. Believe it or not, the Prairie State is home to a heap of them—from a three-story Irish castle in the middle of Chicago’s Historic District to a Gothic castle in the woods.

When you think about Illinois, you’re more likely to picture busy cityscapes or lush farmland than fantastic castles. But the Land of Lincoln’s got it all. Whether you’re looking to book an ornate wedding venue or spend the weekend at a unique bed and breakfast, Illinois has a fortress fit to serve.

Here with a list of the most beautiful castles in Illinois is

Jerry

, the top-rated

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app and expert travel companion

Givins’ Irish Castle

Address: 10255 South Seeley Avenue, Chicago, IL

Built in: 1886–1887

What is the story of Givins’ Irish Castle?

Completed in 1887,

Givins’ Irish Castle

was home to Robert Givins—a successful real estate developer. Givins enjoyed travel, and it’s said he was inspired to build the castle after seeing similar architecture during a trip to Ireland.

Despite more than 125 years of history, Givins’ Irish Castle has only had five keepers. Its current owner is the Beverly Unitarian Fellowship, which purchased the solid limestone structure in 1942.

Its most notable features are three beautiful, crenelated towers. The castle was originally built with 15 rooms decorated with elaborate tapestries, tiled fireplaces, and stained-glass windows—although the interior has been extensively remodeled over the years.

How to visit Givins’ Irish Castle

The castle isn’t open for regular tours, although you can

rent it as a wedding venue

. If you want to see this beautiful building in person, you’ll have to catch a glimpse from the sidewalk.

MORE: Best road trips in Illinois

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Ravenstone Castle

Address: 4504 Illinois Route 23, Harvard, IL

Built in: 2001

What is the story of Ravenstone Castle?

Jose and Rose Michel dreamed of living in a 16th-century castle—and in 2001 they made that dream a reality.

Ravenstone Castle

was born.

The couple, along with their four sons and one daughter, worked on the castle themselves. They rented equipment, excavated the basement, poured the concrete, and more. The rooms are covered in chandeliers, antiques, and suits of armor and are accented by elaborate tapestries handmade by Rose Michel herself.

How to visit Ravenstone Castle

Although Jose and Rose Michel still live in the castle, they welcome guests to

special events

and

tours

—and if you’d like to stay overnight, they offer

bed and breakfast

amenities, too. They also host

private parties

like baby showers, bridal showers, weddings, and more.

You can book a room or schedule a tour of Ravenstone Castle by calling (815) 943-5764. To arrange a private party, call (262) 736-9358.

Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center

Address: 1922 Illinois Route 2 North, Oregon, IL

Built: 1928–1931

What is the story of the Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center?

Originally the

Strong Castle

—the summer home of former Chicago Daily News president, Walter Strong—this beautiful Tudor-style manor sits on a high bluff over the Rock River. The 90-year-old building has 16 bedrooms, nine bathrooms, eight fireplaces, a great hall, and four secret passages!

Today, it’s owned by the Presbyterian Church, which uses the property as a retreat center and campgrounds.

How to visit Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center

Stronghold is open for

tours

and can be rented as a

wedding venue

. It also hosts summer camps, team building and professional development retreats, and more. To schedule a tour or book an event, you can email info@strongholdcenter.org.

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The Chicago Water Tower

Address: 806 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL

Built in: 1869

What is the story of the Chicago Water Tower?

The

Chicago Water Tower

was originally built in 1869 in order to hide a 138-foot standpipe that was used to regulate water pressure. It’s one of the only buildings to survive the

Great Chicago Fire

of 1871 and is considered a symbol of the city’s resilience.

Today, this Gothic Revival-style tower is home to the City Gallery, which features the work of local photographers and artists.

How to visit The Historic Water Tower

City Gallery

, located inside the historic water tower, is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no cost to visit the City Gallery.

Bettendorf Castle

Address: 418 Concord Avenue, Fox River Grove, IL

Built: 1930s–1950s

What is the story of Bettendorf Castle?

It took Theodore “Teddy” Bettendorf 36 years to finish building his dream home, which is said to be based on a similar castle he saw restored in his European hometown.

Those three and a half decades were worth the wait—

Bettendorf Castle

is magnificent. Located in the Fox Grove woodlands, this Gothic-style structure has a drawbridge, turrets, an observation tower, a moat, and a wishing well. There’s even a dungeon!

How to visit Bettendorf Castle

You can

book a guided tour

, where you’ll learn about Teddy Bettendorf, the castle’s construction, and renovation plans. You can also rent it out as a

wedding venue

or host a

special event

on-site.

MORE:

Car loan in Illinois 2022

How to get the best car insurance in Illinois

Whether you’re driving to see just one of the great castles in Illinois or planning a road trip so

you can see them all, great

car insurance

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