The Best Castles in Michigan to Visit

Whether you want to dine on the finest French cuisine or get married in a ballroom fit for royals, Michigan’s array of castles won’t let you down.
Written by Samuel Todd
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
background
From a fairytale wedding venue to a marvelous public library,
Michigan
boasts a diverse and delightful assortment of castles.
Ever wondered what it feels like to be a French monarch in his chamber? A Canadian aristocrat in her manor? A famous American author in his writing studio? Believe it or not, you can do just that—if you’re up for a road trip to one of Michigan’s renowned castles!
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Castle Farms

Address: 5052 M-66, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Built in: 1918

What is the story of Castle Farms?

As any good castle should,
Castle Farms
has a history littered with rivalry and alliance alike. Don’t be fooled by its French Renaissance style—Castle Farms was originally built by Albert Loeb (president of Sears, Roebuck & Co.) as a dairy farm. 
After decades of prosperity—both for Loeb Farms and its baseball team, the Sodbusters—the castle was purchased by John Hanaver and converted into a cafe and art gallery. However, his new name for the structure, Castle Hanaver, was short-lived: Arthur and Edwina Reibel bought the castle seven years later, in 1969.
Eventually, the Reibels settled on the name “Castle Farms Summer Music Theater” and the castle shapeshifted once more into a concert venue. In its heyday, legendary artists like Tina Turner and Aerosmith headlined the castle’s concert hall.
Finally, inspired by her love for her husband, Linda Mueller bought and restored the castle in 2001. If you want a wedding venue adorned by glorious gardens and royal memorabilia, look no further than Castle Farms.

How to visit Castle Farms

You can
schedule a wedding or major event
online—or, if you just want a taste of Castle Farms’ rich history,
tour the castle
by foot or on a tram! Castle Farms is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm
MORE: A road trip to the most haunted places in Michigan

Castle Museum of Saginaw County History

Address: 500 Federal Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607
Built in: 1898

What is the story of the Castle Museum?

Built in 1898 by William Martin Aiken, the
Castle Museum
has narrowly dodged demolition twice in its history. How, you ask?
Well, the castle began as a post office and the locals quickly fell in love with it. In the 1930s, the federal government proposed a plan to replace the building—but, met by fierce community opposition, the government chose to expand the castle instead.
In 1970, the Castle Museum escaped destruction once more. After a new post office was built, locals fought to preserve the castle and thwarted the government’s efforts to bring it down. Now, the cherished landmark serves as a museum for Saginaw County’s cultural history.

How to visit the Castle Museum

The Castle Museum is open
seven days a week
to members of the public. It also plays host to a handful of
community events
—so be sure to bring your friends for an unforgettable visit!
Pro Tip If you want to save a little cash on gas (and help the environment while you’re at it!), STARS bus routes #7 and #82 provide service to the Castle Museum.

Meadow Brook Hall

Address: 350 Estate Dr, Rochester, MI 48309
Built in: 1926-1929

What is the story of Meadow Brook Hall?

The story of
Meadow Brook Hall
begins with one of the richest women in history—and the tragic death of her husband, John Dodge. Dodge, the ludicrously wealthy automobile pioneer, died suddenly of pneumonia in 1920, leaving his fortune to his wife, Matilda.
Matilda and her second husband, lumber broker Alfred Wilson, commissioned the construction of Meadow Brook Hall in 1926 for $4 million. Now, the 88,000-square-foot, 110-room, Tudor-revival style mansion is an integral part of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan.
Whether you’re looking for a magnificent backdrop to your wedding, a spacious venue for your business event, or simply an awe-inspiring pit stop on your cross-country road trip, Meadow Brook Hall won’t let you down. 

How to visit Meadow Brook Hall

Meadow Brook Hall is available to be booked for
corporate events
,
weddings
, or
personalized tours
. Be sure to schedule your visit online or you won’t be able to tour the castle!
If you're lucky, you can even spot some model-T-era Dodge vehicles!

Curwood Castle

Address: 224 Curwood Castle Dr, Owosso, MI 48867
Built in: 1922-1923

What is the story of Curwood Castle?

Michigan author James Oliver Curwood took the “reclusive writer” stereotype to a whole new level, building an entire castle to use as his office and studio.
Okay, maybe we’re oversimplifying it a little bit—but the best-selling author did use the castle as his office. Curwood, inspired by the rushing water outside of his window, composed some of his greatest works within the castle’s chambers. To get a glimpse of the scenery that motivated the famous author, you can visit the
Curwood Castle
yourself.

How to visit Curwood Castle

Curwood Castle is
open to the public
from April 1 to December 31, 1-5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids under 10.
If you’re hoping to arrange a tour or attend a special event, call the castle at 989-723-2155.

The Hoyt Library

Address: 505 Janes Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607
Built in: 1891

What is the story of the Hoyt Library?

Jesse Hoyt, a resident of New York, gifted the
Hoyt Library
to the city of Saginaw in 1891. It’s a shining example of Romanesque architecture and a leading center for Michigan’s historical records
If you’re a bookworm, the towering, brick-clad Hoyt Library is a must-see for your bucket list (or road trip checklist!).

How to visit the Hoyt Library

The library is open to the public Monday through Thursday from 9 am to 8 pm and Friday and Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. Reach out to mmccarville@saginawlibrary.org or call 989-755-0904 with any questions.
MORE: How to find the best cheap car insurance

Henderson Castle

Address: 100 Monroe St, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Built in: 1895

What is the story of Henderson Castle?

The 25-room
Henderson Castle
symbolizes businessman Frank Henderson’s dream to build a booming suburb in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Though he died shortly after construction was finished, his wife, Mary, stayed at the castle for another decade.
So, what’s so special about Henderson Castle? It’s the only castle on the list where you can stay the night—or several nights, in fact—because it’s a fully functional bed and breakfast! If you’re looking for an inn where you can dine like royalty, Henderson Castle offers some of the best French cuisine in the Midwest

How to visit Henderson Castle

Food isn’t all Henderson Castle is good for, though—you can also book it for
weddings
,
events
, and
walking tours
. Get in touch with Henderson Castle
through their website
or at 269-344-1827.

How to get the best car insurance in Michigan

Hold your horses! Before you go castle-hopping through the great state of Michigan, you’ll want to protect your car with a fantastic insurance policy.
Jerry
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And that’s all there is to it! You can pair your royal road trip with some regal savings since the average Jerry user saves $887 on car insurance.
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