While many tourists flock to New York each year to take in the hustle and bustle of New York City, the Empire State is home to many unique castles that inspire their visitors to slow down and reflect on New York’s long and rich history.

New York’s

castles are hidden tourist gems that’ll transport you back in time as you explore the winding staircases, steep turrets, and grand hallways of each landmark.

From Wing’s Castle’s whimsical stonework to the enchanted Highlands Castle overlooking Lake George, let

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Wing’s Castle

Address: 717 Bangall Rd, Millbrook, NY 12545

Built in: 1970

What’s the story of Wing’s Castle?

The

Wing’s Castle

story starts in the quaint village of Millbrook. Peter Wing was raised on a dairy farm in Millbrook. Later in Peter’s life, he married his wife, Toni Ann. This artistic couple started building Wing’s Castle from 80% recycled materials on the property beside Peter’s childhood homestead in 1970.

The building was originally intended only to be a barn but continued to grow into the breathtaking castle it is today. Toni Ann Wing calls Wing’s Castle “a live art project” as the castle continues to expand.

How to visit Wing’s Castle

Wing’s Castle is the Wing family’s private residence, although it does have a

bed and breakfast

visitors can stay at to transport themselves back in time for a few days. Castle tours are also included with your stay. Make sure to visit the neighboring

Millbrook Winery

while you’re there!

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Boldt Castle

Address: 1 Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Built in: 1900-1904

What’s the story of Boldt Castle?

George C. Boldt, the millionaire proprietor of the world-class

Waldorf Astoria

hotel in New York, embarked on creating a genuine Rhineland castle on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay. The project was intended to be a tribute to his wife, Louise.

From 1900 to 1904, Boldt enlisted stonemasons, carpenters, and artists to create his six-story, 120 room castle, including a medievalesque powerhouse, tunnels, drawbridge, alster tower, dovecote, and Italian gardens.

In 1904, Boldt’s wife passed away before the castle’s completion. Boldt couldn’t imagine it without his wife, so he halted all construction and left the project abandoned.

The castle was vacant for 73 years until 1977 when the

Thousand Islands Bridge Authority

took charge of the property and restored the castle for the public to enjoy.

How to visit Boldt Castle

You can

visit Boldt Castle

from May to October during daytime operating hours. Boldt Castle is on an island, so you’ll have to reach the castle on a boat tour or by your personal boat. While this castle doesn’t provide overnight accommodations, it’s a magical place to

book your wedding ceremony

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Singer Castle on Dark Island

Address: 1136 County Route 6, Chippewa Bay, NY 13623

Built in: 1905

What’s the story of Singer Castle?

Singer Castle

was commissioned by Frederick Gilbert Bourne, the fifth President of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, at the turn of the century. The castle was built from tons of granite quarried from Oak Island and was the Bourne family’s summer home from 1905 to the mid-1960s.

Previously known as “The Towers,” Singer Castle is an architecturally stunning building complete with 28 rooms, a four-story tower, and a boathouse that was once a workshop and powerhouse. Singer Castle also features countless underground passageways, tunnels, and dungeons.

How to visit Singer Castle on Dark Island

You can

visit

this architectural masterpiece from April to October during operating hours. Like Boldt Castle, Singer Castle is only accessible by boat, so you’ll have to take a boat tour or private boat to the island to explore the grounds.

45-minute tours of the castle’s interior are provided during the day. If you’d like a more immersive experience, you can stay in

Singer Castle’s Royal Suite

and rule over the grounds for the evening!

Highlands Castle

Address: 19 Skyline Dr, Bolton Landing, NY 12814

Built in: 1983

What’s the story of Highlands Castle?

In 1978, John A. Lavender II told his son, Jason, “Someday…I will build you a castle.” Five years later, Lavender found the perfect property on a mountainous ledge overlooking Lake George.

Lavender, his wife Yvonne, and his son Jason built three mini castles on the property, which acted as the Lavender family’s private residence for decades.

In 2010, Lavender fell from a ladder and shattered his leg, which inspired him to open a new life chapter and open his home to the public. Today, you can stay at one of three mini castles on the property:

Highlands Castle

the Castle Gatehouse

, or

the Castle Cottage

. The castles feature medieval turrets, stained glass windows, cathedral ceilings, tapestries, and period-piece furnishings.

How to visit Highlands Castle

Highlands Castle

operates primarily as a hotel, so it’s the perfect fairy-tale destination for a multiple-day getaway. During your stay, the only guests allowed on the property are the guests staying with you, and friends you’d like to invite during the daytime.

The Highlands Castle is a perfect destination for a magical wedding ceremony, engagement party, or

family getaway

Beardslee Castle

Address: 123 Old State Road, Little Falls, NY 13365

Built in: 1860

What’s the story of Beardslee Castle?

Beardslee Castle

was built by Augustus Beardslee in 1860 out of limestone and is modeled after Ireland’s ancient castles. This 160-year-old castle has endured two fires—the first in 1919, which almost destroyed it, and the second in 1989, which left the building vacant for three years.

Beardslee Castle reopened to the public in 1994 as a fine dining restaurant and popular wedding venue.

It’s rumored that Beardslee Castle is one of the most haunted castles in New York. Many people have reported seeing the ghosts of the castle’s former owners, including Beardslee himself, wandering the castle grounds after hours.

How to visit Beardslee Castle

The best way to visit Beardslee Castle is by making a dinner reservation for Friday through Sunday night and enjoying the restaurant’s seasonal menu in one of five intimate dining rooms. Beardslee Castle also hosts

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

events, which include dinner and a theatric murder mystery show. The castle is also a hot spot for enchanted weddings!

Belvedere Castle

Address: Central Park, New York, NY 10024

Built in: 1872

What’s the story of Belvedere Castle?

Belvedere Castle

was designed by Central Park co-designer Calvert Vaux and architect Jacob Wrey Mould as a beautiful place to take in and enjoy the natural surroundings of Central Park.

It originally had no enclosed windows or doors as it was intended as an open-air lookout point. Belvedere Castle remains a Central Park focal point, as it’s perched on

Vista Rock

and emerges above the trees.

Belvedere Castle is currently one of Central Park’s visitor centers and offers beautiful views of Central Park’s

Turtle Pond

Great Lawn

, and the

Ramble

How to visit Belvedere Castle

If you’re visiting New York City and want to experience the magic of New York’s most impressive castles, head to

Central Park

to visit Belvedere Castle.

The castle is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 5 pm. This castle is only open for daytime viewing, but with such a convenient location, you can transport yourself back in time with every stroll through Central Park!

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How to get the best car insurance in New York

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New York

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