You’ve seen the photos on Instagram. Towering stone turrets, winding spiral staircases, and that misty, old-world vibe that makes you feel like you’ve accidentally crossed the Atlantic. But here’s the thing: you aren't in the Scottish Highlands or the German countryside. You’re in Ohio.
Most people think of the Midwest as endless cornfields and flat highways, but tucked away in the rolling hills of the Hocking Hills and the dense forests of Mohican State Park, there are genuine fortresses. I’m talking about castles to stay in Ohio that aren't just kitschy motels with a plastic crown at the front desk. These are massive, stone-clad labor-of-love projects that offer everything from ghost hunts to six-course Scottish dinners.
The Reality of Ohio’s "Modern" Castles
If you’re looking for a 1,000-year-old ruin, you won’t find it here. Ohio wasn't exactly a hotspot for feudal lords in the 12th century. Basically, every castle in the state is a "folly" or a revival project.
Take Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Loudonville. It didn’t start with a royal decree. It started with Jim Landoll, a veteran who came home from Europe in the 60s with a head full of dreams and a pocketful of publishing money. He didn't use blueprints. Honestly, that sounds like a recipe for disaster, but he literally built the place one room at a time using stone piles left by early settlers and timber from his own land.
It’s rugged. It’s impressive. And it nearly went under until Gordon Ramsay showed up on Hotel Hell in 2013 and told them to stop acting like a regular hotel and start acting like a castle. Now, it’s a premier wedding destination with a restaurant called The Copper Mug Grille that serves a mean steak.
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Where to Actually Sleep Like Royalty
You have a few distinct flavors of "castle" in the Buckeye State. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
1. Ravenwood Castle (New Plymouth)
Nestled in the woods of Vinton County, Ravenwood is for the nerds. And I say that with total affection. It’s a "Vacation Unplugged" spot, meaning cell service is basically non-existent. You’re there to play board games from their massive library or solve a murder mystery.
- The Vibe: 12th-century English border castle meets Dungeons & Dragons.
- The Room to Get: The Rapunzel Tower. It’s at the highest point of the castle.
- Pro Tip: Try the Sunday morning cinnamon rolls. People literally travel just for those.
2. Glenlaurel, A Scottish Old World Inn (Rockbridge)
This isn’t a "castle" in the sense of a defensive fortress. It’s a Scottish Country Estate. If you want bagpipes and "neeps and tatties," this is your spot. They have a Scottish Links golf course where you play with hickory-shafted clubs and sand tees. It’s wonderfully pretentious in the best possible way.
3. GreatStone Castle (Sidney)
This is a massive limestone mansion that looks like a castle had a baby with a Victorian estate. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places and features 18-inch thick walls. It’s less "hidden in the woods" and more "overlooking downtown Sidney," but the spa in the lower level makes it a top-tier relaxation spot.
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The Mystery of the Castle Inn
Down in Circleville—the town famous for the Pumpkin Show—sits the Castle Inn Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1895 by Samuel Ruggles, it’s a weirdly beautiful mix of European styles.
I’ve heard people say it’s haunted. Whether you believe in that or not, the place is dripping with atmosphere. There are heart-shaped Jacuzzis (very 90s, but weirdly charming) and a library lounge filled with swords and suits of armor. It’s the kind of place where you expect a ghost to join you for breakfast, which usually consists of Apple French Toast made with local eggs.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Stays
The biggest mistake? Treating these like a Marriott.
These are old buildings (or new buildings built with old techniques). That means the floors creak. The Wi-Fi might be spotty. The "medieval village" cottages at Ravenwood might be a bit of a hike from the main hall. You aren't paying for modern efficiency; you’re paying for the fact that you can sit in a stone turret with a glass of wine and look out over 50 acres of forest.
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Also, don't confuse Loveland Castle (Chateau Laroche) with a hotel. Harry Andrews built that thing by hand over decades using stones from the Little Miami River. It is an architectural marvel and the world headquarters of the Knights of the Golden Trail. But you can't sleep there. It’s a museum. You go there to see the dungeon and the gardens, then you head back to a B&B to sleep.
Practical Advice for Your Castle Quest
If you're actually planning to book one of these castles to stay in Ohio, keep these three things in mind:
- Book Way Ahead: Especially for October. Between the Hocking Hills fall foliage and the ghost tours at Landoll's, these places fill up months in advance.
- Check the Event Calendar: You might accidentally book your romantic getaway during a 40-person Murder Mystery weekend. If you like role-playing, that’s a win. If you want silence, it’s a nightmare.
- Dress for the Weather: Castles are notoriously drafty, even the modern ones. Pack an extra sweater.
Ohio’s castles aren't about history in the European sense. They’re about the American spirit of "I want to build a fortress in my backyard, so I’m going to do it." That's what makes staying in them so fun. It's eccentric, it's slightly over-the-top, and it's a hell of a lot more interesting than a standard hotel room.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of an Ohio castle stay, start by picking your "vibe." If you want luxury and fine dining, look at Glenlaurel. If you want a quirky, unplugged gaming weekend, Ravenwood is the winner. For those who want to be near the Mohican River for kayaking and hiking, Landoll’s is the obvious choice. Map out your route through the Hocking Hills or the Mohican Valley, as the drive to these locations is often as scenic as the castles themselves. Once you've chosen, call the innkeepers directly; they often have better insights on which specific tower room or cottage fits your needs than the online booking portals do.