Most people don’t realize just how many castles are hiding in Ohio. From gorgeous inns to historic structures that were never fully completed, each one has its own unique story to tell.
There’s nothing quite like an Ohio castle hike when you want to go on a real life adventure that’s unexpected—but also doable. Squire’s Castle at North Chagrin Reservation in Willoughby, Ohio is a lovely little hidden gem you’ll want to explore if you haven’t already. This unfinished castle has an interesting history and is easy for hikers and bikers to access. Take the loop trail for a picture perfect summer afternoon or autumn day hike. Check it out:
Tucked away in one of the Cleveland Metro Parks, you’ll find this fairytale-like landmark. It’s unexpected and really neat to explore.
sunsets_for_you/Flickr
Within the North Chagrin Reservation, you can take a 2.2-mile loop trail that leads right to Squire’s Castle. The trailhead is located at 2794 River Rd., Willoughby 44094.
buschap/Flickr
You can explore the outside and inside of this gorgeous structure, which was modeled after German and English baronial castles.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Squire’s Castle dates back to 1890 and was a labor of love, built by Feargus B. Squire. He was one of the founders of the Standard Oil Company and wanted to build the castle for his wife.
Tim Evanson/Flickr
Sadly, the castle was never finished, due to the death of Mr. Squire’s wife.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Cleveland Metro Parks purchased the property in 1925. Today, the public can explore what is left of the incomplete structure.
buschap/Flickr
Some locals speculate that the castle is haunted. One legend claims the ghost of Mrs. Squire haunts the castle grounds after nightfall.
tornadogrrrl/Flickr
Whether or not you believe the castle is haunted, however, it’s undeniable that it’s beautiful to explore—no matter the season.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Did you know about this trail and have you been on this Ohio castle hike? (You can find the trailhead at 2794 River Rd., Willoughby 44094.) If you’ve ever explored this castle before, we want to know what your experience was like!
sunsets_for_you/Flickr
buschap/Flickr
Erik Drost/Flickr
Tim Evanson/Flickr
tornadogrrrl/Flickr
For more castles in Ohio, check out our previous article: Most People Don’t Know These Hidden Castles Are Right Here In Ohio.
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Address: 2794 River Rd., Willoughby 44094
The OIYS Visitor Center
Ohio Castle Hike December 20, 2019 April Dray Are there any other abandoned castles in Ohio? Currently, there are no other abandoned castles in Ohio, although there are several abandoned places in Ohio you can explore. Franklin’s Castle in Cleveland, Ohio was once abandoned but is now privately owned and in the process of restoration. It’s also rumored to be haunted, much like Squire’s Castle. To read more about the unique history and alleged hauntings behind Franklin’s Castle, check out our previous article: This Ohio House Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation. Are there any other castles in Ohio you can hike to? Although there are several castles in Ohio, the only castle you can hike to is Squire’s Castle. There are multiple castles you can stay overnight in, such as Ravenwood Castle in New Plymouth and Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Loudonville. You can also tour some castles in Ohio, such as The Château Laroche in Loveland and The Piatt Castles in West Liberty. To read about other castles in Ohio and how you can explore them, check out our previous article: Visit 11 Majestic Castles That Are Hidden Throughout Ohio. What other hikes in Ohio lead to abandoned places? There are multiple Ohio hikes to abandoned places that are hiding in unexpected places. You can hike to the abandoned Moonville Tunnel via the Moonville Rail Trail in McArthur, Ohio. You can hike to the abandoned Cherry Valley Iron Works coke ovens at Leetonia Beehive Coke Ovens Park. You can even hike to some abandoned railroad tracks via The Valley Trail at Ault Park in Cincinnati. There are very few abandoned towns left in Ohio. Mineral and Moonville are arguably the most accessible. Other abandoned towns in Ohio that are more difficult to explore include Cheshire, Boston Mills (also known as “Hell Town”) and Carpenter’s Mill.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Ohio Castle Hike
December 20, 2019
April Dray
Are there any other abandoned castles in Ohio? Currently, there are no other abandoned castles in Ohio, although there are several abandoned places in Ohio you can explore. Franklin’s Castle in Cleveland, Ohio was once abandoned but is now privately owned and in the process of restoration. It’s also rumored to be haunted, much like Squire’s Castle. To read more about the unique history and alleged hauntings behind Franklin’s Castle, check out our previous article: This Ohio House Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation. Are there any other castles in Ohio you can hike to? Although there are several castles in Ohio, the only castle you can hike to is Squire’s Castle. There are multiple castles you can stay overnight in, such as Ravenwood Castle in New Plymouth and Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Loudonville. You can also tour some castles in Ohio, such as The Château Laroche in Loveland and The Piatt Castles in West Liberty. To read about other castles in Ohio and how you can explore them, check out our previous article: Visit 11 Majestic Castles That Are Hidden Throughout Ohio. What other hikes in Ohio lead to abandoned places? There are multiple Ohio hikes to abandoned places that are hiding in unexpected places. You can hike to the abandoned Moonville Tunnel via the Moonville Rail Trail in McArthur, Ohio. You can hike to the abandoned Cherry Valley Iron Works coke ovens at Leetonia Beehive Coke Ovens Park. You can even hike to some abandoned railroad tracks via The Valley Trail at Ault Park in Cincinnati. There are very few abandoned towns left in Ohio. Mineral and Moonville are arguably the most accessible. Other abandoned towns in Ohio that are more difficult to explore include Cheshire, Boston Mills (also known as “Hell Town”) and Carpenter’s Mill.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Currently, there are no other abandoned castles in Ohio, although there are several abandoned places in Ohio you can explore. Franklin’s Castle in Cleveland, Ohio was once abandoned but is now privately owned and in the process of restoration. It’s also rumored to be haunted, much like Squire’s Castle. To read more about the unique history and alleged hauntings behind Franklin’s Castle, check out our previous article: This Ohio House Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation.
Are there any other castles in Ohio you can hike to?
Although there are several castles in Ohio, the only castle you can hike to is Squire’s Castle. There are multiple castles you can stay overnight in, such as Ravenwood Castle in New Plymouth and Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Loudonville. You can also tour some castles in Ohio, such as The Château Laroche in Loveland and The Piatt Castles in West Liberty. To read about other castles in Ohio and how you can explore them, check out our previous article: Visit 11 Majestic Castles That Are Hidden Throughout Ohio.
What other hikes in Ohio lead to abandoned places?
There are multiple Ohio hikes to abandoned places that are hiding in unexpected places. You can hike to the abandoned Moonville Tunnel via the Moonville Rail Trail in McArthur, Ohio. You can hike to the abandoned Cherry Valley Iron Works coke ovens at Leetonia Beehive Coke Ovens Park. You can even hike to some abandoned railroad tracks via The Valley Trail at Ault Park in Cincinnati. There are very few abandoned towns left in Ohio. Mineral and Moonville are arguably the most accessible. Other abandoned towns in Ohio that are more difficult to explore include Cheshire, Boston Mills (also known as “Hell Town”) and Carpenter’s Mill.
