8 Most Beautiful Castles in Tennessee (2024 Updated)

Tennessee is known for its rich history and natural beauty, but did you know it’s also home to beautiful castles?

Whether you’re a history buff or a romantic at heart, these castles in Tennessee are sure to delight.

Plan a trip to visit these beautiful castles and experience a taste of history and luxury.

From medieval-style fortresses to modern-day replicas, Tennessee has a castle for every type of traveler.

Contents

Most Beautiful Castles in Tennessee
Tennessee Safety Overview
Frequently Asked Questions

Most Beautiful Castles in Tennessee

Here are 8 of the most beautiful castles in the state that are worth a visit:

Castle Gwynn, Arrington Tennessee

Castle Gwyn, located in the town of Gallatin, is a castle that was built in the 1920s.

The castle was designed in the Scottish Baronial style and features turrets, towers, and a grand entrance.

This castle was built by its owner, Mike Freeman.

Mike and his wife hold the Tennesse Renaissance Festival each year on the grounds.

You will see two 7-story turrets joined by a great hall.

Taylor Swift filmed her video ‘Love Story’ at this magical venue which is near her home in Nashville.

You will find replicas of medieval suits of armor, stained glass windows, over 60 arches, and handmade tiled floors.

Spring Castle – Rock Island State Park

Rock Island State Park is a hidden gem that will delight you with its waterfalls and hidden castle.

The park’s crown jewel is Spring Castle, a turreted structure that sits atop a rocky outcropping overlooking the Caney Fork River.

Spring Castle was built in the 1890s and has a rustic, mysterious feel to it.

The castle is a unique blend of Gothic and Tudor architectural styles, with towers, turrets, and intricate stone carvings.

The quaint castle was built as a spring house.

A spring house is a building that was used before refrigeration to keep food fresh.

There are trails for hiking, and it is a favorite kayaking spot.

Nestled in the dark woods, the castle’s rugged setting in the midst of the park’s natural beauty only adds to its charm.

Visitors can go fishing in the river or simply enjoy the stunning views from the castle’s balcony.

The castle is also popular for picnics, weddings, and other special events.

Despite its remote location, Spring Castle is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

You can find it right next to Rock Island Falls, and it is worth the hike to find this magical castle waiting for you in the heart of the forest.

The castle’s wild setting and unique architecture make it a truly one-of-a-kind destination.

The Castle of Chaos – Pigeon Ford

The Castle of Chaos theme park in Pigeon Ford is a popular attraction known for its impressive castle-like architecture.

The park is designed to look like a medieval castle, complete with towering stone walls, a moat, and a drawbridge.

Visitors can explore a maze of dark and winding passageways filled with hidden surprises, exciting rides, and attractions.

One of the key features of the Castle of Chaos is its imposing façade.

The entrance to the park is guarded by a large stone gate, with towers on either side that rise high into the sky.

The walls of the castle are made of rough-hewn stone, giving them a rugged and authentic appearance.

The park’s designers have even added details, such as arrow slits and battlements, to give the castle an authentic medieval feel.

In addition to its impressive architecture, the Castle of Chaos is also known for its attention to detail.

The park’s designers have gone to great lengths to create an immersive and realistic visitor experience.

The rides and attractions are all themed around medieval legends and folklore, and the park’s staff are dressed in period costumes.

Overall, the Castle of Chaos’s castle-like architecture is an important part of the park’s appeal.

Its imposing walls and intricate details help to transport visitors back in time, allowing them to experience a world of knights and dragons.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a history buff, there’s something for everyone at the Castle of Chaos.

Greenback Castle – Near Knoxville, Tennessee

Greenback Castle was hand-built by a dedicated man named Floyd Banks Junior.

This castle features a moat and stone walls.

Floyd calls it area 151, and you will find religious paintings and signs everywhere you look.

There are intricate carvings and stained glass windows, and you will get a personal tour from Floyd, who doesn’t even charge an entrance fee.

Visit this priceless piece of Americana while you still can.

Ruby Falls Castle – Chattanooga, Tennessee

A hidden waterfall was found inside Lookout mountain in 1928, and it has been a tourist attraction ever since.

A replica of a 15th-century castle was built on the site in 1929.

It was built out of limestone that was excavated from the mountains.

There is a restaurant inside the castle, and it is the entrance to the inside of the mountain where you can view the waterfall and caves.

This is the deepest and tallest underground waterfall in the United States.

It is always a perfect 60 degrees inside the mountains, and you can even take tours at night.

The castle also offers a thrilling zip line experience, where visitors can soar through the air and enjoy views of the surrounding landscape from above.

The zip line takes riders on a journey across the top of Lookout Mountain.

In addition to the zip line, the castle also has an observation deck where visitors can take in the breathtaking views and snap photos of the surrounding scenery.

The observation deck is the perfect spot to watch the sunset or simply relax and take in the beauty of the area.

Crantzdorf Castle – Johnson City, Tennessee

Set in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Crantzdorf Castle is a private home located in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Built in the early 20th century, this castle-like structure is a prime example of the Romanesque Revival architectural style.

One of the key features that make Crantzdorf Castle a castle is its imposing size and appearance.

Standing tall on a hilltop, the castle’s turreted towers and steep roofs give it a grand and regal appearance, evoking images of medieval fortresses and castles.

In addition to its size and appearance, Crantzdorf Castle also exhibits many of the other characteristics of a castle.

It has thick, sturdy walls that were designed to protect the inhabitants from attackers.

The narrow windows and arrow slits make it difficult for intruders to enter the castle.

The castle also has a moat and drawbridge, further adding to its defensive abilities and charm.

Historic Rock Castle, Hendersonville, Tn

Built out of limestone in 1784, this federal-style building is not your typical castle.

Rock Castle is the oldest home in Tennessee.

It was built by Daniel Smith, who was granted the land for his Revolutionary War service.

There is a visitor center where you can buy gifts or tickets for a tour.

A lake was created on the grounds in 1954, and picnicking and canoeing are available.

You don’t have to take a guided tour.

You can instead stroll down the nature trails and through the woodlands.

The Smith family lived here continuously for 200 years.

Now the castle hosts events all year round and is a hub for the Hendersonville community.

Closed for January, February, and the first half of March. Always call ahead to check if they are open.

Tours are available for the castle, and it is a good idea to call ahead.

The University of the South – Sewanee, Tennessee

The University of the South, also known as Sewanee, is located in Sewanee, Tennessee.

It is often referred to as a castle due to its impressive Gothic architecture.

Many are reminded of the castles and cathedrals of medieval Europe.

The university’s buildings are constructed from local stone and feature towering spires, and pointed arches, giving the campus a truly castle-like appearance.

The campus is also home to All Saints’ Chapel, a beautiful Gothic-style chapel that is the centerpiece of the university’s religious life.

This majestic chapel has a vaulted ceiling, archways, and heavy stonework.

The tall spires and natural setting make this a magical place to visit.

This university sits on 13,000 acres, and the campus is over 1000 acres.

A visit to this mountain mountaintop University will not disappoint as it is known as the most beautiful campus in America.

You can tour the campus by making an appointment on their website.

Tennessee Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Tennessee Safety Review

Safety Index:

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
SCAMS RISK: LOW
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there famous castles in Tennessee?

Tennessee is home to a number of historic and fascinating castles, including the picturesque Castle Gwynn in Franklin.

Some of these castles are owned privately.

Other castles are popular attractions for visitors and are well worth a visit if you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of Tennessee.

What can I do at the castles in Tennessee?

There are a number of activities and attractions to enjoy at the castles in Tennessee.

Many of the castles offer tours, allowing visitors to explore the stunning architecture and learn more about the castle’s history.

Some of the castles also host special events, such as medieval festivals, and offer a range of amenities, such as gift shops and restaurants.

Many of the castles are also located in beautiful, scenic areas, making them perfect for a relaxing day trip or romantic getaway.

What is the history of castles in Tennessee?

The history of castles in Tennessee is closely tied to the state’s rich and varied history.

Many of the castles in Tennessee were built by wealthy landowners and were used as both private residences and as centers of power and influence.

Over the years, many of these castles have been restored and preserved, allowing visitors to explore and learn about their fascinating history.

How were castles built in Tennessee?

Many of the castles in Tennessee were built using traditional medieval construction techniques, such as the use of stone and mortar.

Most were built with modern construction methods.

Others are built of limestone or from local rock.

Some of the more elaborate castles, such as the Castle of Chaos, also incorporate features such as towers, moats, and drawbridges.

8 Most Beautiful Castles in Tennessee