When you think of Texas, castles aren’t the first things that comes to mind. So, it may surprise you to discover how many lovely, quirky and majestic castles in Texas there are.
Yes, you won’t need to go to Europe to find castles because we have put together the ultimate castle list so you can explore Texas like never before.
Why not sleep in a castle? That would be so cool, and maybe romantic too!
Whether you’re just a romantic like me, looking for a place to stay over, or planning a wedding, you’ll find your favorite castle amongst this group of magnificent castles in Texas.
Bishop’s Palace
Built in 1887, Bishop’s Palace is also known as Gresham’s Place as it was first occupied by Colonel Walter Gresham and his wife. This magnificent Texas castle is in Galveston. The builder constructed the castle to outlast the fury of hurricanes and other fierce weather conditions and has stood the test of time.
Rooms stand tall with 14-foot ceilings. Stained glass windows and Sierra columns add to the splendor. The Roman Catholic Diocese bought the castle for the bishop of Galveston in 1923.
Today, the castle is owned by Galveston Historical Society. Bishop’s Place is one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture that you will find in the country so it is well worth a visit. It is a National Historic Landmark. You can tour the building any day of the week for $14, half-price for youth. The castle is open every day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm. Ticket sales close at 4 pm.
Castle Avalon
Located in New Braunfels, the Avalon Castle has everything you would expect from a fairytale castle. Vaulted windows and large semi-circular balconies lend this castle a charm of its own. The castle boasts stained glass windows and a grand ballroom.
The castle has lovely manicured lawns shaded by old trees. It is a popular wedding venue as well it should. Avalon, for which the castle is named, is a perfect paradise where the magic happened in the days of King Arthur. Aptly named, Castle Avalon, caters mostly for magical weddings.
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The Victoria County Courthouse
Built in 1892, the Victoria County Courthouse is in downtown Victoria. Limestone and granite form the Romanesque revival-style building. This magnificent building features handsome gables and a beautiful clock tower. Restored to her former beauty in 2001, the building is still a working courthouse. Many consider the Victoria County Courthouse one of the most beautiful courthouses in the state of Texas.
The courthouse is open for tours on weekdays between 8 am and 5 pm.
Mission Concepcion
Panorama of Mission Concepcion at Dusk
This old Catholic Mission goes way back to 1755 when it finally opened after 20 years under construction. The Church built the Mission Concepcion with the aim of converting the indigenous people to Christianity.
The building is still in use today. It is the oldest unrestored church in the United States. It is also the best-preserved Spanish colonial construction in the country. This castle is just three miles from downtown San Antonio.
Falkenstein Castle
Falkenstein Castle
Built by Terry and Kim Young, the Falkenstein Castle was inspired by German Castles. When the couple toured the Neuschwanstein Castle, they found out that King Ludwig II of Bavaria had built it and planned to build another close by. The king had the blueprints made for the Falkenstein Castle but died before he could build it.
The couple found the original blueprints dating back to 1869 and brought them back to build a castle of their own in Burnet, Texas. They completed the castle in 1996. Today it stands proud in the Texas Hill country. The 14000 square foot castle has incredible views of the countryside and the surrounding 130 acres of forested land.
The castle doesn’t host tours but this is a castle in Texas you can stay in. Why not rent it for a weekend and explore the huge grounds. This is also a very popular wedding venue.
The castle may look ancient but it boasts all the amenities, you’d expect from modern accommodation. These include a massive koi pond, more than a hundred artworks, and heated Jacuzzis.
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Maverick Carter House
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The beautiful Maverick Carter House has been on the banks of the San Antonio River since 1893. Built from limestone in the Romanesque style, this historic castle boasts lovely stained-glass windows. Lavish furniture and wood carvings adorn the opulent wood-paneled interior.
The owners added a chapel to the castle in 1925 and installed a pump organ, which is now almost 100 years old. Unexpectedly, perched on the roof, the observatory can rotate 360 degrees for a full view of the night sky.
The castle hosts educational functions throughout the year. You can book a guided tour online. Tours take place between 10 am and 11.30 am on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Entry is $15 for adults and $12 for seniors, military, and children.
The Wise County Courthouse
Built in the Romanesque Revival style, the Wise County Courtyard in Decatur Texas opened for business in 1896. Pink granite exterior walls lend the courthouse a lovely soft appearance. Vermont marble adorns the interior walls. You can reach the clock tower via the winding stairs part of which has been removed to install an elevator. Steep wooden steps will take you past the bell to gaze upon the surrounding town from the top of the clock tower.
Elisabet Ney Museum
Located in Austin Texas, the Elisabet Ney Museum was once the art studio of well-known sculptor, Elisabet Ney. The artist bought the castle in 1892. After her death in 1907, friends changed the castle into a museum in her honor.
Today this Texas, Houston castle has year-round exhibitions and events to entertain the family and celebrate the artist’s work. This castle boasts the biggest collection of Elisabet Ney’s work. The museum also contains other artist’s exhibitions inside and in the garden.
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can tour the museum free of charge.
Cottonland Castle
Located in Waco, the construction of Cottonland Castle happened in 1890. It owes its existence to the booming cotton years, and it stands as a reminder of how much money cotton farming brought into Waco.
Over the years, various owners have renovated this Texas Castle several times. The castle even made it onto the small screen when it featured on the Fixer upper. The historic castle changed hands in 2019 and further renovations are pending.
Built from white sandstone, the castle looks like a Rhineland castle from Germany. The three-story building has a tower and eight fireplaces. The inside boasts some unusual, imported materials. These include marble from Italy and mahogany paneling from Honduras.
The closest you can get to the castle is the front gate, but who knows when renovations are complete, you may get lucky.
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Trube Castle
Built in 1890 by architect Alfred Muller, the majestic Trube Castle is in Galveston. The castle built in modified Gothic Revival style is 7,000 square feet and has 21 rooms. It has a mansard roof covered by slate and 12 gables.
This gorgeous castle is one of the most photographed buildings in Texas. Though the castle has been open for tours from time to time, right now the closest you’ll get is the sidewalk outside. If you’re in the area it is worth a visit.
Bosque Resort Castle
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The Bosque Resort Castle is also known as the Parson’s Castle. It was built in 2017 to host events and features a ballroom that opens onto the outdoor area. It has a caterer’s kitchen and bedrooms for overnight guests.
The owners Stuart and Rebecca Parsons took ten years to build the castle on the banks of a lake in Clifton. The castle has stunning views of the lake and is rigged out in luxury furniture and décor befitting a castle. This Texas Castle also has a pool, a hot tub, and a gazebo. Like any self-respecting castle, it has a moat and drawbridge too.
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The Smythwick Castle and Lodge
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Perched on ten acres of verdant gardens the Smythwick Castle and Lodge in Marble Falls is a European-style castle. Complete with turrets and an old-fashioned brick courtyard, the owners built this castle to host unforgettable weddings. Here chandeliers, stone fireplaces, and tinkling fountains make for opulent living. The interior décor is lavish and grand. While the grounds are simple and close to nature.
The castle accommodates overnight guests.
The Old Red Museum
Built in 1892, the Old Red Museum, was initially a government building, known as The Old Red Courthouse. The building has more than 100 stained glass windows and a massive 90-foot clock tower. It was restored to its former glory and opened as a museum in 2007.
The museum has many interesting relics that tell the story of the Dallas culture through history. The museum also offers interactive displays to add more interest. Doors to the museum open daily between 9 am and 5 pm.
Shelby County Courthouse
The only Irish-style courthouse in the United States, the Shelby County Courthouse is an unusual and beautiful Texas castle. This building stands out as it has 12 circular towers built from red brick. Built by the Irish architect, JJE Gibson in 1885, it took two million bricks to build.
The architect added some rather strange aspects to the castle. These include an escape hatch alongside the judge’s chair, a front door that only opens from the inside, and fireplaces in the bathrooms.
The building is in the Historic Courthouse Square district and has neighbors 46 buildings all built before 1902. So, if you’re into historic architecture make for Downtown Harlan.
The building now serves as a Visitor’s Center and is a National Register Property. It is open for tours.
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Newman’s Castle
The beautiful Newman’s Castle is your typical fairytale castle, complete with corner turrets, a massive moat, and a drawbridge.
The owner, Mike Newman, found his inspiration in similar European castles. So, he wanted to build a castle with a Medieval bent. Though the castle looks like it has stepped from the mists of time, the construction of this shimmering white castle only started in 1998. It took 10 years to finish.
The castle hosts tours six days a week from 10.30 am. It includes a tour of the Newman’s Bakery, home of delicious baked goods. You will have to book if you want to tour.
The Whiting Castle
If you’re on a ghost hunt in Texas, plan a visit to the Whiting Castle one of the abandoned castles in Texas. It’s rumored to be haunted. The building is falling apart but it still hangs tenuously to some of its former majesty.
Situated in Lake Worth the castle covers 6500 square feet. It sits upon 14 acres of lakeshore. The castle has been renamed over the years, also bearing the names Lake Worth Castle, Inverness Castle, and the Castle of Heron Bay. It is owned by private individuals and doesn’t host visitors.
Construction of the castle started in the late 1920s, apparently after Whiting had won the property in a Poker game. He only finished the building in 1938.
According to legend, the builder’s soon-to-be wife was found floating dead in the lake. The reason for her death is not disclosed. None to perturbed the builder married the dead woman’s sister soon after. Today, it is said, a woman dressed in white haunts the building and shoreline.
290 Wine Castle
Visit a castle and enjoy a wine tasting at the same time. What could be nicer than that? The 290 Wine Castle in Johnson City offers indoor and outdoor wine tasting. Food including a wood-fired pizza is also on offer. From the dungeons to the rooftop tasting takes place against an authentic castle backdrop. The décor includes statues, armor, and throne rooms. Chocolate, cheese, and wine are served in the dungeon.
Tasting rooms are open 7 days a week. The times differ depending on the day of the week. It is not necessary to book ahead.
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Greystone Castle
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Another Texas Castle that you can stay in, Greystone Castle in Mingus is a sports club and lodge. The award-winning lodge is situated on 6,000 acres of forested land. Greystone Castle offers visitors an opportunity to hunt a variety of deer and birds. They also offer miles of hiking trails. Kayaking, paddleboarding many other thrilling sports and hobbies are on offer. There is also a pool and hot tub.
A Texas businessman dreamed up the idea of a hunting castle and started its construction in the 1980s. He installed 13 lakes. The property now has 100 acres of lakes which are mainly used for trophy fishing.
Castles in Texas Road Trip
There may not be much royalty in the state of Texas, but that sure hasn’t stopped the locals from building castles. So, if you love the magic and mystery of castles perhaps you should add a road trip through Texas to your bucket list.
