When I moved back to Oklahoma from Europe, I thought my days of exploring castles were over for a while, but then I started traveling around the state and realized there are actually quite a few castles in Oklahoma! I had no idea.
And I’ve been to a ton of the most beautiful castles in the world, but I have to tell you, I have a soft spot for the castles in Ok.
Here are the best Oklahoma castles and tips for planning your own OK castle adventure!
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How to Visit Oklahoma’s Castles
Well, if you’re an Oklahoman you probably already know that getting around the state is really tough without a car. Unfortunately, none of these are easily reachable by public transportation. You really need your own wheels. If you don’t have any, I have tips below for renting a car.
The good news is that most of these are easy day trips from Oklahoma City and many are equally easy to visit as a day trip from Tulsa. However, if you do decide to stay nearby, all of these would make excellent Oklahoma weekend getaways.
Do You Need a Car for Your Trip?
It’s awfully hard to get around Oklahoma without a car. If you need to rent one, I use Discover Cars. You’ll be able to pick up a car at the airport or in your hometown.
Check availability and get a quote for a rental car for your trip.
The Best Castles in Oklahoma
In no particular order…
The Castle of Muskogee
The Castle of Muskogee is located in Muskogee, which is east of Oklahoma City. The castle, with its magnificent towers, is famous for hosting several different festivals, including Halloween festivals and the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival. It even contains a dungeon and torture chamber.
It was built on a lodge by Jeff Hiller, a fireworks store owner on Muskogee Elks Lodge, which gradually expanded to form the Castle of Muskogee after Jeff Hiller moved his store there. In 1995, the structure was fortified and rebuilt to create a park-like environment suitable for both adults and children.
The castle is dedicated to promoting arts. Therefore, numerous artifacts and decorations are found within and around the castle.
Collings Castle (Turner Falls)
Collings Castle was built during the great depression and is absolutely enchanting. Located in Turner Falls, this castle was built by Ellsworth Collings in the 1930s. The rooms within the castle are built to resemble a maze. The castle is a merge of two different castles; one a lot larger (three stories) than the other (one story).
The Castle also has a ranch and a museum in addition to many hidden rooms and is perfect for lovers of old buildings and architecture. With incredibly steep staircases and walls that can be described as something out of the 18th century, Collings Castle promises a riveting experience for tourists.
Jay Castle
Jay Castle is located in Jay, Oklahoma, and is a private waterfront that can be rented out by individuals for about $4,300 per week. It covers 12 acres and is especially perfect for a summer vacation with family or a romantic retreat.
The castle is hidden by large greenery and forest trees. It is a massive 4000 square foot castle built around four 40ft stone towers.
Although its history is not exactly clear, Jay Castle promises luxury and the comfort of the 21st century in an 18th century-looking environment.
Reynolds Castle
Reynolds Castle, also called James E. Reynolds House and Captains Castle is located in Le Flore County, Oklahoma City. The castle was built in the late 1800s by James E. Reynolds for his wife, a soldier and entrepreneur.
It covers 3 acres of land and contains ten rooms. The massive structure was built from stone and is an architectural masterpiece. It has both inner and outer walls of the castle that insulated with sand and gravel to keep it warm even in very cold weather.
Reynolds Castle is currently a private residence and it was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Kiefer Castle
Kiefer Castle is beyond magnificent. Located between Tulsa and Oklahoma City in Kiefer, this castle was built to look somewhat like a fairy tale, with its towers rising above the lush greenery surrounding it. The number of rooms within the castle is unknown even by the owner.
Little is known about the Kiefer Castle, not when it was built or how many square meters it covers. Perhaps the mystery behind it is what draws people in more. It is food for the eyes and a must-see by tourists.
Castle Falls
Another incredible castle in Oklahoma is Castle Falls. Located in Oklahoma City, this castle was built nearly two decades after World War I by Bill Blecha, a soldier originally from Oklahoma City.
This castle was built in Normandy style as Bill was stationed there during the war. The construction of the castle took a staggering five years. The walls of the castle are 24-inch thick, with the castle itself being three levels tall.
The castle is a testament that hard work and perseverance are the keys to achieving dreams. It is available for tourists who are fascinated by the success story of the late Bill Blecha. It is a popular site for weddings and other events, though you can eat in the restaurant if you just want to check it out.
Leonardo’s Castle
Are you curious about what a wooden castle looks like? Well, you should visit Leonardo’s castle to find out. The castle is a part of Adventure Quest that began operations in 1996. Adventure Quest is the largest outdoor community playground in the world.
Located in Enid, Oklahoma, the castle, which is three-stories-tall with bridges, mazes, slides, museum swings, a water table, and a dinosaur dig, looks like it was ripped right out of a 1990s Childrens fantasy book.
Perhaps because of its uniqueness and artistic excellence, it was named after the famous artist Leonardo da Vinci. The castle was built by 12,000 volunteers.
Castle Playground at the Gathering Place
Castle Playground is constructed inside the public space called the Gathering Place in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
It was built by Billionaire George Kaisa and was opened for operations in September 2018. The Gathering Place is well-blended with a mix of different activities from sports to well-decorated gardens.
The castle is right in the middle of all these activities. Both adults and children are allowed to climb and explore the secrets that lie within its walls.
Wentz Castle
Located in Ponca City, Oklahoma, Wentz Castle overlooks Lake Ponca at the Wentz Camp and Pool. This castle was built with stone castle design by Lew Wentz, a wealthy businessman from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1928.
Smaller castles surround the main castle to create a picturesque environment for a romantic getaway or a memorable family holiday. There is a pool located within the castle that is opened on specific days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The area around the pool is well-groomed and kept clean. The collection is well-sanitized therefore safe.
The University of Oklahoma
While they might not be called castles outright, I find many of the buildings and gateways of the campus at the University of Oklahoma to be castle-like. So much so that this lawn at OU reminds me a lot of my visit to Windsor Castle. Yes, I’m serious.
So if you’re looking for the perfect backdrop to a medieval-themed photo shoot or event, Norman would make the location. There’s a Norman/Normandy France pun in here somewhere, but I can’t find it.
Oklahoma Travel Resources
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What to Pack for a Trip in Oklahoma
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Stephanie Craig is a born-and-bred Oklahoma mom and travel expert who has been to over fifty countries. After traveling all over the world, Stephanie moved back to Oklahoma to explore more of her own backyard. Her favorite things to do in Oklahoma include visiting the Blue Whale of Catoosa, the Arcadia Round Barn, and the Talimena Scenic Byway.
Thank you for all your hard work gathering all the information and photos that show us what a wonderful state we live in.
You have truly created the ULTIMATE OKLAHOMA TRAVEL BLOG!!
Awe that is so sweet. Thank you!