Let’s be honest; we know why people visit Texas. They’re looking for barbecue or Tex-Mex food, want to experience a rodeo or two-step, or love the great outdoors and sports enthusiasm of the Lone Star State. They’re not visiting Texas for the castles… but maybe they should. Surprisingly, Texas is home to plenty of beautiful castles. Don’t believe us? Check them out below!
Falkenstein Castle is a magical castle in the small town of Burnet, Texas, built by Terry and Kim Young. The Youngs toured Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. King Ludwig II had plans to build a castle nearby, Falkenstein Castle, but died before he could begin. The Youngs tracked down the blueprints of that castle and brought them back to Texas where they built their own Falkenstein Castle. Today, the castle is idyllic, surrounded by trees in Texas hill country and is often rented out for weddings, events, and filming for TV or movies.
Here is a quiet and friendly museum where you can go and explore Dallas through the ages. It has interactive elements at many of the stations, complete with information and quizzes to help children and adults alike retain what they are learning. It’s a four-story building with amazing architecture, and the museum uses the first two floors. It’s a place to see where Dallas has been in the past and a reflection on where Dallas should go in the future. This museum needs to be seen by locals and tourists alike.
One of the most beautiful homes in Galveston is Bishop’s Palace, built in the early 1890s for local lawyer Walter Gresham and his wife Josephine Gresham. The house has withstood a hurricane and several severe weather patterns. It later became the residence of the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Galveston, Christopher E. Byrne. The house is now owned by the Galveston Historical Foundation. You can take private tours and admire everything about the house from the stained glass windows to the intricate carvings made when the house was first built.
Bellville, Texas isn’t well-known in the Lone Star State, except for its most prized attraction: Newman’s Castle. Local Mike Newman was inspired by his travels through Europe to build a castle. He began working on the castle in 1998, and 20 years later, Mr. Newman’s vision has come true and produced a beautiful castle that glistens white against the surrounding water of the moat. Tours are available six days a week and include the opportunity to visit the chapel, keep, and courtyard.
Pemberton Castle appeared in the 1994 film Blank Check, and it’s no surprise why: This home is beautiful. The Pemberton Castle gets its name from its location in the Pemberton Heights neighborhood of Austin. However, it’s also known as the Fisher-Gideon House. Built in 1926, it began as a water tower and pump house to fight fires and water crops before expanding into the beautiful Gothic Revival castle it is today.
Built in 1890, Trube Castle delights those who visit the historic district of Galveston, Texas. This Victorian-style castle is 7,000 square feet with 21 rooms and was designed by Alfred Muller for John and Veronica Trube, per Mr. Trube’s request to have it look like the castles he grew up with in Denmark. Over the years, it’s been a private residence, bed and breakfast, and today is rented out for events, photo shoots, and even for a night’s stay. Tours are available by appointment, and are well worth the opportunity to walk upstairs to the observation deck and get a view of the harbor.
