While it might seem strange, there are castles all over America – including 11 pretty incredible ones in Indiana.
Some serve as private homes, while others are open to the community for events, courthouse proceedings, and more.
However, Indiana has a couple of castles with more unique purposes, and you can learn all about them below.
11 Most Beautiful Castles in Indiana
Indiana is covered with amazing beauty – both natural and man-made.
From the outdoor views to the interior design, there’s always something wonderful to look at – the castles being just one category.
The following are just 11 of the most incredible castles in the state for you to visit.
1. Meyers Castle
Joseph Ernest Meyer was a pretty busy and impressive man.
He was a writer, illustrator, and publisher, in addition to being a botanist and pharmaceutical supplier.
In 1929, he commissioned the construction of Meyers Castle.
It would not only be his home with his wife but also a place to practice his herbology.
The home was designed to mimic a castle he saw in Europe, complete with wrought iron gates, 43 rooms, over 200 windows, a large veranda, and multiple chimneys.
It’s surrounded by a gorgeous view and incredible rolling gardens.
You can see the beauty and enchantment up close by booking it for an event, wedding, or tour.
2. Laralyn Castle
How many people dream of living in a castle?
One couple – Larry and Lyn Gunkel – decided to stop dreaming and make it happen.
In 1999, they started building a beautiful replica of a medieval castle.
Unfortunately, their dream hit many roadblocks that might have made most people give up.
They didn’t let anything deter them, though, and kept pushing forward.
They officially moved into the gorgeous home in 2001, but more work had to be done.
The castle now stands in completion, but as it’s a private residence, you can only view it from the outside.
3. Clayshire Castle
The Gunkels were not the only Indiana couple who wanted to live in a castle – the Smocks wanted the same thing.
Sometimes referred to as Lord Douglas and Lady Josephine, the couple went to work building their dream medieval castle.
While the Smocks live in half of the castle, the rest operate as a luxurious bed and breakfast.
You can book a stay in this home to enjoy handcrafted furniture, knight statues, costumes, a game of lawn chess, a hedge maze, hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and even an outdoor cedar hot tub – a great mix of modern and medieval.
4. Santa’s Candy Castle
Santa’s Candy Castle is like a fantasy brought to life in Santa Claus Town, Indiana.
In the early 1900s, the Postmaster noticed that children’s letters to Santa weren’t being answered.
He took it upon himself to ensure that every letter from that point forward received a reply.
Later, the town added a workshop and toy village where children could come watch Santa work and play with popular toys.
There is now also the Santa Candy Castle – a beautiful castle structure full of magical sweetness.
It’s currently only open on the weekends from the end of October to the end of December.
5. Seiberling Mansion Castle
In 1889, an industrialist named Monroe Seiberling put his wealth to use by building a beautiful home.
It was fashioned around both the Romanesque Revival and Victorian styles to create an incredible and unique structure.
The home has a total of three floors, with 15 marvelously crafted rooms on the first and second floors.
The third floor includes a grand ballroom that leads to the rotunda.
Several other wealthy families owned the home over the years, but it is now owned by the Howard County Historical Society.
To view the intricate designs and intriguing woodwork, you can visit throughout the year except for January.
6. West Baden Springs Hotel
The West Baden Springs Hotel – often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” – is an absolute must-see.
Though it certainly provides accommodation, it looks much more like a castle than a hotel.
A 200-foot-high dome covers an atrium that resembles a grand ballroom straight from a princess movie.
Every detail is magnificent – every inch is covered with something to marvel at.
And if you decide to book a stay, you can enjoy casino games, several spas, delectable dining, golf, and plenty of swimming.
You can also hold your wedding or other events at this fairy tale resort.
7. Fort Wayne Old City Hall Castle
The 1800s brought a beautiful building to Fort Wayne, Indiana in the form of a city hall.
Over time, a jail was added, along with a staircase on the side to take in prisoners.
It was built in Romanesque fashion, with large sandstones, arched windows, marble floors, a double staircase built with grand oak, and incredible woodwork.
The building remained used as the town’s city hall until the early 1970s.
It’s now the Fort Wayne Historical Center, which you can visit to enjoy most of the original structure and more than 20,000 historical artifacts.
8. Kokomo City Building
In the city of Kokomo sits a building that looks a bit similar to the Fort Wayne Old City Hall Castle.
There’s a good reason for that – the same architects built both.
The Kokomo City Building was built in the same Richardson Romanesque style in 1893.
Over the years, it’s been used for a variety of reasons, including a firehouse and law offices.
It was recently purchased by a new owner, who has mentioned possibly turning it into an event venue.
Though the future of the building isn’t completely clear, it’s still worth a visit to take in this limestone beauty.
9. Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary
The Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary was originally built in 1932 in true castle form.
Everything from the stony exterior to the arched windows, turrets, arched doors, and other extravagant features earns it the loving name “Castle on the Hill.”
It was first built for the Carmelite Sisters of Indianapolis until they joined a nearby community.
It’s now used as Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary, a house committed to the priestly vocation.
The seminary isn’t typically open for tours – unless you are considering the priesthood.
However, it’s still an incredible view from the outside and definitely something to see.
10. Bass Castle
Bass Castle – also known as Bass Mansion and Brookside – was designed in the early 1900s for John H. Bass.
The home was made from sandstone with hand-carved details by Wing and Mahurin – the same team that designed Fort Wayne Old City Hall Castle and Kokomo City Building.
Bass Castle served as Bass’s residence for several years, where he also enjoyed gorgeous gardens and even a deer park on the grounds.
It now serves the students and faculty at the University of Saint Francis as an office, venue for various events, and more.
11. E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center Castle
In the late 1800s, the Ball brothers moved their families to Muncie and bought over 30 acres of land.
Each brother began building their own home, one of which became known as Nebosham.
This grand structure still stands in all its glory today, looking a bit like a doll house.
It has several archways and arched windows to admire, along with plenty of elegant features to admire.
Eventually, the Ball Family Foundation gave the home to Ball State University, and the school changed the name to E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center for University and Community Programs.
They even have murder mystery events on the premises.
Indiana Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Indiana Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Frequently Asked Questions
If the same designers built three of these buildings, do I really need to visit them all?
Each one is worth a visit.
Though they are of similar designs, each has its own unique features and beauty.
Visiting each and how they’ve been restored over time is quite a treat.
When should I plan to take my trip?
As far as the weather’s concerned, most visitors and residents suggest a visit between April and June or the middle of August to October.
However, there are some other considerations, such as some of the castles.
Clayshire Castle is great to stay at all year, but they host their Medieval Faire in September.
This fair is both educational and fun for the whole family.
And if you want your kids to experience a magical Christmas, visiting Santa’s Candy Castle doesn’t open until the end of October.
To choose the best time for your visit, consider what you want to see and experience while you’re there to help narrow down a timeline.
What activities are available around these castles for kids?
Indiana is full of both indoor and outdoor fun.
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is an exciting place, with penguins, dolphins, monkeys, lions, and more.
There is also a Firefighters’ Museum in Fort Wayne that your kids might enjoy.
You might also consider Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Children’s Museum in Indianapolis, Rhythm! Discovery Center, Bluespring Caverns Park, and the Fun Center at Paiges Crossing.
Are there any other architectural wonders I should see in Indiana?
Yes, too many to count.
One very intriguing one is Castle Gallery in Fort Wayne.
Though it was once a private residence, it has been turned into an art museum.
The Sisters of Saint Benedict Monastery Immaculate Conception is another beautiful building to enjoy, as is the Old Vanderburgh Courthouse.
The E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center Castle is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture, with intricate details both inside and out.