When you think of castles, your mind probably immediately goes to the European countryside, perhaps England, Ireland, or France. However, there actually are a handful of castles hiding right here in Kentucky. (The Bluegrass State is certainly full of surprises!) These charming castles in Kentucky are all absolutely worth visiting, and we created this road trip so you can do just that. Our Kentucky Castle Road Trip is a royal adventure that will give you newfound appreciation for the great state of Kentucky!
Below is a photo of the map of the route. It will take about five hours, and we recommend doing the bulk of the trip in one day, and then staying over night at Castle Post before traveling the longest and final leg of the journey the next day. And please note, that while you can tour some of these Kentucky castles; for others, you will simply have to admire from the outside.
1. The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum - Louisville
The journey starts in Louisville at the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, sometimes called Conrad’s Castle. This castle-like house was completed in 1895, and is located in the historic and beautiful St. James Court in Old Louisville. Guided tours of the house are available during the week, and they're absolutely worth it so you can learn about this attraction's rich history.
The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is located at 1402 Street James Court, Louisville, KY, 40208.
2. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens - Crestwood
Next on our castle road trip, you will head east to Crestwood to visit the gorgeous Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. This internationally-recognized nonprofit center for gardening, plants, and education is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and gives off all the royal vibes. You could wander around for hours observing all the unique and vibrant plants and flowers there, but one of the most iconic sites is, of course, the castle. It was originally built as a pool house for Yew Dell’s original owner, Theodore Klein, but you can now rent space in it for meetings or special occasions.
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is located at 6220 Old La Grange Road, Crestwood, KY, 40014.
3. Castle and Key Distillery - Frankfort
Now you will head into the heart of Bourbon Country. Located in Woodford County is an old, once-abandoned distillery housed in a small castle. The Old Taylor Distillery was built in 1887 by Col. E.H. Taylor, but eventually fell victim to decades of neglect and vandalism. Luckily, it is under new ownership, and is now a booming distillery in Kentucky. It is the home of Castle & Key Distillery, which produces bourbon (obviously, because we are in Kentucky!), rye whiskey, and gin.
Castle and Key Distillery is located at 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY, 40601.
4. The Kentucky Castle - Versailles
For the final stop of the day, you will venture out to what is probably the most well-known castle in the state, The Kentucky Castle, formerly known as Castle Post. This destination is romantic and scenic, and absolutely a place that needs to be on any Kentuckian's bucket list. You'll love the panoramic views of the rolling hills and countryside of The Bluegrass State.
The Kentucky Castle is located at 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY, 40383.
5. Guthrie Castle, Guthrie
Out final stop is a total hidden gem. After spending the night in Versailles, you will make the longest and final leg of the journey down to southern Kentucky. Located in the town of Guthrie, this old house was built in the late 1800s by the Mimms family. They were inspired to build a home in this style after a trip to England, and this majestic home is the result.
Find this stunning castle-house located on the corner of N. Ewing Street and Park Street in Guthrie, KY, 42234.
If you're ready for a mini-vacation that will make you feel like royalty, then definitely tackle our Kentucky Castle Road Trip. It's easily our most regal road trip -- but definitely not the only memorable journey you can take in Kentucky! These eight quick road trips in Kentucky are sure to cure your case of wanderlust.
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