It goes without saying that castles are hard to come by these days. In addition to being rare, they’re also usually mansions with a special title. However, this tiny abandoned castle in the middle of Kansas prairie has historic value, even without any famous residents.
Coronado Heights was built in honor of an explorer named Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, who was searching for the Native nation of Quivira. He was on a hunt for a land with “trees hung with golden bells” as well as “pots and pans of beaten gold.” However, he sadly never found the fabled gold, and he only got as far as here before turning tail and heading home. Today, the trail is about a 2-mile loop around the castle and is open for pets and bikes. Let’s take a look!
This stunning hike outside of Lindsborg ends in both a castle and a legend.
Steven Rodriquez/Flickr
In the 1930s, this castle was built by the Public Works Administration, and it continues to be a great place to explore with your family and enjoy the nature surrounding you.
Steven Rodriquez/Flickr
Though nobody has lived here (that we know of, anyways,) the castle is ‘abandoned’ in the way that all prairie buildings are; there’s rarely anyone here. Plus, it marks the spot where the explorer abandoned his search for the fabled city of gold.
Darla Abernathy/Flickr
It’s got a unique shape and plenty of places to picnic, but the best part about this castle is the history.
Eric/Flickr
With views like this, who wouldn’t want to stop by on their next family trip?
Patrick Emerson/Flickr
In addition to this stunning castle ending to a trail, there’s also this hike ending in caves!
Steven Rodriquez/Flickr
Darla Abernathy/Flickr
Eric/Flickr
Patrick Emerson/Flickr
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