Must-Visit Castles In New York That Look Straight Out Of A Fairytale
Have you ever dreamed of stepping into a storybook world filled with towers, turrets, and enchanting architecture? New York State is home to some of the most magical castles you’ll ever see, and they’re all waiting for you to explore them!
I promise you won’t believe these stunning structures are right here in the Empire State, not tucked away in some faraway European kingdom.
1. Boldt Castle (Thousand Islands)
Picture this: a millionaire builds an entire castle for his wife on a heart-shaped island. Boldt Castle is exactly that romantic dream come true! George Boldt started construction in 1900, but tragically stopped when his beloved wife passed away.
Today, you can visit this six-story wonder with 120 rooms and walk through its grand halls. The castle sits on Alexandria Bay and offers boat tours that make you feel like royalty.
Don’t miss the powerhouse and yacht house, which are just as impressive as the main building!
2. Singer Castle (Thousand Islands)
Did you know a sewing machine fortune built this incredible castle? Singer Castle sits on Dark Island and looks like it was plucked straight from medieval Scotland!
Frederick Bourne, president of Singer Manufacturing Company, completed it in 1905. Secret passageways wind through the castle, making exploration super exciting for visitors.
I love how the guided tours reveal hidden tunnels that were actually used by servants. The castle even has a dungeon that’ll give you goosebumps in the best way possible!
3. Bannerman Castle (Pollepel Island)
Ruins can be even cooler than perfect castles, and Bannerman proves it! Francis Bannerman VI built this arsenal in 1901 to store military surplus weapons and ammunition.
An explosion and several fires left it in ruins, creating an eerily beautiful sight on the Hudson River. Kayak tours now take visitors close to the island for amazing photo opportunities.
The crumbling walls and empty windows tell stories of a fascinating past. It’s like discovering an ancient fortress, except it’s only about 120 years old!
4. Oheka Castle (Huntington)
Imagine the second-largest private home ever built in America sitting right on Long Island! Oheka Castle was constructed between 1914 and 1919 for financier Otto Hermann Kahn.
This French-style chateau has 127 rooms and sits on 23 acres of gorgeous formal gardens.
Hollywood loves this place, it’s appeared in dozens of movies and TV shows. You can tour the castle, attend events, or even stay overnight in its luxury hotel. The Grand Staircase alone will make your jaw drop!
5. Castle Gould (Long Island)
Built as stables and a carriage house, Castle Gould is way fancier than most people’s actual homes! Howard Gould commissioned this Norman-style castle in 1902 as part of his massive estate.
It’s now part of the Sands Point Preserve, where nature and history collide beautifully. The castle hosts exhibitions, concerts, and educational programs throughout the year.
Walking through its stone archways feels like time-traveling to medieval France. The surrounding preserve offers hiking trails with stunning views of Long Island Sound!
6. The Adirondack Park Castle (Lake Placid)
Nature and architecture blend perfectly in the Adirondacks, where castle-like structures dot the landscape. Great camps built by wealthy families in the late 1800s resemble European castles but with rustic charm.
These stone and timber buildings showcase the unique Adirondack architectural style that’s become legendary. Camp Sagamore and other historic estates welcome visitors to explore their castle-like lodges.
The mountain backdrop makes every photo look like a fantasy novel cover. It’s wilderness meets luxury in the most magical way!
7. Belvedere Castle (Central Park, NYC)
Right in the heart of Manhattan sits a fairytale castle that most tourists walk right past! Belvedere Castle was designed in 1869 by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted. It sits atop Vista Rock, the second-highest natural point in Central Park.
The name means beautiful view in Italian, and boy, does it deliver on that promise! You can climb to the observation deck for incredible park and city views.
It’s completely free to visit, making it the perfect budget-friendly castle adventure!
8. Lyndhurst Castle (Tarrytown)
Gothic Revival architecture reaches its peak at this stunning Hudson Valley mansion! Built in 1838, Lyndhurst showcases pointed arches, decorative tracery, and romantic towers. Railroad tycoon Jay Gould once owned this beauty, filling it with priceless art and furniture.
The 67-acre estate includes a conservatory that’s absolutely breathtaking in spring. Guided tours reveal stories of the wealthy families who lived here. Evening tours during Halloween season add extra spooky fun to your castle visit!
9. Crown Point State Historic Site (Lake Champlain)
Military history comes alive at these impressive fortress ruins overlooking Lake Champlain! Both French and British forces built fortifications here during the 1700s.
The massive stone walls and strategic location made Crown Point a crucial military stronghold during colonial times. Walking among the ruins feels like stepping back into Revolutionary War battles.
The visitor center explains the site’s fascinating military history through interactive exhibits. Sunset views over the lake from the fortress walls are absolutely unforgettable!
10. Hitchcock Castle (Poughkeepsie)
Hidden in the Hudson Valley, this castle tells stories of American industrial wealth! Thomas Hitchcock built this estate in the early 1900s, creating a family compound with castle-like features.
The stone construction and tower elements give it that authentic medieval vibe we all love. Though it’s private property, you can admire its exterior from nearby roads.
The surrounding area offers plenty of other historic sites to explore. It’s proof that fairytale castles really do exist in New York!
