The Best Castles in Nevada To Visit
Nevada is home to three castles: two are located on “The Loneliest Road in America” and one is in Death Valley National Park.
Written by Mary Cahill
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Believe it or not,
Nevada
is home to not one but three stately castles—so whether you’re in Death Valley National Park or cruising down The Loneliest Road in America, you might want to make a pit stop at one of these regal and unique attractions. Castles in the desert? That’s just another thing that makes Nevada an eternally popular tourist destination. Whether you’re venturing off the beaten path in the American southwest or in search of a unique location for your wedding day, a castle in Nevada could be exactly what you’re looking for.
If you’re headed out on an epic road trip and want to see what interesting sites the Silver State has to offer,
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has created a comprehensive guide to exploring Nevada’s castles. Keep reading to find out more about these special desert structures—and save money on car insurance at the same time! Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversStokes Castle
Address: Austin, NV 89310
Built in: 1897
What is the story of Stokes Castle?
If you’re traveling down Nevada’s portion of Highway 50, nicknamed “The Loneliest Road in America” you’ll pass through the tiny, unincorporated town of Austin. It’s strange to think that Austin, with a population of 167 people, would be the home of two castles, but it’s true. The original castle built here is called Stokes Castle and it was completed in 1897.
From a distance, Stokes Castle looks like an old watchtower, but it was actually intended to be the summer residence for the family of a wealthy mine developer, Anson Phelps Stokes.
After Stokes financed a railroad line that connected Austin to the main railways in the area, he rewarded himself by using local granite to construct a three-story castle in the hills of Austin’s Reese River Valley.
Stokes modeled his castle after a Roman tower he fell in love with on a trip to Italy. Although it took just a year to build, the Stokes family only spent one summer at the castle—never to return after the local mine was closed.
Uninhabited, Stokes Castle began to fall apart. It was briefly restored in the 1950s by a relative until falling into disrepair once again.
With its 100 mile views of the Reese River Valley and its monumental stature in little Austin, Stokes Castle still attracts tourists visiting the Silver State for its unique allure as well as being a relic of the booming mining industry of the late 19th century. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
How to visit Stokes Castle
Due to the fragility of its structure, tourists are not permitted to go inside Stokes Castle. But those who make their way up the gravel road to the ridge on which it sits can enjoy free admission to the sprawling views and take some fantastic photos—no filter needed. Stokes Castle is open from sunrise to sunset, sevendays a week.
MORE: The 5 best road trip destinations in Nevada
Paradise Ranch Castle
Address: Road 215 HC 61 BOX 6107 Austin, NV 89310
Built in: 2010s
What is the story of Paradise Ranch Castle?
Austin, Nevada has no shortage of ambitious, castle-building men. Drawing inspiration from Stokes, Bob Sossa built Paradise Ranch Castle over 100 years after the Stokes castle was erected. But Sossa’s castle wasn’t going to be a family summer home like the Stokes’s residence—instead, it was a symbol of devotion to his wife, Donna.
Just 12 miles outside of Austin on a sprawling 160-acre stretch of land, Sossa constructed an intricate, white-washed castle as a gift for his new bride. After meeting at an auction in their native Ohio, Bob and Donna married in Las Vegas. When Bob later mentioned to his wife how much he loved Nevada the two decided to relocate there.
Bob purchased the land in the Reese River Valley and began building the castle with the help of friends. Unfortunately, he died in 2014—shortly after the castle’s construction was completed. His widow and muse Donna converted Paradise Ranch Castle into a bed and breakfast, renting its rooms out to travelers passing through Austin’s city limits.
How to visit Paradise Ranch Castle
You can visit the
Paradise Ranch Castle website
to book a room or venue space. Guests of the castle can marvel at the gorgeous, remote landscape complete with a rooftop perch made for stargazing. Visitors have full use of the castle and can enjoy a complimentary homemade breakfast in the Kingly dining room during their stay. You can also enjoy local activities like fishing at Big Creek or soak in the hot springs at Spencer Lake.
Pro Tip Paradise Ranch Castle has a fenced-in outdoor area if you’d like to bring your horses or an all-terrain vehicle!
Scotty’s Castle
Address: P.O. Box 579 Death Valley, CA 92328
Built in: 1922–1931
What is the story of Scotty’s Castle?
Also known as Death Valley Ranch, Scotty’s Castle is nestled in the picturesque Grapevine Canyon in the far north of Death Valley National Park. The two-story Spanish-style castle is a testament to the vibrant 1920s and Depression era 1930s.
Scotty’s Castle was built by Albert Mussey Johnson, a wealthy financier who traveled to Death Valley to visit a gold mine he had invested in on the word of a prospector named Walter Scott—better known as Death Valley Scotty.
Although the gold mine didn’t actually exist, Johnson and Scott formed an unlikely friendship.
Johnson began construction on the ranch-style castle in the 1920s, intending it to be a vacation home for him and his wife Bessie—all while Scott was busy convincing people he had built the castlewith profits from the gold mine.
How to visit Scotty’s Castle
Technically, this castle is in California, though it is located in Death Valley National Park which stretches into Nevada—if you don’t mind making an interstate trip, Scotty’s Castle is a great example of a Spanish-style castle.
Sadly, a major flood in 2015 caused Scotty’s Castle to close its doors to visitors and has yet to reopen. But if you have your heart set on visiting the castle grounds, you can reserve a ranger-guided
walking tour
to get a glimpse of what recovery efforts are being made to restore Scotty’s castle to its former splendor. MORE:
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How to get the best car insurance in Nevada
If you’re looking for things to do on your
Nevada
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