Five Ohio castles to explore

CastlePhoto bySophia Hilmar/Pixabay

When you think of castles, you probably think of places like France, Ireland, and Germany. But did you know that Ohio is home to castles of its own? They’re scattered throughout the state and are fun to explore. If you’re up for an adventure, here are a few you don’t want to miss:

Ravenwood Castle (65666 Bethel Road, New Plymouth)

Resembling the castles constructed to defend the border between England and Wales centuries ago, Ravenwood features a “charming setting with a medieval flair.” It was completed in 1995, and offers a unique place to enjoy an unplugged weekend getaway.

Book a stay in The Duke’s Dungeon. True to its name, the room is found on the castle's lowest level and boasts a crackling fireplace, king size bed, and faux stone walls and ceiling designed to take you back in time.

The Castle (418 Fourth Street, Marietta)

Step into The Castle for a trip back to 1855. A beautifully preserved Gothic-Revival house, it tells fascinating stories from one of the oldest regions in the northwest territory. It was once home to some of Marietta’s most prominent citizens, including lawyers, oil speculators, and a pro-tem president of the Ohio State Senate.

The Castle opened as a historical house museum in 1994, and offers tours from April through December.

Brumback Library (215 West Main Street, Van Wert)

When the Brumback Library opened, it became the first tax-supported county library in the United States. It has been in operation for over 120 years and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The design highlights Gothic and Romanesque architecture with turreted towers and a Ludowici tile roof.

The library draws visitors from near and far and is hard to miss when driving down Main Street. Head inside and relax with a good mystery or historical fiction novel.

Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek (10051 Township Road 47, West Liberty)

A popular destination for more than 100 years, Piatt Castle Mac-A-Cheek interprets 200 years of Ohio’s storied history. Self-guided tours typically last between 45 and 60 minutes.

They feature exhibits filled with photographs and historical artifacts, and visitors can enjoy hands-on activities along the way. The castle’s hours are seasonal. Check its website before heading out.

Loveland Castle (12075 Shore Drive, Loveland)

Harry Delos Andrews served as a medic in World War I. He contracted spinal meningitis and was mistakenly declared dead in 1918. By the time officials corrected their mistake six months later, his fiancé had married another man.

Harry stayed in Europe visiting castles and later built Loveland Castle using stone from the Little Miami River. With the exception of certain holidays, Loveland is open daily between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.