New Jersey has been home to a surprising number of castles over the years, several of which still stand. Each castle offers a unique history, though some are more intriguing than others. Merriwold (Merriewold) Castle in Highland Park was built by J. Seward Johnson, son of pharmaceutical magnate Robert Wood Johnson (of Johnson & Johnson) as a gift for his wife. The couple’s daughter was nearly kidnapped from the home, but the intruder was caught. This eerie tale pales in comparison to the story of Kip’s Castle.

Kip's Castle Exterior
Wikipedia/James P. Fisher III
Kip's Castle is a 9,000-square-foot estate whose 11-acre grounds span two towns, Montclair and Verona. Built in 1905 by textile baron Frederic Kip, it originally served as a private residence. After his wife passed in 1926, the home was sold to Signono Munoz who earned his fortune in the oil industry. The home remained a private residence until the 1980s.
Looking Towards The Tower
Flickr/Laregini
In 1980, the home was sold to Indian guru, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh... That's when things got weird. The castle was converted to a compound, home to a cult promoting sexual liberation. They even took out ads in local papers promoting sex as a form of therapy. According to locals, their strange rituals startled neighbors. The cult was based out of the castle for nearly 5 years, during which time they sold off the property's stunning stained glass windows.

Related Stories

Light Dispelling Darkness In New Jersey Just Might Be The Strangest Roadside Attraction Yet

Light Dispelling Darkness In New Jersey Just Might Be The Strangest Roadside Attraction Yet

 You'll Love A Trip To New Jersey's Longest Pier That Stretches Infinitely Into The Sea

You'll Love A Trip To New Jersey's Longest Pier That Stretches Infinitely Into The Sea

 Morven Museum And Gardens Is A Magical Place In New Jersey That You Thought Only Existed In Your Dreams

Morven Museum And Gardens Is A Magical Place In New Jersey That You Thought Only Existed In Your Dreams
Archway
Flickr/Laregini
The cult eventually relocated to Oregon, leaving the castle to fall into a state of disarray. The cult's leader and several members were convicted of crimes ranging from tax evasion to attempted murder. In 1985, the property was purchased by a law firm. Over the span of about 20 years, the castle was restored. In 2006, the castle, carriage house, and property were sold to the Essex County Parks System.
Entrance And Greenery
Flickr/Matthew H.
Upper floors now house county offices while the lower floors and grounds can be rented for photography, filming and private events. A popular and surprisingly affordable wedding venue, up to 50 guests are allowed in the castle for $250 (up to two hours). The park commission also holds regular events at the castle and on the property. On September 20th, a five-part series began on the history of Essex County Parks - the first county park system in the nation!

The first floor of Kip’s Castle is open for self-guided tours Tuesday through Friday from noon to 3 pm. It’s such a treat to visit this treasure, as many of New Jersey’s castles are closed to the public. Of course, you can always visit Skylands and the surrounding gardens. For other castles in New Jersey, see my previous post: Most People Don’t Know That These 9 Castles Are Hiding In New Jersey.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

The Most Amazing Attractions In New Jersey

William Suphan | January 02, 2023

What are the weirdest attractions in New Jersey?

The weirdest attractions in New Jersey include:

  • Insectropolis. This is a museum dedicated to insects and has exhibits like the Caterpillar Cafe, The Mud Tube, and Bug University.
  • Lucy. Located in Margate, Lucy is a six-story elephant constructed of wood and has served as a restaurant, an office, a cottage, and a tavern.
  • Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum. This is the ultimate museum for the strange and unusual with all kinds of weird exhibits.
  • Martian Landing Site. This is a memorial to the radio broadcast that caused a mass panic in 1938, The War of the Worlds.

Find out more about the weirdest attractions in New Jersey. 

What are the most amazing day trips in New Jersey?

The most amazing day trips in New Jersey include:

  • Wildwood. This is a beachfront amusement park with rollercoasters, arcade games, waterparks, and more.
  • The Tuckerton Seaport. This is a museum where you can take part in hands-on exhibits to learn all about maritime history.
  • Wharton State Forest. This is a gorgeous natural area with hiking trails, kayaking, ghost town ruins, and a historic village.
  • Cape May. This is a wonderful family day trip with Sunset Beach and tons of amazing restaurants and shops.

Learn more about the most amazing day trips in New Jersey.

What are the most unique attractions in New Jersey?

The most unique attractions in New Jersey include:

  • Hadrosaurus Monument. This stature remembers the finding of the first complete dinosaur skeleton in the world.
  • Wild West City. Located in Netcong, this Wild West-themed park has over 20 live-action shows and rides on trains, stagecoaches, and ponies.
  • Elsie The Cow Memorial. Borden Dairy had a mascot called Elsie the Cow which was represented for a while by a real cow named Lobelia, who rests here.
  • United States War Dogs Memorial. This memorial commemorates the dogs that served in the Vietnam War and other wars.

Discover more about the most unique attractions in New Jersey. 

Related Articles

Explore New Jersey

Featured Addresses
22 Crestmont Rd, Verona, NJ 07044, USA