Texas is not the first place that comes to mind when you think of Medieval-style castles, but there are scores of these impressive buildings in Dallas, Sulphur Springs, Decatur, Center, and other cities and towns. Texas castles have their own unique architecture and historic flair.
Take a self-guided tour of Bishop's Palace in Galveston
The Bishop's Palace (get tickets), also known as the Gresham House, is a National Historic Landmark in Galveston. The mansion was built in 1887 for Colonel Joseph Gresham and his wife Josephine. You can take a guided or a self-guided tour of the Gresham House at any time of the year. "Basement to attic" tours are also offered once a month so that guests can get a glimpse at parts of the house that are typically off-limits.
Find it at this Address: 1402 Broadway Street, Galveston, TX 7750, Phone: 409-762-2475
Visit the Maverick Carter House in San Antonio
Check out the Maverick Carter House, known as one of the few 19th century buildings left in San Antonio. Alfred Giles, the same architect who drafted up plans for the Schreiner Mansion in Kerrville, designed the building.
Find it at this Address: 119 Taylor Street, San Antonio, TX
Tour Newman's Castle
Just a mere stone’s throw from Bellville’s city boundary is a veritable treasure trove of medieval treats and spectacular eats at Newman's Castle. This stunning castle, which is undeniably one of Bellville’s premier tourist destinations, features a fully functional 3000-pound behemoth of a drawbridge, a portcullis, and an incredible moat that has been rumored to shelter a gator or two. Newman’s Castle also features five lovely corner turrets, a charming courtyard, a towering perimeter wall, and some of the best views you’ll find of Bellville’s surrounding landscape.
Castle tours: The castle offers six tours a week, inclusive of a delectable lunch, which requires reservations to be made ahead of time. Don’t forget to stop by the bakery after your tour to pick up some treats to bring home with you.
Find it at this Address: 504 E Main Street, Bellville, Texas 77418, Phone: 979-865-9804
Book a suite at The Castle at Rockwall
Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect fairy tale wedding venue or simply want to explore the grounds of a location straight out of a storybook, The Castle at Rockwall is an exceptional choice.
Find it at this Address: 2071 Clem Road Ext, Rockwall, Texas 75087, Phone: 469-702-1222
Check out the haunted Pemberton Castle in Austin
Situated at 1415 Wooldridge Drive, the Pemberton Castle used to be the sales office for the Pemberton Heights neighborhood. It's also rumored to be home to some famous ghosts.
Don't miss the Elisabet Ney Museum in Austin
The Elisabet Ney Museum is housed in a cream-colored castle in Austin, Texas. The castle, known as Formosa, was purchased by sculptor Elisabet Ney in 1892 and converted into an art studio. At Formosa, Ney rendered sculptures of Texas' most famous men, including Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston. You can take a tour of the museum, attend special events, and join workshops and lectures at Formosa throughout the year.
Find it at this Address: 304 East 44th Street, Austin, TX 78751, Phone: 512-974-1625
Visit Cottonland Castle in Waco
The three-story Cottonland Castle has eight fireplaces, a tower, and fantastic interior accents brought in from all over the world. For example, the castle uses mahogany paneling from Honduras, Caen Stone from France, and Carrara Marble from Italy.
Find it at this Address: 3300 Austine Avenue, Waco, Texas 76710
Learn about the history of the Brown County Museum Castle
The four-story Brown County Museum Castle, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, became a museum in the early 1980s. The museum gives visitors a close look at how the castle was built, its years of use as a jail, and its conversion into a tourist attraction.
Find it at this Address: 212 N. Broadway, Brownwood, TX 76804, Phone: 325-641-1926
Tour the Austin County Jail Castle in Bellville on your weekend getaway
The Austin County Jail Castle is an elegant landmark in Bellevue, Texas. The red brick building is open for visitors on certain days.
Find it at this Address: 36 South Bell Street, Bellville, TX 77418, Phone: 979-877-8814
Take a day trip to Parsons Castle, 1 hr 40 min from Dallas
Parsons Castle has five gorgeous stories, each with lovely balconies that not only serve as great photo locations but also as perches to take in the breathtaking views of Lake Whitney. Events are made memorable at the castle’s 3,000 square-foot ballroom, its several gazebos, the sprawling front lawn, and private pool.
Find it at this Address: 395 County Road 1812, Clifton, Texas 76634, Phone: 254-640-6167
Book a wine tasting at 290 Wine Castle
Overlooking the spectacular Hill Country as well as acre upon acre of peaceful vineyards, 290 Wine Castle is home to a delightful selection of wines made on premises by seasoned wine craftsmen from Europe. The result? An incredible secret cellar selection that people come from all over Texas, and the country, for.
Find it at this Address: 101 Durango, Johnson City, Texas 78636, Phone: 512-790-2654
Take the whole family to Greystone Castle
Feel the thrill of the hunt at the 6,000-acre ranch and castle known as Greystone Castle, a beloved bird and big game hunting destination in Texas. The castle also offers sporting clays for people who prefer not to hunt, as well as long-range rifle, tactical, and pistol shooting instruction, while individuals who like to fish can try Greystone’s trophy bass fishing. Visitors coming with their families can capitalize on family activities like safari-style tours, gorgeous nature trails, cowboy cooking classes, ATV trail rides, mountain biking, and water sports. The best part? Greystone Castle is a short drive from the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Find it at this Address: 65756 Interstate 20, Mingus, Texas 76463, Phone: 254-672-5927
