North Dakota isn’t exactly known as a place with many castles. In fact, other than the Enchanted Castle in Regent, North Dakota, which is technically a renovated school, there are pretty much none. But what most people don’t know is that there is a castle in North Dakota hidden out in the middle of nowhere in a field, and it was actually built to be a North Dakota castle. It’s known as the Coghlan Castle. Don’t believe us? Keep reading to learn more.

Located in Rolette County near Rolla, North Dakota, is a hidden abandoned castle known as the Coghlan Castle.
Rick Webb/Flickr
The Coghlan Castle has stood here in North Dakota for well over a century. Back when it was built in the very earliest years of the 1900s, most other houses in the area were made of sod. This was a majestic palace compared to them. The original owners of this huge place were the Coghlan Family who lived here for only a few short years before leaving and renting it out until the 1940s. After that, it was left behind to rot.
The castle is built of stones from the area, mainly granite, limestone, and sandstone.
Rick Webb/Flickr
The Coghlan Castle was designed by Canadian architect Thomas Boyner, and it looks like something directly from a fairy tale. It is technically the one and only true castle in North Dakota, and barely anyone ever knew about it until more recently when it was finally added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008.

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Despite its majestic look from a distance, up close you can see that it has deteriorated quite a bit during the time it's been abandoned.
Rick Webb/Flickr
Due to natural weathering and vandalism, the Coghlan Castle does not look quite as beautiful as it once did. The interior is, at this point, hard to save. However, the outside is still standing rock solid.
Thanks to efforts by Save Coghlan Castle, Inc., the castle is being restored and can now be enjoyed from an interpretive site.
glorioussandwich/Wikimedia
This castle has a story more interesting than any fairytale. You can now check it out for yourself at an interpretive site near the castle that has a fantastic view of the building and a panel full of information about it.

If you’d like to see the Coghlan Castle for yourself, please be aware that the castle is on private property that should be respected. There is a spot open to the public on the road where you can see the castle and read the information panel. It is off of 48th Avenue about halfway between the towns of St. John and Rolla, North Dakota.

Have you ever heard about the Coghlan Castle before? Let us know in the comments below.

Speaking of Rolla, while you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Chicken Hut!  And if this adventure is part of a road trip, take a look at our ultimate list of 50 on-the-go food ideas.

If you’re still in the mood for more North Dakota adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More North Dakota Adventures

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 05, 2023

Where can we find historic landmarks in North Dakota?

  • The Fort Abercrombie State Historic Site in Abercrombie was built as a military outpost in 1858 and is known as the "Gateway to the Dakotas."
  • Theodore Roosevelt's Maltese Cross Cabin in Medora served as his get-away-from-it all hunting cabin.
  • The Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site in Cooperstown was a missile-ready site during the Cold War.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other wonderful historic landmarks in North Dakota.

What are some fun facts about North Dakota?

  • The Wild Prairie Rose is the official state flower.
  • The world's largest buffalo monument is located at Frontier Village in Jamestown.
  • The town of Rugby is the geographical center of North America.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fun facts about North Dakota.

Where can we find scenic overlooks in North Dakota?

  • The Painted Canyon Overlook at Theodore Roosevelt National Park is rated as one of the top overlooks in the country.
  • The Crow Flies High Scenic Overlook in New Town offers spectacular views of Lake Sakakawea.
  • White Butte is the highest point in North Dakota and features expansive views of rolling prairie.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other scenic overlooks in North Dakota.

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Coghlan Castle, 10458-10464 48th Ave NE, St John, ND 58369, USA