When you think of Kentucky, chances are that castles don’t come to mind.
Most people think they’ll need to schedule a trip to Europe to see grand castles and create a regal experience.
Fortunately, castles may be closer to home than you would think, and Kentucky is actually home to several castles, which are all worth seeing in person.
Pictures cannot capture the majestic nature of these beautiful castles.
For people, young and old, seeing a castle can be exciting and reflect dreams of fairytales and royalty.
Some of these castles are open to visitors, while others are private property that you will have to look at from afar, but all of these castles show the range of culture and architecture that Kentucky offers.
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Castles in Kentucky
The Kentucky Castle
One of the most remarkable castle experiences you can find in Kentucky is the Kentucky Castle.
The Kentucky Castle, also known as the Martin Castle, Versailles Castle, or the Castle Post, is located in Versailles, Kentucky, near Lexington.
There are several options for those looking to experience this castle.
The Kentucky Castle offers event hosting, a hotel, a restaurant, and a spa.
Whether you want a quick stay or an exquisite vacation, there’s much to do at the Kentucky Castle.
Scheduling a tour can create a unique experience for visitors that includes breathtaking sights and the fascinating history of the castle and surrounding area.
They have a fun schedule of events that includes murder mystery dinners, princess tea parties, yoga on the castle’s roof, tasting dinners, and bourbon barrel art classes.
The castle even has a farm for those who want to combine the wonders of nature with the elegance of experiencing a castle.
The Kentucky Castle is a popular wedding venue, and guests can be expected to be treated like royalty.
No one forgets an event at the Kentucky Castle, and the memories created will last for many years to come.
It’s not every day someone gets to spend time in a castle in Kentucky!
Some amenities offered at this site include free parking, free WiFi, a pool, air conditioning, luxurious facilities, and a pet-friendly environment.
There’s something for everyone at the Kentucky Castle.
The Kentucky Castle is one of the most memorable experiences in Kentucky, and with so many events and options, this venue offers scenic and relaxing moments for anyone who stops by.
Castle and Key Distillery
Frankfurt, Kentucky, is the home to Castle and Key Distillery, which Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. built in 1887.
In its history, this distillery has had a lot of ups and downs.
While initially thriving, it had to close because of prohibition, but fortunately, it has reopened.
While it has had several owners since it was first built, it was restored by Wes Murry and Will Arvin in 2014 to retain some of its original charms.
The distillery offers special events like a holiday wreath workshop.
It also offers tours, and botanical walks, and is a great location for special events like weddings.
At an old train station on the grounds, Taylorton Station, you can have alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks.
There are also food trucks that are present when seasonally appropriate.
Loudoun House
If you’re a fan of Gothic Revival architecture, the Loudoun House is an amazing building you can find in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Loudoun House, also known as Castlewood Park, was built towards the end of the Romanticism Movement in 1850.
It was designed by a New York architect, Alexander Jackson Davis, who used a mansion in New York City as inspiration.
This house was built for Francis Key Hunt, a relative of Francis Scott Key, who wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
It took four years to build. It was named Loudoun House because Hunt’s wife’s favorite song was “The Bells of Loudon.”
The Loudoun House is on the National Register of Historic Places, so it is an important historic landmark in the United States, and it is now home to the Lexington Art League.
It hosts events like weddings and art gallery exhibits that visitors can see while they take in the amazing Gothic castle.
Clark Scott Castle
The Clark Scott Castle is a private home, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit if you’re in Louisville or other nearby areas.
This castle is less ornate than some of the others on the list, and its concrete walls make it look like a medieval fortress.
It was designed to look similar to England’s St. Briavels Castle.
Like many of the castles that have been built in the United States, this castle was inspired by European styles.
After touring the Italian and English countryside, Kelly and Clark Scott decided they wanted a castle at home in the United States.
This building used over 1000 cubic yards of concrete compared to the average 100 used in most U.S. homes.
Therefore, this castle was quite the project, and upon seeing it, it’s obvious how remarkable it is.
Guthrie Castle
Guthrie is a small town with fewer than 2,000 residents, but it is home to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Robert Penn Warren.
This little town has a lot of charm, including its very own castle.
Therefore, Guthrie is a little gem that many people miss when visiting Kentucky.
It’s also near the Kentucky-Tennessee border, so it can be a good trip for those visiting Tennessee too.
The Guthrie Castle is a private residence in Guthrie, Kentucky.
While you can’t go in and see the interior of this castle, if you’re in the area, you can stop by to look at the architectural beauty of this stone castle.
This castle has its very own turret and even some gargoyles to complete its look!
The shrubbery, fountain, and ivy add to the aesthetic of this castle.
This castle was built by the Mimms towards the end of the 19th century.
The Mimms family was inspired by a trip to include, and they took many of the architectural details from English castles and applied these elements to their home.
Downtown Guthrie is quiet these days, but the Guthrie castle never fails to be full of grandeur.
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
In Crestwood, you can find the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens.
While the historic castle has been around for decades, it became a sanctuary for nature only two decades ago, but it continues to be an essential part of the community.
Martin Lee Klein bought farmland in 1941 to build a home and a farm, and it is this property that became the botanical gardens.
Klein had a love for details, so he built a castle that the family used as a pool house and is now an intriguing landmark and focal point for the gardens.
Klein also was an avid nature lover.
He built greenhouses, cultivated new varieties of plants, and spread his love for gardening and natural life.
When Klein died, the property was in jeopardy, and members of the community created a board of volunteers and raised funds to buy the property and turn it into the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens.
Since its creation, the botanical gardens have been acknowledged by the Garden Conservancy, which encourages unique and important gardens in America, and they also created a preservation project.
Additionally, Yew Dell is part of the National Register of Historic Places, showing its important historical roots and role in nature conservation.
Visitors are delighted by Yew Dell because it has some of the most diverse plants in the area.
You can spend hours taking in all the gardens have to offer.
During the Spring to Fall seasons, admission ranges from free to $9, while during the late fall through early spring, all admissions are free, so this location is a very affordable sight to see.
They also host special events such as weddings, hours to walk dogs on the grounds, seasonal activities, and horticultural education.
Conrad’s Castle
Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, often just called Conrad’s Castle, is a museum in Louisville that was designed by Arthur Loomis for Theophile Conrad.
Built in 1895, this castle highlights the character of Louisville’s Gilded Age.
It is designed in Richardsonian Romanesque style, and it is a beautiful landmark that stands out among the many Victorian houses in Louisville.
You can choose a self-guided tour or a tour led by a docent when you are visiting Conrad’s Castle.
Tours generally cost from $11 to $20, depending on the type of ticket you buy.
Seniors, students, and the military have reduced rates.
There are also special events held at Conrad’s Castle, such as picnics, Victorian cocktail parties, tea parties, educational events, and many seasonal offerings.
There’s always something interesting to do at Conrad Caldwell House Museum, so it’s a great place to visit when you’re in Kentucky.
Feel Like Royalty
Coming to Kentucky means you can feel like royalty right here in the United States.
The castles in Kentucky all have unique styles and designs, so no matter what kind of activities you like to do, you’ll likely find something you enjoy in a Kentucky Castle.
From exploring nature and botanical diversity to distilleries, special event venues, and museums, a castle can take you to remarkable places.
Kentucky Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Kentucky Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Kentucky is often associated with horse racing, bourbon, and southern charm, but it’s also home to several stunning castles that offer a regal experience.