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Historical Loveland Castle
Categories: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Hotels & Travel Tours Arts & Entertainment Museums Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Tours, Museums [Edit]
12025 Shore RdLoveland, OH 45140
(513) 683-4686
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 5 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
10 reviews for Historical Loveland Castle
10 reviews in English
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Review from Travis F.
Florence, KY
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Always a fun and educational time at the Loveland Castle. This place is great to rent out for events, or just to visit to tour the museum. Come in the Spring or Summer and ask for a garden tour. The Knights who run the castle are very knowledgeable about the flowers and plants growing all over the grounds.
Once a month between April and October, they have a "Knights' Tournament" which is like a small renaissance festival. You can buy from vendors, and see shows like sword fighting, belly dancing, music, magic, and even circus acts. -
Review from Emily K.
Tampa, FL
9/27/2011 7 photos
After being a part of a wedding at the Loveland Castle, I have to say it is one of the most enchanting and incredible places I have had the pleasure of experiencing. The grounds are beautiful and the entire atmosphere of the castle has a sense of magic to it. It is dumbfounding to realize that the vision and execution of the structure was the action of one man. Although it is set up like a small museum, the place is not commercialized at all (which I really appreciate).
The site in and of itself is enough to merit a five-star review, but the staff of the castle is so incredible that I would give it a separate five-star rating if I could. Throughout the wedding the "Knights" went above and beyond to attend to every specific need not only of the bride and groom but of every guest in attendance. Passion for the castle flowed from the Knights and swallowed everyone in their path. They certainly added to the charm and specialness of the event.
Driving is the norm, but you can also canoe the Little Miami River to the banks of the castle grounds.
There is some sort of battle over the land--developers want to tear down the historic castle and build river-front McMansions. To lose this site would be to lose an incredible asset not only to Ohio but to the United States. How many hand-built castles can you visit for $3? -
Review from Matthew R.
Middletown, OH
9/12/2011
Great CHEAP fun for the family. Only 3 dollars to wander around the castle and garden.
I'm somewhat of an amateur photographer, and I was able to get some great shots. If only I could've gotten on the roof! They let you look out of a gated door to see the roof, but you can't actually walk out on it. Too bad because it looked like it would've had an amazing view for some great photos.
My son loved being in a REAL castle.
This place is going on my "Cheap Family Entertainment" list.Listed in: Cheap Family Entertainment
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Review from Beth F.
8/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
When I first heard about this place years ago I couldn't believe it was true. A man, almost single handedly built a castle... in Loveland.. Yeah right. How come I had never heard of this so called, castle? I quipped to my well intentioned friend. He said, "Um maybe because you grew up in Hamilton and they don't have any castles there, jerk."
I had to agree, touche' friend of mine.. there is in fact no castle in Hamilton that I'm aware of. So we jumped in the car and headed down to check out this interesting place. Now it was a mission, he didn't care what I thought of the castle.. it was simply an, "I told you so," sort of moment.
We get close and I start seeing the signs everywhere for this, Loveland Castle.. Oh and how cute, it even has a picture of a castle on the sign. I could see him throwing sideways glances at me as we got to the giant hill and with each passing castle sign they became more intense.
We went down to the bottom of this curvy hill, and I tell you what... my mouth fell open, and he did in fact have his, "I told you so," moment. I was shocked. There before my eyes was a castle, and it was an awesome looking castle at that. What's even more awesome, is that Harry built it mostly by hand, by his lonesome.
He had gone to be a medic in WWI because he wanted to be a part of it all, but not involved in the active combat. Oh no, if Harry would have fought someone, he would have preferred to do it man to man with the use of swords. While he was there he contracted spinal meningitis and was assumed to be a vegetable. Apparently his fiance' decided she was going to jump ship at that point, and found another man who made her heart go pitter patter.
Lo and behold, Harry awoke six months later to find he was now a single gent. He left the states and checked out the scene in Europe & France, and when he came back decided he would take his wounded heart and build himself a genuine castle to replicate the beauties he saw during his travels. He was indeed a true medievalist.
Originally the castle was meant for camping. Harry was a huge supporter of the boy scouts and he wanted a cool place to have his meetings and store their equipment. He felt this was a place to get back in touch with what was good, because he didn't have any faith in humanity in general.
He actually built the castle with an axe proof door! He was a bit eccentric to say the least. But even so, it takes a great deal of patience and strength to keep up with your dreams and make them a reality. Harry started the "Knights of the Golden Trail" in hopes of molding young boys into honorable men.
Many women asked for Harry's hand in marriage after this incredible feat. I guess, being a woman myself I can see why. If a man would build a castle for himself, imagine what you could do together as a couple! There is something incredibly romantic about an old castle in the woods. Ok, so maybe I'm eccentric too. Well, at least I admit it!
If you take the daily tours it's only $3, and well worth it. I myself being the eccentric chick that I am.. I'd rather spend the night. If you've never been check it out and help out with the cause. They are saving for a new roof for the castle, and I can't even begin to imagine that phone call. "Roofers are us? Yeah, we need a new roof for our castle."... I rest my case. -
Review from Josh O.
This has to be one of the weirder historical locations that I've ever been to. It's all the way in Loveland, so I don't think it's a destination itself, but if you're riding bikes or anything out that way, you might as well check it out. It's only like $3.
Anyways, they give you the whole story about how some guy spent around fifty years building a castle almost entirely by himself. I can't even begin to imagine how many hours he put into this thing, but I guess everyone needs a hobby.
The tours are self guided and notable sites include the dungeon (with fake hanging skeleton), the builder's old office and bedroom (yes, he did live here), various historical papers documenting the builder's and castle's lives, and the garden. It's October now, so the scenery wasn't as beautiful as I'm sure it is in the Spring or summer, but it's by the Miami River, so that automatically earns it scenery points.
If you're in Cincinnati and have an weekend afternoon to kill, head over to Loveland to ride some bikes and check out the castle. It is actually really neat and very bizarre. I can't say I've ever been to another Medieval-era castle that was built in the twentieth century. -
Review from Karina M.
4/30/2008 3 photos
It is a rare occasion when an urban legend is discovered to be true. Just ask the team of TV's Mythbusters. Yet occasionally there comes a time when reality is stranger than fiction. Just take the case of Loveland Castle.
Also known as Chateau Laroche, this full-size replica of a Norman castle was built over fifty years by the zealous and ingenious Harry D. Andrews. Mr. Andrews spent some time in France during WWI and decided to recreate a chivalrous abode for the Boy Scout troop he supported. Crafted from river bank stones and mortar fashioned by milk cartons, what is most unbelievable (but verified as true) is that Mr. Andrews built this castle almost entirely by himself!
Tragically, Mr. Andrews was killed burning rubbish on the property. This unfortunate circumstance has led some to believe that the 17-room castle is inhabited by ghosts, who protect over the Medieval dwelling. If you'd like to find out for yourself, stop by in October for The Haunted Knights Tour. Less lion-hearted folks can visit during the waking hours for a tranquil tour of the grounds. Admission is $3 (cash only).
Bring your camera (and Proton Pack) or else you'll have a hard time debunking this urban legend. -
Review from Tim D.
1/29/2011
The cost is small (around $3-$4) but the brilliance of Mr. Andrew's endeavor is well worth it. To explore this monument and accept the realization that this man visualized and created it really helps one to appreciate the middle ages and what man, not only could, but had to accomplish with little means. Definitely a crowd pleaser...
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Review from norm b.
Cincinnati, OH
2/5/2011
I found loveland castle by using the Loveland bike trail some years ago and knew I had to find out more. When I was able to get proper directions and landed there, it was awesome! Took the tour and learned the history behind it and how it is maintained today and am in total amazement how it sustains itself. If I never see a real castle up front and personal, this one will have satisfied that want. Having been there at different times of the year, spring, early summer and fall are the best. I have never been a fan of port a potties in the hot summer and that is the only reason that keeps me away at that time of the year. That is the only suggestion I have for them to eventually upgrade. A local band, the "Blues Persuaders" even wrote a song about the castle.
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Review from Andy F.
Mountain View, CA
1/30/2011 1 photo
This is a great little castle that was built by a man who was obsessed with his goal. It only costs $4 to visit. The caretaker tells you the history of the castle, then you're free to wander around by yourself. It's located next to nice river, and they have a small picnic area. If you live near Mason or Loveland, then you should definitely check it out. If you're visiting Kings Island, and want a break from the theme park, spend one or two hours on this short side trip.
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Review from Lauren F.
Indianapolis, IN
9/12/2008
Loveland Castle is definitely a place you have to go if you are a local resident with kids, it's also a fun place to visit for anyone who loves castles, roadside attractions and DIY. Chateau Laroche as it is sometimes called is a castle on the Little Miami River created laboriously from river rock by Harry Andrews. He passed away in 1981. The current upkeep of the castle is done by a group called the Knights of the Golden Trail. The Eastern European style castle has many historic artifacts and photographs detailing some of Harry's history. The landscaping is beautiful, Marvin's Organic Gardens donates time and supplies to keep the tiered gardens and hanging plants in the courtyards looking grand. Halloween is probably the best time to visit, during the Haunted Castle tour. The price is a little higher than the usual $3 charge but well worth the cost and the drive to Loveland, OH.
