Americans don’t need to leave the country to take in the architectural splendors of castles. Between Hearst Castle in California and Star Valley Castle in Wyoming, the U.S. has its fair share of extravagant, fortified structures made famous by fairytales and monarchs, too. For a new campaign to showcase U.S. architecture, HomeAdvisor mapped the best castles in all 50 states and created illustrated homages for each of them. The map isn’t comprehensive since some states have numerous castles, of course, but it’s a great starting point.
For the project, HomeAdvisor made a list of all the known castles in the U.S. and narrowed them down to one main castle in each state. With help from a designer, the team created charming illustrated recreations of the exteriors and placed them each on a map of America. Some of these castles allow visitors, some do not. (Note that COVID-19 might affect current visits.) Zoom in on the map below for standout castles in each state.
Below, an overview on some of the splendid castles featured on the map. For a more comprehensive breakdown of all 50 castles, explore each castle by state on HomeAdvisor.
Bettendorf Castle — Fox River Grove, Illinois
Built in 1931 by Teddy Bettendorf, Bettendorf Castle has all of the trappings of a storybook castle: a moat, wishing well, drawbridge, and observation tower. The castle is built from stones, quarries, and an excavation of Lake Julian. Visitors can tour the castle, as well as book it for weddings, private events, or photoshoots. Address: 418 Concord Ave, Fox River Grove, Illinois, 60021
Hearst Castle — San Simeon, California
Built between 1919 and 1947 and conceived by William Hearst and architect Julia Morgan, Hearst Castle is defined by its white exterior, bell towers, and extravagant fountains. Charlie Chaplin, Franklin Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill are some of the famous dinner guests. Visitors can tour the castle. Address: 750 Hearst Castle Rd, San Simeon, California, 93452
Berkeley Springs Castle — Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Built in the late 1800s, Berkeley Springs Castle is defined by its stone exterior, bridge, tower, and crenellated parapets. Colonel Samuel Taylor Suit had the castle built after he fell in love with Rosa Pelham, the 17-year-old daughter of a Confederate officer. Suit reportedly proposed to Pelham but she declined given the age difference (he was in his 40s). Suit pledged to build her the castle if she accepted his hand in marriage. Pelham accepted. The castle isn’t open to visitors. Address: 276 Cacapon Rd, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, 25411
Ice Castles — North Woodstock, New Hampshire
Built yearly, the Ice Castles are constructed by ice artists every year with frozen icicles and LED lights to make it all the more enchanting. The sculptures include frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, fountains, and more. It can be visited yearly, allowing people to live out their inner “Frozen” dreams. Address: 24 Clark Farm Rd, North Woodstock, New Hampshire, 03262
Castle Gwynn — Arrington, Tennessee
Built between 1980 and 1985, Castle Gwynn is defined by two large white towers with spires. Mike Freeman, founder of the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, had the castle built and actually lives in one of the towers with his wife. It can be visited seasonally for the festival. Taylor Swift filmed her music video for “Love Story” here. Address: 2124 Newcastle Rd, Arrington, Tennessee, 37014
Castle road trip, anyone?
