17 Castles in ILLINOIS (Magnificent & Breathtaking)

When looking to learn about a city, ancient landmarks like castles are one of the best places to go.

While most of these castles carry the name of their patrons, most are ancient city landmarks that carry the history of their location.

Castles are often reminiscent of a particular era in the past and can be a sight to behold due to the architectural design.

Lucky for you, Illinois happens to have quite a number of these beauties, and all you have to do is run through is to run through the list to find those close to you.

And by the way, you may also want to check out the scariest Haunted Houses in Illinois.

Castles in Fox River Groove, Illinois

1. Bettendorf Castle (Gothic Beauty & Features)

The Bettendorf castle, one of the significant historical landmarks in Foxgrove, is a unique Gothic-style castle that sits at the heart of the city.

Its history can be linked to Theodore “Teddy” Bettendorf, an immigrant from Luxembourg who had learned masonry from a young age and had gathered stones from different places to build the castle.

While the castle is a beauty to behold, its most notable features are the wishing fountain in the courtyard, the water-filled moat, the drawbridge, the turrets and towers, and the luscious greenery.

Finally, the castle has a multipurpose space that you can rent as a wedding and event venue or a photoshoot space, aside from being a residence.

Hence, you can consider the castle when looking to do something unusual.

Address: 418 Concord Ave, Fox River Grove, IL

2. Dreamland Castle (Legat Garden Attraction)

The Dreamland castle at Legat Garden is an old property part of the city’s history.

In the 1920s, John Legat constructed the Dreamland castle is a sight to behold.

Aside from the castle’s magnificence, people gathered to look at the fountain, the windmill, and the wishing well.

The property owners also gave tours at the time while selling postcard images of the property.

While the castle has been long converted into building lots, with the garden hosting other neighboring houses, the castle still stands as a tourist location.

If you want to visit a castle with much older architecture for creative ideas, you should see the Dreamland Castle at no cost for tours.

You can also come with friends and family while enjoying other fun places in the city.

Address: 418 Concord Ave, Fox River Grove, IL

Also see our article on Museums in Illinois.

Castles in Peoria Heights, Illinois

1. Soderstrom Castle (Chateau Residence)

The Soderstrom castle in Peoria Heights is more or less a chateau-like residence belonging to Dr. Carl W. Soderstrom.

As a major city landmark, while it may not be a public site, the owners have opened the castle doors to different charity, fundraising, and public events over time.

Asides from the recently added dragon statutes, you can spot this magnificence by the grand oak trees, medieval turrets, the stone bridge over the moat, and the bold gothic arches.

Suppose you are considering how to get into the castle asides from going in for charity and fundraising events.

In that case, you can mark your calendar for Halloween as the household celebrates this event with dances, music, and all forms of entertainment, with doors open to the general public.

Address: 4717 N Grandview Dr, Peoria Heights, IL

2. The Castle on Roanoke (Modern Interior)

If you are looking for a castle that is more or less like an apartment, you should see the Castle on Roanoke.

While sitting pretty in the city’s center in a suburban area, the property is a lone building containing accommodations available for rent on Airbnb.

Although it may have a gothic and aged appearance on the outside, the interior is far more modern in its decor and facilities, and it is an excellent location to spend a vacation with family and friends.

You can access the structure from the line entrance at the single tower in front.

Aside from the other outdoor features, the apartment features two bedrooms and bathrooms with a kitchen and recess space, with much room to enjoy your time alone indoors or with the company.

Address: 300 W Columbia Terrace, Peoria Heights, IL

Also see our article on Indoor activities in Illinois.

Castles in Chicago, Illinois

1. Givins’ Irish Castle (Longwood Historic District)

As a major city in Illinois, Chicago has the best tourist spots, and castles are one of them.

The Givins’ Irish Castle, or the “Irish Castle,” is considered a significant landmark in the city as it is a three-story building on a hill in Longwood Drive Historic District.

History shows that the castle was built by a real estate developer, Robert C. Givins, for his wife in 1887.

One fascinating fact about the castle is that in its long history, it has only had five castle keepers, each of whom has turned their unique stories about the property into a book and a documentary.

While the homeowners do not generally open the caste doors to public tours, you can arrange a private property tour.

Otherwise, you can look at the property during Sunday services as the owners are members of the Beverly Unitarian church or during the annual architectural festival in the city.

Address: 10255 S. Seely Ave, Beverly Neighborhood, Chicago, IL

2. Chicago Water Tower Castle (Gothic Revival Landmark)

The Gothic Revival-style tower, originally built in 1869, sits in the city center and is a primary tourist site.

If you are wondering why it is called a water castle, it may interest you that it is seated on a 138-foot water pipe used to regulate water pressure and was instrumental in fighting fires in 1896.

The castle is also famous as it survived the great Chicago fire of 1871 and is a symbol of resilience in the city.

As a host to the city gallery featuring the works of local artists and photographers, the tower is a public site open all day of the week.

Visiting the tower allows you to get the combined experience of a historic site and an art center and should be on your itinerary.

Address: 806 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL

Also see our article on Outdoor Activities in Illinois.

Castles in Harvard and Palmyra, Illinois

1. Ravenstone Castle (Medieval-Style Architecture)

Like other notable castles, the Ravenstone Castle is a family property built by Jose and Rose Micheal, who dreamt of building and starting a family in a castle.

The 16th-century tower erected in 2001 emulates medieval-style castle architecture with intricate arcs and turrets and is home to antique pieces worldwide.

Additionally, while the castle may not have the most charming exterior, the interior more than makes up for it, as the interior decor is a testament to its rich history.

While the owners will live in the castle, they offer tours and are open to receiving guests during the day or overnight, with amenities and breakfast.

Additionally, you can host private parties or events such as weddings or baby showers.

If you are looking to have an uncommon vacation, then you should check out the castle.

Address: 4504 IL-23, Harvard, IL

2. Castle of Palmyra (Modern Architecture)

The Castle of Palmyra, as it is mainly called, is a more modern architecture built in 2004.

This is evident in its contemporary interior that houses five bedrooms, a modern kitchen, stone and modern floors, two outdoor grills, and a 2,000-square-foot deck.

It also sits on a 40-acre estate with over 9,000 square feet of space housing an ambient surrounding with lush greenery.

The castle should be on your vacation checklist for several reasons.

Aside from swimming in the private lake, you can also visit the nine-hole golf course in the estate.

Additionally, you can go hunting or walk in the vast land surrounding the castle.

Finally, the venue hosts visitors to their private observatory to stargaze through a refractor telescope.

Isn’t that delightful?

Address: 27687 Deep Rock Station Rd, Palmyra, IL

Also see our article on Family Activities in Illinois.

Castles in Oregon and Savanna, Illinois

1. Stronghold Camp & Retreat Center (Medieval Tudor-Style Manor)

The castle at Stronghold Center, owned by the Presbyterian church, is a 360-acre property overlooking the Rock River.

This medieval-style Tudor-style manor house with high ceilings doubles as an all-season camping and retreat center.

Prominent among its features is the five-story circular tower with a staircase built with steel rods and thus giving the appearance that it’s floating.

The property with seven retreat homes is open to rental and offers features like a massive outdoor fireplace, wilderness cabins, and dormitory-style lodging.

There are also lone rooms available for events and can be used for more formal events such as meeting or seminar rooms.

Finally, the property offers one-hour tours, including a rundown of the building’s history as you walk around the castle grounds.

Address: 1922 Illinois Route 2 North, Oregon, IL

2. Havencrest Castle (Victorian-Era Elegance)

While there are many ideas on where to go, you can take a break from the European Gothic-style castles and visit Havencrest Castle.

A quick look at the castle shows its design and architecture were curated correctly to give a more Victorian-era edifice.

The interior is the same, as it features very detailed sculptures and original art to give a unique elegance you are least likely to find anywhere else.

While the castle started as a modest home, its owners, Alan and Adrianne St. George, started to transform the building until it became a masterpiece.

Like your typical Victorian-era castle, its most outstanding feature is the ballroom with 24 life-sized figures.

Additionally, there is the memorial hall that houses an accurate and full-sized replica of the Titanic’s staircase, including the famous clock and dining salon.

Address: 140 N. 5th St Savanna, IL

Also see our article on Planetariums in Illinois.

Castles in Orion and Dewey, Illinois

1. Warner Castle (Spooky Haunted Rumors)

While everyone else may be searching for the typical castle with tours and possible accommodations, you may want something a little more spooky, which is what Warner Castle is for.

The castle is an $80,000 estate erected by Wilder W. Warner, a business owner, and politician in the late 1800s.

For a property that had existed for about two centuries, the castle still maintains the best quality with intricate details such as hand-carved busts and marble fireplaces that will give more recent structures a run for their money.

The property, while no longer a family possession, is being properly maintained and open to visits.

As the castle is rumored to be haunted, especially during Halloween each year, you can block your calendar for the last day of October to find out.

Address: 17780 Warner Castle Rd, Orion, IL

2. Busboom Castle (Pirate Ship & Gargoyles)

Like many others, the Busboom castle came into being in the late 1980s when Bruce Busboom decided to build his dream home.

He used secluded woods while applying adept masonry skills in erecting the castle.

The 5,000 square feet property boasts attractive designs and architecture pleasing to the eyes.

While at the property, one of the fun things to look out for is the carriage lights illuminated, 600-pond drawbridge during the fanfare that lowers down to introduce you to the castle.

Even more interestingly is the entire pirate ship in the backyard and the large gargoyles water fountain that feeds into the moat below.

This castle is open to visits, tours, and stayovers if you want to have a memorable time with family and friends.

Address: 2521 County Road 600E in Dewey, IL

Also see our article on Playgrounds in Illinois.

Castles in Quincy and Wayne, Illinois

1. Villa Kathrine (European & Moroccan Themes)

If all of your memories of castles are haunted movies and you’re looking to have a real-life experience, visiting the Villa Kathrine should be on your bucket list.

The European medieval-style castle was built in the mid-1900s by the wealthy George Metz.

While the outlook carries heavy themes of European architecture, it also betrays hints of Moroccan aesthetic, a distinct feature setting it apart from other castles.

Asides from the attractive exterior are carved lattice woodwork, Mediterranean-style archways, and a Muslim crescent sitting atop the domes.

With a view overlooking the Mississippi River, anyone will attest at this point that the castle is breathtaking.

You will also find intriguing features such as the reflecting pool, harem, and courtyard in its interior.

Finally, you should look for the architecture if you wouldn’t visit because of the rumor.

Address: 532 Gardner Expy, Quincy, IL

2. Dunham castle (French Chateau Style)

The multi-colored Dunham Castle lies at the intersection between Army Trail Road and Dunham Road in Wayne.

While it is named after Mark Dunham, who built the castle on land he acquired from his father, the estate has experienced numerous changes in ownership over the years.

This French-style castle features a winding drive, a vast courtyard, and a dense forest, which is unsurprising as a French Chateau inspired by the estate and the fact that Mark was a horse breeder, hence the need for space.

Even more, are the French tapestries, statues, and artwork that beautify its interior.

Unlike most other castles, the Dunham Castle has retained most of its original features and is currently open for tours.

You can be sure to ass the castle to your itinerary when you next visit Wayne.

Address: 5N648 Dunham Rd, Wayne, IL

Also see our article on Museums in Illinois.

Castles in Dekalb, Charleston, and Normal, Illinois

1. Altgeld Hall castles (Altgeld Legislation Origin)

Right inside the Northern Illinois University campus are the over 200 years Altgeld Hall castles, also originally known as the “Castle on the Hill.”

John Peter Altgeld signed the legislation that brought the castles to life, after which the castles were named after him.

The castles come in a Tudor-Gothic style, with different rooms serving as a boardroom, classrooms, a gymnasium, laboratories, administrative rooms, and a library.

The most exciting aspect of these castles is the time capsule built long after the castle was erected but has never been launched.

However, locals are looking forward to its 150th anniversary in 2049 when it will be open.

You may not want to wait that long to see the beauty that is the Altgeld Hall castle.

Address: 595 College Ave. (Castle Dr.) DeKalb, IL

2. Old Main Castle (Gothic Revival Style)

While not being named after him, the Old Main Castle was also built by Governor Altgeld.

The 124-year-old castle, formerly the Livingstone C. Lord Administration Building, was designed by Architect George H. Miller from Bloomington.

As one of the first buildings on the campus, the castle housed several classrooms, a gym, a library, and an auditorium.

Aside from being built in a medieval Gothic Revival style, this castle stands out as it was built with Indiana limestone, a crenelated roof line, and gothic style towers, turrets, and pointed arches and battlements.

Although the University has more modem buildings, the castle still stands out and is one of the historic sites in the city.

Like other campus buildings, the castle is open to tours and visits.

Address: 2275 E Bluff St, Marseilles,Charlesonton, IL

3. Cook Hall castle (German-Style Castle)

This castle, also constructed under the order of Governor Altgeld, has a slightly different look as it is reminiscent of German-style castles.

Although it was initially called the Gymnasium, the castle is named after the University’s fourth president, Williston John Cook, with design credits going to local architects Miller & Fisher.

As a gymnasium, the castle housed several pieces of equipment, such as Indian clubs, dumbbells, ladders, slippery poles, rings, parallel bars, and substantial leather horses.

Then it was transformed into a University radio station for some time.

The castle now doubles as the School of Music at the University, including rehearsal halls, music classrooms, and practice rooms.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy a bit of history, art, and music, then this is it.

Address: 200 S. University Street, Normal, IL

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Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our article on Castles in California and Texas.