20 Castles In Texas

Castles are a feature traditionally thought of as distinctly European. With America only discovered at the very end of the 1400s, it missed the golden age of castles in the 11th and 12th centuries, while castle building had begun to fall out of favour altogether by the late 15th century. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any castles to be found in America. In fact, there are believed to be around 150 historic castles located around the country, as well as many more modern replicas, with more still being created today.

With Texas having a larger collection than perhaps any other state in the US, it makes it the perfect place for fans of castles to do a little exploring. With that in mind, I want to take you on a virtual tour of what we believe to be the 20 best castles in Texas. So, whether you are looking to stay in a castle, host an event in one, learn a little history, or even just appreciate its architecture, our list will have you covered.

Castles In Texas

The Best Castles To Stay In Texas

1- Falkenstein Castle

Falkenstein Castle is a stunning castle in Texas hill country.

Despite only being built in the late 90s and early 2000s, the castle boasts a style seen in traditional Bavarian castles, as it is based on the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria.

The stunning, panoramic views available from its hilltop location not only make it a great place to visit but also the perfect setting for fairy-tale weddings or exclusive private events.

Even if you don’t have an event to run, you can always just rent yourself a room for the night and enjoy the stunning surroundings, while experiencing what it would feel like to be Bavarian royalty.

Falkenstein Castle is at 7400 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, 78611.

2- Parson’s Castle

Despite its grand, historic appearance, Parson’s Castle was only completed in 2018, making it among the newest castles in the world.

Only available for private bookings, it is the perfect option for those seeking to host a truly memorable event.

From weddings and graduations to reunions and other special events, the stunning building and lake views will add an unforgettable element to your occasion.

Their bridal suite is also the ideal choice for newlywed couples to wake up in the most magical surroundings on the morning after their big day.

Parson’s Castle is at 395 County Road 1812, Clifton, 76634.

3- The Castle At Rockwall

The Castle At Rockwall is designed in the style of a traditional square Medieval castle, to serve as a private event venue for your grandest, most special celebrations, away from any prying eyes.

Enjoy a wedding or social event in this beautiful structure and its stunning grounds, before retiring to one of the stylish suites on offer.

The castle is even a popular choice for those looking to add a little style or class to a corporate event, so the opportunities are as vast as your imagination here.

The Castle At Rockwall is at 2071 Clem Road Ext, Rockwall, 75087.

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4- Old Red Museum Of Dallas County History & Culture

Constructed in the late 19th century using Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, this historic building was originally erected to serve as the Dallas County Courthouse.

After being replaced as the courthouse in the 1960s and added to the National Register Of Historic Places in the 1970s, the iconic red sandstone building was renovated and reopened as the Old Red Museum Of Dallas County History & Culture.

Visitors can now visit to learn about topics from the growth and development of Dallas and Texas to things like the region’s transport and education, all while enjoying their stunning, historic surroundings.

The Old Red Museum of Dallas is at 100 South Houston Street, Dallas, 75202.

5- 1892 Bishop’s Palace

Known by various names, including Bishop’s Palace, Gresham’s Castle, and Gresham Mansion, the building was constructed in the style of a Victorian house between 1887 and 1893.

Throughout its life, it has served as both a private residence, as well the home to the bishop of the nearby church.

Its incredibly strong structure has allowed it to survive for more than a century almost unaltered, while continuous care and attention have maintained its regal interiors.

Since being acquired by the Galveston Historical Foundation, it has been opened up to the public.

Self-guided tours allow you to roam the halls and see incredible rooms, stairways, and corridors, all filled with art, carvings, antique furniture, and historic artefacts.

Bishop’s Palace is at 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, 77550.

6- Mission Concepción

The Mission Concepción was completed in 1731, making it one of the oldest castles in Texas.

Originally designed as a church for the conversion of Hasinai Native Americans to Catholicism, it ended up serving as a fortress during the Texas Revolution.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beautiful remains of the castle are filled with historic interiors and artefacts, as well as the last traces of the brightly coloured frescoes that once decorated the original structure.

A visit here is an absolute must for fans of castles, and anyone interested in the history of Texas.

807 Mission Road, San Antonio, 78210.

7- Newman’s Castle

Newman’s Castle is an iconic structure designed in the style of traditional Medieval lakefront castles.

Features including a working drawbridge, moat, portcullis, corner turrets, a chapel, courtyard, and central keep, are all surrounded by fortified perimeter walls.

Visitors can enjoy the incredible structure and its stunning surroundings as well as also indulge in some baked goods, as the castle now operates as a bakery, making for a truly unique attraction.

With private tours and events bookings also offered, you have plenty of ways to enjoy Newman’s Castle however you choose.

Newman’s Castle is at 1041 Old Highway 36, Bellville, 77418.

8- Texas State Capitol Visitor Center

Erected in 1857 to serve as the Texas Land Office, the castle, which now serves as the Texas State Capitol Visitor Center, is the oldest remaining government building in Austin.

Located on the Texas State Capitol grounds, the castle is a perfect first stop when you arrive for your tour.

Its museum educates you on things such as the building of the state capitol, the history of the state, and the confederate war, while it also houses a gift shop, where you can purchase keepsakes to help you remember the day for years to come.

112 East 11th Street, Austin, 78701.

9- Historic Austin County Jail Museum

The Historic Austin County Jail Museum is located in a stunning, red-brick castle in Belleville, boasting a square design with numerous, white-tipped spires.

While stunning to look at on its own, visitors who arrive on a Saturday will get to take a guided tour around the castle’s interior.

You will learn about the construction of the castle, as well as what it was like to be an inmate in the jail while getting to enjoy numerous fun yet educational exhibits and displays.

The Austin County Jail Museum is at 36 South Bell Street, Bellville, 77418.

10- Texas Pythian Home

The Texas Pythian Home is a children’s home also known as the “Castle On the Hill”.

Its castle style comes from the Knights Of Pythias, who sponsored its construction during the civil war.

Despite still being a functioning children’s home, tours of both the interior and grounds are available.

Visitors will get to learn about the construction and history of the building, as well as the ongoing work that takes place there while taking in its iconic structure and incredible surroundings.

All revenue generated by these tours then goes to help fund the running of the home.

This makes tours of the Texas Pythian Home equally beneficial for both the visitors and those running the property.

The Texas Pythian Home is at 1825 East Bankhead Drive, Weatherford, 76086.

11- 290 Wine Castle

The 290 Wine Castle is designed in the style of a traditional square Medieval castle, complete with four corner towers, creating a truly iconic image.

Operating primarily as a winery, it’s a fabulous destination for wine aficionados to enjoy a tour of the surrounding vineyards, before settling down in the castle to sample the vintages and enjoy a meal.

Special events and performances are regularly hosted at the castle, and it can even be privately hired for special events, such as weddings and engagements.

290 Wine Castle is at 101 Durango, Johnson City, 78636.

12- Pemberton Castle

Built in 1926, Pemberton Castle was originally the sales office for the exclusive Pemberton Heights neighbourhood in which it is located.

Also known as the Fisher-Gideon House, it has been featured in a range of movies through the years, most notably Blank Check starring Macaulay Culkin.

Currently a private residence, it has been owned by a number of famous Texans through the years.

While it isn’t open to the public, its exteriors are still quite the sight to behold, especially for fans of any of the movies in which it has featured.

Pemberton Castle is at 1415 Wooldridge Drive, Pemberton Heights, Austin, 78703.

13- Maverick Carter House

The Maverick Carter House was built in the Richardsonian Romanesque style in 1893 by one of the most legendary architects in the history of Texas, Alfred Giles.

The majesty of its design is rivalled only by the equally beautiful interiors.

In more recent years, it has become heavily associated with poetry, as well as music and astronomy.

Visitors can embark on tours of the property and take in its incredible construction, as well as explore the archives and see historic exhibits.

The Maverick Carter House can also be hired for private and corporate events, for anyone hoping to add a truly stylish element to a special occasion.

Maverick Carter House is at 119 Taylor Street, San Antonio, 78205.

14- Castle Avalon

Castle Avalon is a stunning building, designed specifically to host private events.

Its beautiful stone architecture is perfectly complemented by elegant interiors and landscaped grounds, filled with lawns, trees, shrubs, and statues.

With its grand ballroom, it can add a magical element to a wedding or provide a relaxing feel to make corporate events a little more enjoyable.

Castle Avalon is at 10900 Texas 46 West, New Braunfels, 78132.

15- Elisabet Ney Museum

The Elisabet Ney Museum is a castle built in the Classical Revival style in 1892 to serve as the studio of esteemed sculptor Elisabet Ney.

A stunning building that is listed on the National Register Of Historic Places, it has been converted into a museum dedicated to her life and works.

Containing both originals and replicas of many of her portrait busts, as well as a wide range of her personal items, it is a great stop for those interested in her work, as well as fans of art or architecture as a whole.

The Elisabet Ney Museum is at 304 East 44th Street, Austin, 78751.

16- Cottonland Castle

Construction of the Cottonland Castle was started by a local stone contractor in 1890, with the intention of making it his personal residence.

However, he sold it before it was completed, and it remained unfished until 1913.

When it was finally finished, it boasted features in limestone, sandstone, marble, and mahogany.

With numerous fireplaces, towers, and influences from around the world, this three-storey property is among the most historically significant castles in all of Texas and is truly a sight to behold.

Cottonland Castle is at 3300 Austin Avenue, Waco, 76710.

17- Shelby County Courthouse Castle

Erected in 1885 in the town of Center, the Shelby County Courthouse Castle is the only Irish-style castle found anywhere in the United States and is well-known for its 12 circular red brick towers.

Currently, in operation as the Shelby County Judge’s Office, public tours are unavailable, meaning most will never see its unique interiors.

However, for fans of castles, even just getting to see the exteriors will be more than worth the trip.

Shelby County Courthouse Castle is at Shelby County Courthouse Square, 200 San Augustine Street, Center, 75935.

18- Brown County Museum Of History

Originally opened in 1902 as the Brown County Jail, the castle was built using massive blocks of sandstone chiselled by hand from the local hillside and transported to the site using methods predating the advent of motor vehicles.

After ceasing operations in the 1980s, it was listed on the National Register Of Historic Places and converted into a tourist attraction.

Now home to the Firearms Museum Of Texas, visitors can learn a little history while marvelling at the architecture and exploring this incredible, historic building.

The Brown County Museum of History is at 209 North Broadway Street, Brownwood, 76801.

19- The Whiting Castle On Lake Worth

The Whiting Castle On Lake Worth is a destination shrouded in ambiguity and mystery.

Believed to have been built in the 1920s, numerous urban legends and ghost stories are attributed to this stunning lakeside property.

Through the years, it has been stayed in by famous names from entertainers to US presidents.

While its private status means you won’t be allowed to explore inside, its stunning architecture, lakeside location, and eerie past still make it more than worth a visit.

Whiting Castle is at Lake Worth, Fort Worth, 76108.

20- Captain Charles Schreiner Mansion

The Captain Charles Schreiner Mansion was built in 1879 using Renaissance and Romanesque architectural styles by esteemed architect Alfred Giles, to serve as the private residence of the Texas Ranger and Confederate States Army veteran.

A stunning building overall, its most unique and iconic feature is its columns, made from pink granite imported from Italy.

The property was sold to the Freemasons in 1927 before being transferred to a private buyer in 1972.

Officially listed on the National Register Of Historic Places in 1975, it was then converted into the Hill Country Museum, which it still operates to this day.

It allows visitors to learn about this part of Texas while taking in the majesty of one of the region’s most iconic buildings.

Schreiner Mansion is at 216 Earl Garrett St, Kerrville, Texas.