Other than Disneyland, one doesn’t really think of castles in the United States. Europe, with its ancient medieval culture, conjured up images of turrets across the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, amongst other countries. But, there are, in fact, fairytale locations to behold in the good ol’ U.S. of A.
Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina
Built by the Vanderbilt family during the late 1800s, the mansion is the largest privately owned house in the United States. Consisting of 4 floors, a basement, bachelor’s wing, and conservatory, it embodies the luxury of the Gilded Age. The French Renaissance-inspired home was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1963, with visitors invited to tour for a day or even stay over at the on-site inn.
Joslyn Castle, Omaha, Nebraska
Did you know there was a castle hiding in Omaha of all places?! Referred to by locals simply as “The Castle”, the 35-room mansion was the private home of George and Sarah Joslyn. The house was built in in the Scottish Baronial style in 1903 and in the 1970s was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay, New York
If a castle on an island is more your style, then take a visit to the Boldt Castle on Heart Island. The six-story house was built by the general manager of the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel, George Boldt, as a gift for his wife Louise. The project was abandoned after Louise’s sudden passing, but seven decades later, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority bought the residence for $1 and has since established a stained glass dome, marble floor, and grand staircase.