Colorado Road Trip: Castles Across the State


Let's plan a road trip with different activities and things to do that celebrate what makes Colorado special.

Colorado is often referred to as an outdoor activity wonderland. We have natural parks with hiking and biking trails, watersports, opens a new window and outdoor challenges like the Manitou Incline, opens a new window. There are so many amazing sights to see that it can be hard to know where to begin. 

And if you're more a fan of the great indoors, that's okay because we have castles too.

Yes. Castles, as in straight-out-of-a-fairytale, made of wood and stone, hand-built and open for tours.

Name Location Tickets and Tour Length Things to Know Before You Go
Highlands Ranch Mansion , opens a new window Highlands Ranch Free tours during open hours, opens a new window
60-minute tour
Historic guided tours can be requested, opens a new window prior to visit and are subject to docent availability.
Self-guided tours are available during open hours.
Molly Brown House Museum, opens a new window Denver Tickets required , opens a new window (available with Exploration Pass, opens a new window)
60-minute tour
Offers guided and self-guided tours (text versions of the guide are available in multiple languages, opens a new window and large print English) and hosts specialty events throughout the year. Technically not a castle.
Cherokee Ranch Manor, opens a new window Sedalia Tickets required, opens a new window
90-minute tour

Not only is this a castle, but it's also a working cattle ranch!

Offers tours and afternoon tea, hosts concerts as well as educational events and scientific research programs. The manor can be reserved for weddings or private events.

Dunafon Castle, opens a new window  Bear Creek Tours by appointment only Can be reserved as a wedding venue or for private events.
Palmer Castle aka Glen Eyrie, opens a new window        

(pictured at the top of this blog)

Colorado Springs in Garden of the Gods Tickets required, opens a new window
90-minute tour
Offers tours and afternoon tea,  the castle can also be reserved as a wedding venue or for private events.
Miramont Castle, opens a new window Manitou Springs Tickets required, opens a new window
45-minute tour
Tours are available seven days a week with free parking nearby. Offers tours, afternoon tea and activities are available for children to complete along the tour. 
Bishop Castle, opens a new window  Pueblo Free self-guided tours with donations accepted. Bishop Castle is a privately owned and constructed castle, built by owner Jim Bishop, opens a new window. Not only is this amazing structure a feat of engineering, it stands as a representation of the owner's lifelong dedication to pursuing his dreams. There's even a fire-breathing dragon!