Castles are some of the most magnificent buildings in the world. Normally, when we think about them, our mind instantly goes to the ones in Europe where queens and kings live. What if I told you Texas had its fair share of castles? It’s true – and while they may not be as grandiose as their European counterparts, they’re the next best thing without even having to leave our state. Here is a castle road trip in Texas that will take you to nine of the most majestic castles and make you feel as if you’ve entered a fairytale.
As usual, the Google Map has been created for you and can be found here. Have fun being king (or queen) for a day!
Google Maps
- Captain Charles Schreiner Mansion, Kerrville
Wikimedia Commons This castle road trip in Texas begins at the Captain Charles Schreiner Mansion which was designed in 1879 by British architect Alfred Giles. It’s now a registered Historic Landmark in Texas and can be rented out for private occasions. Visit the castle’s Facebook for more information.
- Falkenstein Castle, Burnet
Justin Wright/Wikimedia Commons Falkenstein Castle is a breathtaking architectural deep in the heart of Texas functioning primarily as a wedding chapel. There are few venues more romantic than a castle to tie the knot in. For more information on this castle, read our previous coverage.
- Old Red Museum, Dallas
Wikimedia Commons (Editor’s Note: Old Red Museum is moving and reopening as the Old Red Courthouse. Check the website for updates.)
Also a historic landmark, Old Red Museum was originally designed to be a courthouse but has been restored to a museum. It’s open daily to the public for tours. For more information, visit the website.
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Dallas
Flickr/nostri-imago Experience the Renaissance firsthand at this eclectic entertainment venue as you watch jousting tournaments, eat a king’s feast, and see knights in shining armor stationed at every corner. You’ll be taken far away from Texas, that’s for sure. Read more about Medieval Times in our previous coverage.
- Shelby County Courthouse Square, Center
Wikimedia Commons This grandiose courthouse was built in 1885 and is meant to be reminiscent of an Irish castle. Today, it’s the visitor’s center for Shelby County and is open to the public daily.
- Bishop’s Palace, Galveston
Flickr/texasbubba Bishop’s Palace was built in 1892 as a home for lawyer and politician Walter Gresham and his family. It acquired its current name in 1923 after being sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston. It’s open for daily tours and can also be rented for special occasions. I’ve toured it many times and can vouch for its magnificence and Victorian beauty. Visit this webpage for more information.
- Trube Castle, Galveston
Flickr/bfs_man As one of the most majestic castles in Texas, this was built in 1890 by Alfred Muller. Also in Galveston, It’s over 7,000 square feet with a whopping 21 rooms and you can read the historical marker outside the property. For more information on Trube Castle, visit this webpage.
- Maverick-Carter House, San Antonio
Wikimedia Commons The Maverick-Carter House was also designed by Alfred Giles in the image of grand Roman castles. It’s now considered one of the most historic landmarks in San Antonio (next to the Alamo, of course.) Visit the website for more information.
- Elisabet Ney Mansion, Austin
Chris Vreeland/Flickr (Editor’s Note: Elisabet Ney Museum is temporarily closed. Check the website for updates.)
Once home to its namesake, sculptor Elisabet Ney, this beautiful mansion has been converted into a museum where tours are offered. Ney was a royal sculptor for the court of King George V of Hanover, so needless to say, her skills were impeccable and are reflected in this marvelous piece of architecture. For more information, visit the website.
Are you ready to take a castle road trip in Texas? Let us know if you’ve been to any of these castles or if we missed any you think belong on this list.
Google Maps
Wikimedia Commons
This castle road trip in Texas begins at the Captain Charles Schreiner Mansion which was designed in 1879 by British architect Alfred Giles. It’s now a registered Historic Landmark in Texas and can be rented out for private occasions. Visit the castle’s Facebook for more information.
Justin Wright/Wikimedia Commons
Falkenstein Castle is a breathtaking architectural deep in the heart of Texas functioning primarily as a wedding chapel. There are few venues more romantic than a castle to tie the knot in. For more information on this castle, read our previous coverage.
(Editor’s Note: Old Red Museum is moving and reopening as the Old Red Courthouse. Check the website for updates.)
Also a historic landmark, Old Red Museum was originally designed to be a courthouse but has been restored to a museum. It’s open daily to the public for tours. For more information, visit the website.
Flickr/nostri-imago
Experience the Renaissance firsthand at this eclectic entertainment venue as you watch jousting tournaments, eat a king’s feast, and see knights in shining armor stationed at every corner. You’ll be taken far away from Texas, that’s for sure. Read more about Medieval Times in our previous coverage.
This grandiose courthouse was built in 1885 and is meant to be reminiscent of an Irish castle. Today, it’s the visitor’s center for Shelby County and is open to the public daily.
Flickr/texasbubba
Bishop’s Palace was built in 1892 as a home for lawyer and politician Walter Gresham and his family. It acquired its current name in 1923 after being sold to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Galveston. It’s open for daily tours and can also be rented for special occasions. I’ve toured it many times and can vouch for its magnificence and Victorian beauty. Visit this webpage for more information.
Flickr/bfs_man
As one of the most majestic castles in Texas, this was built in 1890 by Alfred Muller. Also in Galveston, It’s over 7,000 square feet with a whopping 21 rooms and you can read the historical marker outside the property. For more information on Trube Castle, visit this webpage.
The Maverick-Carter House was also designed by Alfred Giles in the image of grand Roman castles. It’s now considered one of the most historic landmarks in San Antonio (next to the Alamo, of course.) Visit the website for more information.
Chris Vreeland/Flickr
(Editor’s Note: Elisabet Ney Museum is temporarily closed. Check the website for updates.)
Once home to its namesake, sculptor Elisabet Ney, this beautiful mansion has been converted into a museum where tours are offered. Ney was a royal sculptor for the court of King George V of Hanover, so needless to say, her skills were impeccable and are reflected in this marvelous piece of architecture. For more information, visit the website.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 7400 Park Rd 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611, USAAddress: 100 S Houston St, Dallas, TX 75202, USAAddress: 2021 N Stemmons Fwy, Dallas, TX 75207, USAAddress: Center, TX 75935, USAAddress: 1402 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77550, USAAddress: 119 Taylor St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USAAddress: 304 E 44th St, Austin, TX 78751, USAAddress: 1627 Sealy St, Galveston, TX 77550, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Castle Road Trip In Texas May 11, 2021 Melissa M What scenic drives can I take in Texas? With a state as big as Texas and with all the open roads, there are plenty of opportunities to take a scenic drive throughout the state. A 13-mile drive from Fredericksburg to Willow City along State Route 16 to the Willow City Loop will take you on a journey through fields of wildflowers that grow alongside the road. It’s absolutely breathtaking! Highway 207 meanders through towering red bluffs for some otherworldly views you will want to see. Learn more about these scenic drives and more in our Beautiful Byways In Texas article. What are some of the best road trips in Texas? The Lone Star State has an endless number of road trips anyone can take and we have put together several you may enjoy. Follow our Caves And Waterfalls Road Trip and stop at mesmerizing locations like Gorman Falls and Inner Space Caverns among others. This will be an experience to remember! If you love visiting paranormal locales, take our Terrifying Texas Road Trip which makes stops at Galveston’s Hotel Gavez which is known for its resident ghost, and Marfa which is home to some bizarre ghost lights of unknown origin. Are there any other castles in Texas? Yes, there are other castles in Texas but none as fun and fascinating as ShangriLama in Royse City. This replica of an Irish castle is home to numerous sweet, adorable llamas that you can visit. Take a Llama Walk around the castle and learn about these adorable creatures in the most enchanting setting.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Castle Road Trip In Texas
May 11, 2021
Melissa M
What scenic drives can I take in Texas? With a state as big as Texas and with all the open roads, there are plenty of opportunities to take a scenic drive throughout the state. A 13-mile drive from Fredericksburg to Willow City along State Route 16 to the Willow City Loop will take you on a journey through fields of wildflowers that grow alongside the road. It’s absolutely breathtaking! Highway 207 meanders through towering red bluffs for some otherworldly views you will want to see. Learn more about these scenic drives and more in our Beautiful Byways In Texas article. What are some of the best road trips in Texas? The Lone Star State has an endless number of road trips anyone can take and we have put together several you may enjoy. Follow our Caves And Waterfalls Road Trip and stop at mesmerizing locations like Gorman Falls and Inner Space Caverns among others. This will be an experience to remember! If you love visiting paranormal locales, take our Terrifying Texas Road Trip which makes stops at Galveston’s Hotel Gavez which is known for its resident ghost, and Marfa which is home to some bizarre ghost lights of unknown origin. Are there any other castles in Texas? Yes, there are other castles in Texas but none as fun and fascinating as ShangriLama in Royse City. This replica of an Irish castle is home to numerous sweet, adorable llamas that you can visit. Take a Llama Walk around the castle and learn about these adorable creatures in the most enchanting setting.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
With a state as big as Texas and with all the open roads, there are plenty of opportunities to take a scenic drive throughout the state. A 13-mile drive from Fredericksburg to Willow City along State Route 16 to the Willow City Loop will take you on a journey through fields of wildflowers that grow alongside the road. It’s absolutely breathtaking! Highway 207 meanders through towering red bluffs for some otherworldly views you will want to see. Learn more about these scenic drives and more in our Beautiful Byways In Texas article.
What are some of the best road trips in Texas?
The Lone Star State has an endless number of road trips anyone can take and we have put together several you may enjoy. Follow our Caves And Waterfalls Road Trip and stop at mesmerizing locations like Gorman Falls and Inner Space Caverns among others. This will be an experience to remember! If you love visiting paranormal locales, take our Terrifying Texas Road Trip which makes stops at Galveston’s Hotel Gavez which is known for its resident ghost, and Marfa which is home to some bizarre ghost lights of unknown origin.
Are there any other castles in Texas?
Yes, there are other castles in Texas but none as fun and fascinating as ShangriLama in Royse City. This replica of an Irish castle is home to numerous sweet, adorable llamas that you can visit. Take a Llama Walk around the castle and learn about these adorable creatures in the most enchanting setting.
