Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a fairy tale land? There are so many ways to embrace your inner prince or princess here in Metro Detroit, but nothing beats the magic of admiring a bonafide castle. When you’re ready to embark on a day trip fit for royalty, hop in the car and follow our castle road trip through Metro Detroit. These stops might not have housed kings and queens, but they’ll provide plenty of enchantment for the whole family.
If you’d like to alter our route for your own needs, check out an adjustable map of the road trip.
Begin your journey in the heart of Detroit by driving or strolling past the James Scott Mansion, which boasts a beautiful castle-inspired design. Located along Peterboro Street, this stunning building features towers, gorgeous stonework, and more. Built in 1897, the mansion was renovated between 2015 and 2019, ultimately reopening as an apartment building with more than 25 units. If you’re lucky enough to know a tenant, you might even be able to step inside!
Before leaving the city, check out another stunning Motor City "castle" that now serves as housing. The Castle Lofts building can be found along Grand River Avenue and will surely catch your eye with its whimsical exterior. Though it’s not open to the public, this breathtaking structure is worth admiring from the outside – in fact, you might just be mesmerized by its pointed towers, intricate windows, and more.
Located in Rochester, Meadow Brook Hall is nothing short of a Metro Detroit icon. This Tudor-style mansion might not be a traditional castle, but it certainly feels like something out of a storybook. Constructed for Dodge heiress Matilda Dodge Wilson and her second husband in the late 1920s, the mansion is located on the grounds of Oakland University and offers events year round. From weddings to historic tours, there’s always something magical happening at Meadow Brook.
4. Canterbury Castle at Olde World Canterbury Village
Head to Lake Orion for a stop at Olde World Canterbury Village, which is home to Canterbury Castle. The Castle itself is largely used as an event venue, offering guests the opportunity to experience a dose of royal life with its stunning interiors and medieval-inspired decor. If you’re not spending time in the castle, you’ll get a fairy tale experience while strolling through the shops at Olde World Canterbury Village. With year-round festivities and plenty of great places to experience a dash of the past, the whole family will have fun at Canterbury.
Finally, head to Owosso for an educational and exciting experience at Curwood Castle, which now operates as a museum. Built as a writing studio for author James Oliver Curwood in the early 1920s, this charming yellow building sits along the banks of the Shiawassee River and features lush, peaceful grounds that are perfect for a bit of relaxation. Today, visitors appreciate the castle for both its architecture and its backstory.
So, there you have it: a castle road trip through Metro Detroit that offers the perfect opportunity for magic. You don’t have to be a daydreamer to enjoy this imaginative excursion – after all, the buildings you’ll see along the way provide automatic inspiration. Have you checked out these or other castles near Detroit during previous outings? Share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another fun road trip through Metro Detroit by completing our official nomination form.
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