Park, Casa Bonita, the Stanley Hotel, Old Town Fort Collins, the Sand Dunes, Boulder’s Dushanbe Teahouse, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and more. If you’re in need of some more inspiration for seeing Colorado’s most unique attractions, check out our list of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Castles in Colorado
June 22, 2020
Beth C.
What’s the most beautiful castle in Colorado? As you can tell from our road trip that leads to the most incredible castles in Colorado, each of these landmark holds its own kind of beauty. Yet most agree that the most beautiful castle of all is Cherokee Ranch and Castle. While it’s not your typical castle, this striking attraction appears like something out of a dream. Not only is the exterior striking, but the interior also holds a treasure trove of things to see. The building itself is made from locally-sourced rhyolite and petrified wood and inside, you’ll find a collection of rare art, books, and culturally-significant items. Are there any haunted castles in Colorado? Colorado is known for many things: stunning mountains, unique hiking trails, local breweries, and family-friendly attractions. Fewer people realize that the Centennial State is also home to its very own haunted castle. Miramont Castle Museum is a building from 1895 that houses historic artifacts, a tea room, and, according to legend, a bit of paranormal activity. Otherworldly encounters include the sound of singing from the tea room, footsteps when the building is otherwise empty, and doors slamming shut on their own accord. Are you intrigued by Colorado’s most haunted places? You’ll be interested to check out our abandoned places road trip. What are the most unique attractions in Colorado? Colorado is home to some of the most unique attractions in the world, and it can be difficult to try to narrow down the options. Fortunately, there are a few that many agree are simply non-negotiable when you’re visiting for the first time. Some of these places include Mesa Verde National Park, Casa Bonita, the Stanley Hotel, Old Town Fort Collins, the Sand Dunes, Boulder’s Dushanbe Teahouse, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and more. If you’re in need of some more inspiration for seeing Colorado’s most unique attractions, check out our list of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you can tell from our road trip that leads to the most incredible castles in Colorado, each of these landmark holds its own kind of beauty. Yet most agree that the most beautiful castle of all is Cherokee Ranch and Castle. While it’s not your typical castle, this striking attraction appears like something out of a dream. Not only is the exterior striking, but the interior also holds a treasure trove of things to see. The building itself is made from locally-sourced rhyolite and petrified wood and inside, you’ll find a collection of rare art, books, and culturally-significant items.
Are there any haunted castles in Colorado?
Colorado is known for many things: stunning mountains, unique hiking trails, local breweries, and family-friendly attractions. Fewer people realize that the Centennial State is also home to its very own haunted castle. Miramont Castle Museum is a building from 1895 that houses historic artifacts, a tea room, and, according to legend, a bit of paranormal activity. Otherworldly encounters include the sound of singing from the tea room, footsteps when the building is otherwise empty, and doors slamming shut on their own accord. Are you intrigued by Colorado’s most haunted places? You’ll be interested to check out our abandoned places road trip.
What are the most unique attractions in Colorado?
Colorado is home to some of the most unique attractions in the world, and it can be difficult to try to narrow down the options. Fortunately, there are a few that many agree are simply non-negotiable when you’re visiting for the first time. Some of these places include Mesa Verde National Park, Casa Bonita, the Stanley Hotel, Old Town Fort Collins, the Sand Dunes, Boulder’s Dushanbe Teahouse, Red Rocks Amphitheater, and more. If you’re in need of some more inspiration for seeing Colorado’s most unique attractions, check out our list of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
