Haven’t you ever dreamed of living in a fairytale castle? Looking for something to do while all the zoo animals are away for the winter? Well, now you can visit these real life castles right here in Kansas. Start from wherever you are closest to and work your way around. The total drive is 562 miles, amounting to 9 hours and 35 minutes on the road, assuming you don’t stop to tour the castles! It’s short enough to be packed in a two or three day trip, easily. There are 10 castles here to see! The map can be found here.
Let's get going!
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1. Castle Campbell in Wichita
Made to look quite like Castle Campbell in Scotland, this star in the city used to be a bed and breakfast but is sadly closed down. The owners of the castle are selling it for $3.5 million. It's not available for tours, but you can rent the space for weddings, or buy a ticket to one of their "Christmas at the Castle" shows. It sits collecting dust at 1155 N River Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203.
2. Eaves Castle in Sedgwick
Not much is known about this stoic gray mass of a castle except that it's not too pretty. It is, however, sturdy. It was badly vandalized and needs some TLC for sure. It has a full basement, though! It sits at 11412 SW 125th St, Sedgwick, KS 67135.
3. Coronado Heights in Lindsborg
This castle sits at the location where Francisco Vásquez de Coronado allegedly gave up his search for the seven cities of gold and turned around to return to Mexico. Though the castle isn't much in terms of size or beauty, the views around the hill are breathtaking in any season; they could be the scene of any fairytale. It's a few miles NW of Lindsborg, KS.
4. Nichols Hall in Manhattan
The original interior of this castle burnt to ruins in 1968, after an unknown arsonist set it ablaze. Unrelated, it was one of the first buildings in the U.S. with a continuously-poured concrete floor. The building can be viewed almost anytime at 702 Mid-Campus Dr, Manhattan, KS 66506.
5. Kimble Castle in Manhattan
For $1.6 million you could own this furnished castle, which features ornate furnishings and one-of-a-kind decor. It was added onto in 2009 in the original style, and with over an acre of land included, who wouldn't fantasize about a fairytale life here? It's unfortunately not open for tours, because it's a private residence. It's located at 702 Mid-Campus Dr, Manhattan, KS 66506.
6. Matrot Castle in Topeka
During the prohibition, this castle was used as a winery. They've continued the tradition, and now host free wine tastings on Saturdays! Only Kansas grapes are good enough for these craftsmen. Otherwise, the castle is open during their listed business hours (which include weekends) for tasting and selling purposes. They're at 6424 SW Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66615.
7. The Castle Tea Room in Lawrence
In the spirit of high society, this castle was built in 1894 for the specific purpose of having proper parties. Private tours are available from Tuesday-Thursday, but consider the venue more of a wedding-type location. It is for fancy parties, after all! Check it out at 1307 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044.
8. Cray Historical Home Museum in Atchison
Truly the home of a large bit of Kansas history, it's no wonder we have a castle in Atchison as well. Unfortunately, it's not open during the winter months, but from May-December it's open for visits at $3 a person. Another slice of history is sitting at 805 N 5th St, Atchison, KS 66002.
9. Sauer Castle in Kansas City
A haunted castle in Kansas? Sign me up! You can't currently tour the castle, but it's not a complete loss. It's not in great shape inside anyways. The outside definitely makes up for the lost experience, plus you can drive by at night for added creepy-factor. You can find this dark castle at 935 Shawnee Rd
Kansas City, Kansas 66103
10. Caenen Castle in Shawnee
Also rumored to house a poltergeist, this castle can be visited almost anytime. It started off as a fairytale home, then a nightclub, is now used as an upscale restaurant called Renee Kelly's. It can be reserved for weddings as well as dinner, keep in mind! It's located at 12401 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, KS 66216.
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