As a traveler, Ohio may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking of castles. However, the state is home to several unique and fascinating castle-like structures that are worth exploring. From medieval-style fortresses to Gothic Revival mansions, these castles offer a glimpse into Ohio’s rich history and architectural heritage.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most enchanting castles in Ohio, including Brumback Library Castle, Piatt Castles, Franklin Castle, Grizer Castle, Loveland Castle, Glamorgan Castle, and Squire’s Castle.
Table of Contents
1) Brumback Library Castle
Located in the town of Van Wert, Brumback Library Castle is a unique castle-like structure that serves as a public library. Built in 1901, the castle was designed by architect William H. Brumback, who was inspired by the castles of Europe. The castle features a turret, a crenellated tower, and a slate roof with copper finials.
Inside, the library is just as impressive, with stained glass windows, marble floors, and ornate woodwork. The castle’s reading room is particularly noteworthy, with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and a fireplace made of Italian marble. Visitors can take a tour of the castle and explore the library’s impressive collection of books.
2) Piatt Castles
The Piatt Castles are a pair of Gothic Revival-style castles located in Logan County, Ohio. Built in the late 1800s by two brothers, Donn and Abram Piatt, the castles were originally used as personal residences. The castles are named Mac-A-Cheek Castle and Mac-O-Chee Castle after two Native American tribes that once inhabited the area.
The castles feature turrets, gargoyles, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork. Mac-A-Cheek Castle has a ballroom with a sprung floor, while Mac-O-Chee Castle has a great hall with a fireplace made of Rookwood Pottery tiles. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castles and learn about the Piatt family’s fascinating history.
3) Franklin Castle
Located in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, Franklin Castle is a Victorian-era mansion that has gained a reputation as one of Ohio’s most haunted places. Built in the 1880s by Hannes Tiedemann, the castle features a stone exterior, a turret, and a wrought-iron fence.
Inside, the castle is said to be filled with secret passageways, hidden rooms, and eerie details. Some of the most intriguing features include a room with a trapdoor leading to the basement, a tower room with a view of the cemetery across the street, and a ballroom with a stained glass skylight. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, Franklin Castle is a fascinating piece of Ohio history.
4) Grizer Castle
Grizer Castle, located in Dayton, Ohio, is a medieval-style fortress that was built in the early 1900s. The castle was designed by architect Albert Pretzinger for William Grizer, a wealthy businessman who was inspired by his travels to Europe.
The castle features a moat, a drawbridge, and a tower with a rooftop terrace. Inside, the castle is decorated with suits of armor, tapestries, and antique furnishings. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its unique history.
5) Loveland Castle
Also known as Château Laroche, Loveland Castle is a medieval-style castle located in Loveland, Ohio. The castle was built by Harry D. Andrews in the early 1900s as a tribute to knights and castles.
The castle features a drawbridge, a moat surrounding the structure, and a variety of unique architectural features such as narrow passages and hidden rooms. Inside, the castle is decorated with suits of armor, weaponry, and medieval-style furniture. Visitors can explore the castle and learn about its history through self-guided tours or by joining a guided tour led by the Knights of the Golden Trail, a local organization that maintains the castle.
6) Glamorgan Castle
Glamorgan Castle is a Gothic Revival-style mansion located in Alliance, Ohio. Built in the early 1900s for the owner of a local brick company, the castle features a striking red brick exterior, a turret, and a slate roof with copper finials.
Inside, the castle is decorated with elaborate woodwork, stained glass windows, and period furnishings. Some of the most impressive rooms include a grand ballroom, a library with a fireplace, and a dining room with a vaulted ceiling. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its history and architecture.
7) Squire’s Castle
Squire’s Castle is a picturesque castle-like structure located in the Cleveland Metroparks’ North Chagrin Reservation. Built in the 1890s by Feargus B. Squire, the castle was originally intended as a gatehouse for a larger estate that was never completed.
The castle features a stone exterior, a turret, and a drawbridge. Inside, the castle is relatively simple, with an open floor plan and a few fireplaces. Visitors can explore the castle and the surrounding park, which features hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.
Castles in Ohio for Weddings
Ohio’s castles aren’t just a sightseeing destination, they also make for an enchanting backdrop for weddings. With their grand architecture, stunning gardens, and romantic ambiance, castles offer a unique and memorable venue for couples looking to tie the knot.
One of the most popular castles for weddings in Ohio is Piatt Castles, located in Logan County. With its striking architecture, beautiful gardens, and tranquil pond, Piatt Castles offers a stunning backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The castle also has an indoor space for ceremonies and receptions, complete with a grand staircase and a cozy fireplace.
Another popular option for weddings is Loveland Castle, located in Loveland, Ohio. This medieval-style castle sits on the banks of the Little Miami River and offers a picturesque location for outdoor weddings. The castle’s courtyard, with its stone walls and ivy-covered archways, is a romantic spot for exchanging vows. The castle also has a Great Hall for indoor receptions, complete with a fireplace and stained glass windows.
Glamorgan Castle in Alliance, Ohio, is another option for couples seeking a romantic and elegant wedding venue. With its Gothic Revival architecture and lush gardens, Glamorgan Castle is perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The castle also has an indoor space for receptions, complete with a grand ballroom and a cozy library.
Grizer Castle in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, offers a unique and intimate setting for weddings. This castle features a stone exterior, a drawbridge, and a moat, making it a one-of-a-kind backdrop for outdoor ceremonies. The castle also has a cozy indoor space for receptions, with a fireplace and medieval-style furnishings.
No matter which castle you choose, a wedding at a castle in Ohio is sure to be a magical and unforgettable experience. From the stunning architecture to the romantic ambiance, Ohio’s castles offer a fairy-tale setting for the most important day of your life.
Abandoned Castles in Ohio
While Ohio is home to several well-preserved and maintained castles, there are also a few abandoned ones that add an air of mystery and intrigue to the state’s castle landscape. These abandoned castles are a window into the past and offer a glimpse into Ohio’s rich history and architectural heritage.
One of the most famous abandoned castles in Ohio is Franklin Castle, located in Cleveland. Built in the late 1800s, this imposing structure features turrets, gargoyles, and a large tower. The castle has a reputation for being haunted, with rumors of secret passages, hidden rooms, and unexplained deaths. Today, the castle is privately owned and closed to the public, but it remains an intriguing landmark that continues to capture the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Another abandoned castle in Ohio is known as the “Ghost Castle,” located in Piketon. This castle was built in the early 1900s by a wealthy businessman, but it was never fully completed. Over the years, the castle has fallen into disrepair and become a ghostly shell of its former self. Despite its dilapidated state, the castle continues to attract visitors who are drawn to its eerie beauty and mysterious past.
In Lima, Ohio, lies the abandoned Grange Estate, also known as the “Crazy Castle.” Built in the early 1900s, this castle features a stone exterior, a turret, and a large tower. Over the years, the castle has been used as a restaurant, a nightclub, and a haunted attraction. Today, the castle is abandoned and in need of repair, but it still stands as a testament to Ohio’s architectural heritage.
While these abandoned castles may not be open to the public or available for tours, they are still an important part of Ohio’s castle landscape. They serve as a reminder of the state’s rich history and are a fascinating subject for photographers, urban explorers, and castle enthusiasts alike.
1) How many castles are in Ohio?
There are several castles in Ohio, with estimates ranging from 6 to 12, depending on what qualifies as a castle.
2) What is the biggest castle in Ohio?
The largest castle in Ohio is the Piatt Castles, located in Logan County, with a total of two castles on the property.
3) Does Ohio have White Castle?
Yes, Ohio is the home of the fast-food chain White Castle, which was founded in Wichita, Kansas, but is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
Conclusion
Ohio may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of castles, but the state is home to several unique and fascinating structures that are well worth a visit. From the Gothic Revival mansions of Piatt Castles and Glamorgan Castle to the medieval-style fortresses of Grizer Castle and Loveland Castle, Ohio’s castles offer a glimpse into the state’s rich history and architectural heritage. Whether you’re a history buff, a castle enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and memorable destination, these castles are sure to impress.
Read more about Only in Ohio: 12 Castles to Check Out
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