Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:24 am
I love seeing castles! I have spent time abroad exploring some of the most beautiful castles in the world and I can attest, seeing castles in Texas can be just as exciting as seeing them in Europe! You just have to know where to look.
Here are the best Texas castles, including ones you can stay in, which can be found all over the state! If you know of any that I missed, add it in the comments!
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How to Visit Texas’s Castles
Well, if you’re a Texas local you probably already know that getting around the state is really tough without a car. Unfortunately, none of these Texas castles are easily reachable by public transportation unless you already live nearby.
Since you really need your own wheels, I have tips below for renting a car if you don’t have one.
The good news is that most of these are easy day trips from many Texas cities, so hopefully, you can find one or two that piques your interest. However, if you do decide to stay nearby, all of these would make excellent Texas weekend getaways.
The Best Castles in Texas
In no particular order…
Falkenstein Castle
After a trip to Germany with his wife in 1995, architect, developer, and businessman Terry Young was inspired by the many great castles and one, in particular, that was sketched but never built- The Falkenstein Castle.
The Falkenstein Castle is a majestic Bavarian castle erected in South Burnet, Texas, right in the middle of the Texas Hill Country. It rises over all of the hills in the town.
The building’s design is solid, regal, and enchanting. This majestic Bavarian castle is available for rental and events, including weddings.
Castle Avalon
The castle, located in New Braunfels is an enchanting, secluded structure and another castle in the Texas Hill Country. It is named after the legendary magical island in old Britain legend.
Castle Avalon is a famous wedding location and a generally well-known destination among castle lovers, providing indoor and outdoor wedding options with its serene outdoor gardens and plant life and its lovely interior designs. Photos of brides here look like they are out of a Disney movie.
The castle itself is surrounded by tall oak trees and built in a way that disconnects it from the rest of the modern world.
Pignataro Castle
The origin of the Pignataro Castle is shrouded in mystery. It is believed to have been built in the mid-1930s by the wife of entrepreneur John Christensen who spent some time in Spain and loved the architecture there. The old castle’s design is that of an old Spanish Villa.
One of the most notable things about the castle is the statues in front of the building, built by the Pignataros, one of the families that lived in the castle over the years. Today, the castle is more popular among hikers in Santa Fe, Texas.
The Castle at Rockwall
The Rockwall Castle can be found on the Clem Road Extension, Rockwall County, Texas. The design is of the building is vintage and luxurious covering over 8,000 square feet of space while the overall size of the property is 10 acres.
The Castle at Rockwall, formerly known as Castle Douglas is a popular luxurious event location, including meetings, banquets, and weddings. If you are looking to get married at a castle in Texas, you’ll be happy to know that they host gorgeous weddings!
Its old majestic design sheer size makes patrons feel like they’ve been transported to the ancient times where kings and queens ruled the world.
Darrell Wolcott’s Castle
During its time, Darrell Wolcott’s Castle was one of the most important buildings around. Now, the vintage castle is a relic of ages past, presenting a window into the architectural genius of the people from a different time.
The castle is a library for the center for the study of Ancient Wales and is named after its president, Darell Wolcott.
The castle can be found by the roadside in Jefferson, Texas. It is flanked at both sides and its rear by trees, grasses and shrubs.
The Whiting Castle on Lake Worth
The castle itself is an artistic sprawling stone structure in North Texas, sporting tall towers and turrets and covering 6,500 square feet. After its completion in the late 1830s, the castle has gone by many different names including The Castle of Heron Bay, Lake Worth Castle, Whiting Castle, and Inverness Castle.
Whiting Castle is a famous haunted house destination. In the past, the building was believed to be haunted, a rumor that has grown larger now that it’s fallen into a state of disrepair and been abandoned.
Cottonland Castle
Cottonland Castle is a private property in Waco, Austin Avenue, Texas that was built in 1890. Over time, it has gone through several renovations, the most recent is being carried out by Chip and Joanna Gaines of Fixer Upper and HGTV fame.
The beautiful stone structure is a unique feature in its neighborhood and has been the object of marvel for many including academics. Architecture students often go on field trips to the castle to study the architectural ingenuity and the unique contrast between the building and its surroundings.
Smythwick Castle and Lodge
Another Texas Hill Country castle, this one in Marble Falls, Texas, Smythwick Castle and Lodge has overnight accommodations for guests. It is also a famous event venue, with its romantic gazebo, beautiful courtyard, lush vegetation, and general ambiance. This is a favorite with Texas brides!
Although Smythwick Castle and Lodge can house up to 10 guests at a time, however events hosted here allow for many more guests to attend during the day.
Maverick Carter House
The Maverick Carter House was commissioned by William Maverick and built by Alfred Gilles in 1893 in San Antonio, Texas. Before the San Antonio River was moved, the building was situated on its banks.
The architectural design of the building favors the Richardsonian Romanesque design, and the three-story building is a historic Texas landmark that provides a view of the old Victorian era. As a result of its intricate and impressive plan, the Maverick Carter House is chosen by many as a venue for meetings, weddings, and banquet halls.
Parsons Castle
Parsons castle is a modern beautifully-designed building located in Clifton, Texas on the Lake Whitney.
A lovely internal design including a majestic staircase and gorgeous chandeliers. A lawn, a gazebo, a fountain, and a delightful pool are among the several attractions of Parsons Castle.
The castle opened in 2018 and its 3,000 square foot-hall is equipped to host a wide range of events including reunions, graduations, on the fourth floor, a patio that overlooks the lake serves as a popular Texas wedding venue castle.
Bishop’s Palace
Bishop’s Palace is an attraction located on Broadway in Gavelston. The building, made entirely of stone, was built from 1887-1893 by Nicholas Clayton. Due to its rich history and the views it provides, Bishop’s Palace is a prominent Galveston attraction for those exploring the Texas Gulf Coast.
The castle covers a total of 19,082 square feet, has four floors, and it conforms to the Victorian style of architecture. It is situated so near the Gulf of Mexico that you can see the water from the building.
Castle on The Lake
Castle on the Lake can be found on the banks of Lake Jacksonville in..you guessed it…Jacksonville, Texas. It is a popular castle venue for Texas wedding ceremonies and other special events.
The castle itself is 10,000 square feet, beautifully and solidly designed with a patio overlooking the lake. The patio is normally used for weddings. Not just the lake, the castle is surrounded by beautiful, lush vegetation including tall oak trees. The internal design of the castle is well-designed and just as impressive as the exterior.
Newman’s Castle
The giant Newman’s Castle of Bellville, Texas was built and opened to guests in 2006 by Mike Newman. Visitors are allowed a tour of the house and are permitted to closely observe the features of the building. Among the features of the castle are a drawbridge, a moat, towers, a very large hall and a courtyard.
The castle is available for tours six days a week and several events including birthdays and weddings. Newman also owns a bakery- “Newman’s Bakery” which is part of the tour.
Old Red Museum of Dallas County
Old Red Museum, formerly known as Old Red Courthouse and the Dallas County courthouse is a building that was designed by Orlopp and Kusener in 1891, in Dallas. In 1976, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places and became a local history museum in 2007.
The architectural design is the Richardsonian Romanesque design. It has whole floors dedicated to exhibitions including Dallas County’s famous historic artifacts. It also has other galleries and a learning center with a small theater.
Magic Fun House Castle
The Magic Fun House Castle is situated in Rowlett, Texas. The castle contains several connected buildings, towers, and turrets. It is a famous attraction, especially for lovers of mystical and unexplained phenomena.
The castle provides services such as tours where you get to observe and admire the internal designs and magical attractions of the building, magic museums where exhibitions of several artifacts can be observed, and souvenir shops containing mystical items and other castle souvenirs.
The castle also serves as a venue for birthday parties and other fun events.
Chateau Cocomar
Chateau Cocomar is a French-inspired building seated in a large estate of 37,000 square feet that can be found in the middle of the beautiful vegetation of Houston, Texas.
The Castle which was first built as a single-family house is well-hidden from the modern world by the forest around it. Ironically, it is famous among couples for being a desired wedding venue.
Everything about the building is European in style, from the grand ballroom which can house up to 1000 people to the spacious terrace.
Texas Pythian Home
The Texas Pythian Home was built in Weatherford, Texas for widows and orphans in the time of war. The building’s design was inspired by the Knights of Pythias who supported the erection of the castle on March 1, 1909.
The Texas Pythian Home for children is called “House on the Hill”. Children who meet the criteria can be housed, put through schools, and cared for by officials of Texas Pythian Home Inc.
The property is 164 acres-large and contains facilities such as playgrounds and sports facilities.
290 Wine Castle
The wine castle is located in Johnson City, Texas, and serves an amazing collection of foods (including chocolates, pizzas, and cheese trays) and wine. The building’s design is that of a medieval castle. The rooftop lounge of the tall castle also provides you with a 360-degree view of the Texas Hill Country.
The castle affords other attractions such as the Dungeon Experience. A guide leads you to the dimly-lit dungeon where you can partake in several events and of course, wine.
Elisabet Ney Museum
The museum opened in 1892 in the city of Austin, Texas. The Neoclassical architecture of the building is the work of German sculptor- Elisabet Ney.
The museum offers free admission, it contains and celebrates the notable works of the sculptor (authentic and replica) such as her portrait of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.
There is also an exhibition of the sculptor’s tools and belongings. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also the foundation of Hyde National Park in New York.
The Castle of Lake Livingston Village
The castle simulates a charming, medieval German castle except that it is situated in Livingston, Texas. It is a lovely, quaint, building with access to Lake Livingston and lush outdoor vegetation.
The castle provides accommodation for guests including overnight accommodation. It’s one of the only Texas Airbnb castles that you can stay in without having to host an entire wedding!
Although the castle is relatively small, it is not found lacking when it comes to the furniture and designs that can transport you to medieval times. Activities on the castle grounds include fishing and swimming in the lake and skiing. Check availability and pricing here for planning your trip.
Greystone Castle
Greystone Castle is a beautifully-designed building with turrets on every corner within a 6,000-acre ranch in Mingus, Texas. The castle, which was inspired by medieval castles, offers luxurious rooms and a lot of attractions and entertainment.
The castle can be visited all year round, activities like sporting, fishing, and horseback riding make the castle an interesting place to visit. There are also instructors for beginners in each activity who are dedicated to making it an interesting and educative experience for the castle’s patrons.
Castle Event Center
Located in Lubbock, Texas with its turrets and stone walls, the Castle Event Center is a modern castle inspired by designs from the middle ages. The exterior design includes well-designed, lovely towers, trees, and grasses that are arranged with horticultural precision and beauty all around the castle.
The Castle Event Center is quite large this characteristic grants it the space to house a large number of guests. Birthday parties and weddings are some of the events that take place in the castle.
Pin this guide to the Best Texas Castles for Your Texas Adventures!
You can pull Castle Avalon off the list. A developer bought the land and demolished it. So sad.
Bummer!