Rockies are big, but so are the castles. That’s correct—the Centennial State is home to real-life castles, from a fortress drawing inspiration from nine different architectural styles to a castle built by a single man.

Castles probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Colorado, but these historic buildings are indeed present in the Centennial State. Colorado has the perfect castle for you, whether you’re looking to visit something authentic, explore some ruins, or achieve a regal theme for your next event.

Here to begin your tour of Colorado’s castles is

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Miramont Castle

Address: 9 Capitol Hill Avenue, Manitou Springs, CO 80829

Built in: 1895

What is the story of Miramont Castle?

Miramont Castle

was built to follow the dream of Father Jean Baptiste Francolon in 1895. The word miramont means “look at the mountain,” and the Manitou Springs Journal declared Miramont Castle to be “one of the handsomest and most artistic buildings in Colorado” in 1896.

Father Francolon designed Miramont Castle using inspiration from nine different architectural styles:

Byzantine

Moorish

Romanesque

Half-timber Chateau

Venetian Ogee

Shingle-style Queen Anne

Domestic Elizabethan

Flemish stepped gables,

English Tudor

The castle has over 40 rooms, and each of these style elements is found throughout the castle.

You may have a hard time finding a room with four square corners, but you’ll find rooms with eight sides—and one room with sixteen sides! Miramont Castle also has several secret compartments, hidden tunnels, and escape routes because Father Francolon was concerned about the unrest in France at the time.

Today, Miramont Castle is a 14,000 square foot Victorian-style historic museum. Its unique architecture includes a former conservatory greenhouse turned solarium, a grand staircase, and arched windows and doors. It’s rumored to be haunted, but the staff disagrees.

How to visit Miramont Castle

Miramont Castle is now a museum available for tours and tea time in the

Queen’s Parlour Tearoom

by reservation. The grounds also host weddings and other events year-round!

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Palmer Castle

Address: 3820 North 30th Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80904

Built in: 1871-1872

What is the story of Palmer Castle?

Palmer Castle, otherwise known as

Glen Eyrie Castle

, was built in the early 1870s by General William Jackson Palmer. This castle, including its 24 fireplaces, was built as a dream home for the general’s wife. The 2,200 square foot castle is situated on 800 acres and is now a Christian Conference and events center. You can go on tours and have tea at the Great Hall!

How to visit Palmer Castle

Glen Eyrie Castle

offers

overnight stays

and

events

. Additionally, there are daily tours—twice a day Monday through Saturday, and once on Sunday. Regular tea parties are hosted daily for the public, and you can also view the property at this time.

Make sure you call the reservations number at 719-265-7050 or email the property at reservations@gleneyrie.org to schedule your tea and tour!

Pro Tip If you visit Palmer Castle, remember it is an alcohol and cannabis-free property.

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Colorado minimum car insurance laws

Bishop Castle

Address: 12705 State Highway 165, Rye, CO 81069

Built in: 1969-now

What is the story of Bishop Castle?

Bishop Castle

was built by a single man! Jim Bishop bought a plot of land in 1969 for $450 with the intent of building a simple cottage—60 years later, he is the builder of one of the most unique buildings in Colorado. The castle now has tall towers, a grand ballroom, bridges, and the crown jewel: a fire-breathing dragon.

How to visit Bishop Castle

Bishop Castle is open to

visitors

free of charge, and the castle is always open. If you visit on the weekend, you can usually see Mr. Bishop at work! This is one castle you’ll definitely want to visit—how often can you see a fire-breathing dragon?

Falcon Castle

Address: Castle Trail, Morrison, CO 80465

Built in: 1909

What is the story of Falcon Castle?

Falcon Castle was built in 1909 by John Brisben Walker. It’s one of the coolest castles in Colorado, but for unexpected reasons. A fire in 1918 destroyed the castle, and ruins are all that are left today. Many people hike the nearby trails to explore the castle ruins.

How to visit Falcon Castle

There isn’t a true address for the ruins of Falcon Castle. Visitors go hiking or horseback riding on Mount Falcon Trail to see what is left of the castle.

Dunafon Castle

Address: 24020 CO-74, Idledale, CO 80453

Built in: 1929-1941

What is the story of Dunafon Castle?

Marcus Wright, a water engineer, designed Dunafon Castle in 1929 and completed the building in 1941. The Barnes family acquired the castle when Mr. Wright died from cancer and made numerous changes. The current owners restored the property to its original form after they bought it in 2004.

The design was inspired by 13th century Celtic Castles and included handmade light fixtures, thick rock walls, tunnels, turrets, and large, beautiful windows. Dunafon Castle is built on a peninsula, sits on 140 acres, and features wheelchair accessibility to help visitors navigate the grounds.

How to visit Dunafon Castle

Dunafon Castle

hosts weddings, special events, charity benefits, private events, and corporate gatherings. Getting there can be tricky, so you’ll need to follow these instructions:

Take C-470 and exit at Morrison Road

Go west on Colorado 8

Continue through Morrison

Colorado 8 turns into Hwy 74

Continue going west on Hwy 74

Drive through Idledale and continue on Hwy 74 for 2 miles

Look for the entrance to “Lair O’ The Bear” 1 mile outside Idledale

Continue on Hwy 74 for 1 mile to Dunafon Castle on the left

Dunafon Castle is marked by a green wrought iron fence, completed by the Dunafon Castle Crest hanging at the entryway.

Richthofen Castle

Address: 7020 East 12th Avenue, Denver, CO 80220

Built in: 1887

What is the story of Richthofen Castle?

Richthofen Castle

was built for Baron Walter von Richthofen—the uncle of notorious World War I fighter pilot Baron Manfred von Richthofen, the Red Baron. Situated in Denver’s historic neighborhood of Montclair, the 15,000 square foot mansion was modeled after the Baron’s Prussian ancestral home.

This Colorado castle has 35 rooms, stone gargoyles, towering spires, a stone tower, and a Porte-cochere. Inside, you’ll see leaded glass, hand-carved woodwork, and leather wallpaper. The Barons were notorious, but that’s not the only interesting detail about the house—in 1911, Gertrude Patterson shot her husband Charles in one of the most intriguing Denver murder cases.

How to visit Richthofen Castle

Richthofen Castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The mansion is

privately owned

, and tours are not offered.

Pro Tip Tours of Richthofen Castle aren’t available, but you can contact them at Richthofencaste@gmail.com for any questions.

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How to get the best car insurance in Colorado

If you’re planning on making the drive to one (or more) of these castles, you’ll need to be covered under the

right car insurance policy

No matter what kind of coverage you need, you’ll find the lowest rates in

Colorado

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