Pennsylvania might not be the first place you think of when it comes to castles, but get ready to be seriously surprised.
Scattered across the state, you’ll find towering turrets, medieval-style fortresses, and mansions so grand they look like they belong in a royal fairytale.
Some are rich in history, built by steel tycoons and war heroes, while others boast ghost stories, hidden tunnels, and breathtaking designs.
This road trip will take you to Pennsylvania’s most enchanting castles—each with its own unique story and a touch of magic.
1. Grey Towers National Historic Site
Grey Towers National Historic Site in Milford looks like a French château, complete with stone turrets, grand archways, and an excellent view of the Delaware River.
Built in 1886, this mansion was once home to Gifford Pinchot, America’s first Chief of the U.S. Forest Service.
This explains why the place is surrounded by lush gardens, towering trees, and even a quirky outdoor dining table with a water feature that floats food between guests.
You can tour the elegant rooms, stroll the landscaped grounds, and check out the “Letterbox,” a small cottage where Pinchot worked and stored his papers.
2. The Harry Packer Mansion Inn
The Harry Packer Mansion Inn in Jim Thorpe boasts red brick, grand balconies, and a spooky connection to Disney’s Haunted Mansion.
Built in 1874, this Victorian stunner once housed the wealthy Packer family but now invites guests to sip wine at its lounge or join a murder mystery weekend.
Whether you’re here for the over-the-top architecture, the ghostly legends, or just an excuse to feel fancy for a night, this place is a must-see.
3. Fonthill Castle
Fonthill Castle in Doylestown looks like someone took a medieval fortress, a fairytale tower, and a mad scientist’s workshop and mashed them into one masterpiece.
Built in the early 1900s by archaeologist and tilemaker Henry Chapman Mercer, this concrete castle has a jaw-dropping design.
Its walls, floors, and even ceilings are covered in colorful, hand-crafted tiles that tell stories of history, mythology, and Mercer’s own travels.
Walking through its twisting staircases and hidden alcoves feels like exploring a giant art project, making it one of the most unique (and unexpected) castles in the state.
4. Glencairn Museum
Glencairn Museum in Bryn Athyn is a full-on medieval masterpiece with towering stone walls, stained glass windows, and plenty of religious art.
Built in the 1930s by the Pitcairn family, this former mansion is now a museum filled with ancient artifacts, massive tapestries, and intricate carvings.
Climb the tall tower for an epic view, wander through rooms filled with centuries-old treasures, and pretend you’ve time-traveled to a European monastery!
5. Old Library (Bryn Mawr College)
The Old Library at Bryn Mawr College looks like it was plucked straight from the pages of Harry Potter, with its tall stone arches and ivy-covered walls.
Built between 1904 and 1907, this Gothic Revival gem isn’t just a pretty building—it was once the college’s main library.
Today, its Great Hall still has that perfect mix of academic elegance and cozy, old-world magic.
Even though it’s no longer a functioning library, stepping inside is like discovering a secret study spot where ancient spellbooks might just be waiting to be found.
6. Castle at Little Round Top, Gettysburg
The Castle at Little Round Top is pure battlefield grit—perched on a legendary Civil War site.
This small but mighty stone tower, officially known as the 44th New York Monument, was built in 1893 to honor the soldiers who fought here.
Standing tall over the battlefield, the tower overlooks the rugged terrain where Union troops held the line in 1863.
Whether you’re interested in the Civil War or just here for the amazing views, this castle adds a little medieval flair to one of America’s most famous battlefields.
7. Nemacolin Castle
For some grand staircases, lavish parlors, and a ghostly reputation that’ll give you chills, Nemacolin Castle in Brownsville is well worth the stop.
Originally built as a trading post in the 1780s, it later expanded into a mansion with antique-filled rooms and enough eerie stories to make ghost hunters swoon.
Whether you’re here for a history tour or hoping to spot something supernatural, this spot features old-world beauty with just the right amount of spooky fun.
(Guided tours at Nemacolin Castle normally run from May to September, while ghost tours are available from September to October.)
8. Braddock Carnegie Library
Next up is Braddock Carnegie Library—America’s first Carnegie library, an industrial-era powerhouse from 1889 when steel ruled Pennsylvania.
This isn’t just a place for books; back in the day, it had a swimming pool, a bowling alley, and a gymnasium, making it more of a community hub than a quiet reading spot.
Today, it’s a beautifully restored space packed with history and art.
9. Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa
Capping off this road trip in style, Buhl Mansion Guesthouse & Spa in Sharon is all about luxury—think turrets, stained glass, and an atmosphere fit for royalty.
Built in the 1890s by millionaire Frank H. Buhl, this castle-like mansion is now a high-end inn where you can soak in a whirlpool tub and lounge in a plush robe!
With just 10 opulent rooms, a full-service spa, and a fairytale-worthy garden, this is hands down the most pampered way to end a Pennsylvania castle road trip.
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