Entering This Hidden Michigan Castle Will Make You Feel Like You’re In A Fairy Tale
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Sophie Boudreau
Author
While modern-day life in Michigan doesn’t have many similarities to “Game Of Thrones,” it does maintain a few glorious homages to the medieval era. One such tribute can be found at the stunning Curwood Castle, a hidden gem in the Great Lakes State that feels like something out of a storybook.
Tucked away in the town of Owosso, Curwood Castle is a charming structure that draws in hundreds of visitors each year. Its location on John Street occupies less than an acre of land.
The castle was constructed in 1922 by by author James Oliver Curwood (known for works like "The Grizzly King" and "The River’s End"), an Owosso native who built the castle adjacent to his home on the banks of the Shiawassee River. It was created to replicate a Norman French chateau.
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While the yellow stucco castle is undeniably stately, Curwood never actually lived in it. Instead, he used it as a writing studio and an entertainment space in which he would host high-profile guests and family members.
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When Curwood passed away in 1927, the castle was willed to the City of Owosso, who ultimately transformed it into the museum and event-hosting space that it is today. Thanks to dedicated preservation efforts, the Curwood Castle maintains much of its original charm.
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Today, Curwood Castle is a fully operational museum that remains open to the public 6 days a week for eleven months every year — it temporarily shuts down each January. A small admission fee will grant you access to this magical place.
You’ll have a firsthand look at some of Curwood’s writing memorabilia, along with a tour of the cozy interior where many of his novels were completed. Appreciate the eclectic and beautiful array of furniture, interior decor, and architecture that makes the castle so unique.
Each year, Owosso hosts the Curwood Festival, which honors the legacy of James Oliver Curwood. The castle is home to the opening ceremony, which gives way to a parade, a series of medieval reenactments, a writing contest, and general celebration of Curwood’s impact on the community.
So if you’re hoping to add just a hint of whimsy in your everyday life, make a visit to Curwood Castle. You’ll step into the past, appreciate a breathtaking work of architecture, and head home with a little more magic in your step.
Have you taken a tour of Curwood Castle or participated in Owosso’s annual festival? Share your photos and memories in the comment section below.
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