There are many cities in the United States with a far-reaching history. Cleveland, however, was first established in 1796, making our community significantly younger than our neighboring states to the east. Despite its fairly short existence, the city and its surrounding suburbs have collected a fairly interesting collection of historic buildings and structures. One of the most fascinating structures in Greater Cleveland is actually hidden in the Cleveland Metroparks, and its hollowed interior has intrigued adventurers since it was abandoned long ago. Now, you can actually camp at this castle near Cleveland. This is one overnight adventure you won’t soon forget. Who's ready to go camping at the Cleveland Metroparks castle?
Feargus O'Conner Bowden Squire was born in the United Kingdom in 1850, but he made Northeast Ohio his home.
Squire was 10 years old when his family moved to Cleveland. He, like many young men of the era, entered the workforce at just 15 years of age. His distinguished nature and sharp mind took him far; he would go on to become the mayor of Wickliffe, Ohio, and he was also an executive with the Standard Oil Co.
While Feargus B. Squire did much for the area, one of his most notable accomplishments was the construction of Squire’s Castle.
Squire’s primary residence was on Millionaire's Row, but he dreamed of having a home in the lovely Ohio countryside. He purchased 525 acres and began construction on a gatekeeper’s house in 1895. The rustic fairytale structure was finished two years later, but he never built his own countryside estate on the site.
While Squire’s daughter did occasionally use the site as a country escape, it sat vacant for most of its existence and eventually succumbed to vandalism.
According to local lore, Squire’s wife is said to haunt the site, though she disliked the home in real life. Squire himself rarely visited, and he eventually sold it in 1922. Just three years later, it came into the possession of the Cleveland Metroparks.
After it was absorbed and incorporated into North Chagrin Reservation, its interior was hollowed and the structure was opened to the public.
The structure was gutted of its original architectural elements, leaving only its strong sandstone bones to stand against the elements. Its leaded glass windows were also removed, leaving only a façade and bricks.
North Chagrin Reservation is typically open between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., and Squire’s Castle is one of the park’s most visited sites…
Visitors also enjoy visiting the park’s visitor center, Sunset Pond, Manakiki Golf Course, and A.B. Williams Memorial Woods.
…But the castle is about to become one of the most epic camping sites this summer.
In August of 2019, the grassy meadow around this stunning structure will turn into a campground for one memorable night. Visitors will adore gathering a campfire, watching the shadows it casts dance over what remains of Squire’s Castle.
The castle camping trip will take place on August 3 into August 4, 2019, and it costs just $10 to reserve your spot!
You’ll want to bring dinner to prepare that evening, and it’s not a bad idea to bring flashlights and bug spray. You can reserve your spot and find a list of suggested supplies you’ll need here.
Summertime at this fairytale castle is downright magical… especially after hours!
Address: 2844 River Road, Willoughby Hills, OH, 44094
Cleveland is an incredible place to call home, but its park district provides the best destinations for magical evenings reconvening with nature. Will you be camping at Squire’s Castle this summer? We can’t wait!
Are you fascinated by castles? You're not alone, and there are actually many throughout Northeast Ohio! Take this road trip to see Cleveland's best castles.
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