The Awesome Hike Near Cleveland That Will Take You Straight To An Abandoned Castle
By Nikki Rhoades|Published September 26, 2018
×
Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
There’s nothing like a hike through the Northeast Ohio wilderness. Our landscape is lovely, from the surprises within the Cleveland Metroparks to the wonders of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. There is so much to love here, particularly in the cooler months when leaves begin to display their most vibrant hues. As you wander through golden-hued forests in this one Metropark, you’ll uncover the shell of an abandoned castle that’s actually open to the public. Get ready for an experience you’ll never forget!
There's nothing like a hike along Squire's Lane Trail as autumn approaches.
The architecture of this beautiful castle is easily reminiscent of European baronial architecture, and the site will make you feel like you've entered a world shaped by the Brothers Grimm.
Advertisement
As is the case with other splendid structures in the Cleveland Metroparks, this castle is open to the public.
Feargus B. Squire, an executive with the Standard Oil Company, built this structure in the 1890s. The structure is built with local stone, and it originally had three stories and a basement.
The site was actually meant to serve as a gatekeeper's house for an even grander estate, but the project was never finished.
The wife of Squire himself is said to wander these grounds, but she died after the property was sold. Could it be that she returned to their construction site in the hopes that someone would one day finish their dream estate?
...and as the leaves begin to fall and a breeze blows through the ruins, you could almost believe in a haunted history.
Who just abandons a castle, you may find yourself wondering. While Squire did vacation here, the rumors of hauntings are no more than local legend. The site isn't even creepy, in fact! Many visitors would say it is nothing short of beautiful.
During your visit, informative plaques will fill in the history of the site.
There’s so much splendor here in Northeast Ohio, and it seems there is something to discover around every corner. Have you visited the ruins of this grand castle? Share your experience in the comments below!
