Once upon a time… there was a magical road trip that lead to perhaps Pennsylvania’s best castles, spectacular structures that house spas, museums, and memories of the past. This isn’t a fairy tale — it’s one of the best road trips in Pennsylvania! Gas up your car and pack your bags because it’s time to hit the road on this fairy tale road trip that will lead you to some of Pennsylvania’s most stunning castles.
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Google Maps The great thing about a road trip is you can adjust it to your needs. The following itinerary will take you to seven different castles - spanning over 600 miles in 10.5 hours. If you’re short on time, you might want to focus on one particular area rather than driving the entire 600 miles.
- Woodmont in Gladwyne - 1622 Spring Mill Road, Gladwyne, PA, 19035
Woodmont Peace Mission
Woodmont Peace Mission Begin your fairy tale journey at Woodmont in Gladwyne, a place of peace. The site of the International Peace Mission Movement, a movement that kicked off during the Great Depression, beckons visitors with its sheer beauty. Visitors to the castle, which sits atop a hill on 72 acres, welcomes visitors on free guided tours.
Please note: Woodmont is currently closed due to COVID-19; be sure to check their website for opening plans and dates.
- Glencairn Museum - 1001 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA, 19009
Facebook/Glencairn Museum
Facebook/Glencairn Museum Drink in the breathtaking architecture at Glencairn Museum, a stunning castle that serves as a museum of religious history and art. Originally the home of the Pitcairn family, the castle took 11 years - from 1928 to 1938 - to build. Today, visitors of all faiths visit to tour the museum, to celebrate Christmas in the Castle, and to embark on a one-hour guided Easter-season tour. To ensure you get to tour the museum, make reservations in advance.
- Mercer Museum - 84 S Pine Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901
Flickr/Jim, the Photographer
Flickr/William Doyle The Mercer Museum - the inspiration of Henry Mercer - attracts visitors with its stunning architecture and for the very rare collection it houses. Mercer collected and preserved artifacts dating back to pre-industrial civilization, including a carriage, a whale boat, and photographs. Be prepared if you want to see everything the castle houses because it will take some time to see the 40,000 items displayed in more than 50 rooms.
- Fonthill Castle - 525 E Court Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901
Yelp/Jennifer K.
Yelp/Mickey C. Just over a mile from Mercer Museum proudly stands Fonthill Castle, the one-time home of Henry Chapman Mercer, a prominent American archaeologist. The palatial castle boasts a whopping 44 rooms with more than 200 windows, 10 bathrooms, and 18 fireplaces. Make reservations in advance to ensure you get to tour the castle.
- Grey Towers - 151 Grey Towers Drive, Milford, PA, 18337
Facebook/Grey Towers
Facebook/Grey Towers Discover unparalleled beauty and rich Pennsylvania heritage at Grey Towers, a sprawling estate highlighted by the spectacular castle. Built in 1886 for the Pinchot family, Grey Towers eventually became the birthplace - thanks to Pinchot son Gifford - of the conservation movement and the U.S. Forest Service. Embark on a tour of the castle then stroll through the grounds when you visit this piece of Pennsylvania history.
- Buhl Mansion - 422 E State Street, Sharon, PA, 16146
Facebook/Buhl Mansion
Facebook/Buhl Mansion Our penultimate stop of this statewide road trip brings us to a castle of luxury. The stately Buhl Castle hosts guests who want to escape from the harsh realities of every day life and offers spa treatments and luxurious getaways. Named the Best Weekend Getaway by Dream Vacation Magazine last year, Buhl Castle promises to pamper you and to allow you to relax in a fairy tale setting.
- Nemacolin Castle/Bowman Castle - 136 Front Street, Brownsville, PA, 15417
Facebook/Nemacolin Castle
Flickr/Jon Dawson Our fairy tale tour ends at Nemacolin Castle, also commonly referred to as Bowman’s Castle. The impressive structure dates back to the 1790s. Built by the Bowman family, Nemacolin Castle remained the family home until the final member died in 1959. Once the Bowman family was gone, the castle became a museum. Visitors flock to the museum for a dual purpose: To experience its beauty and to discover for themselves if, as local lure says, the castle is haunted.
Hit the road on this unforgettable journey that’s one of the best road trips in Pennsylvania — and an experience that’s sure to make you feel like royalty! For more road trip adventures in the Keystone State, be sure to add these 10 amazing road trips to your Pennsylvania bucket list.
Google Maps
The great thing about a road trip is you can adjust it to your needs. The following itinerary will take you to seven different castles - spanning over 600 miles in 10.5 hours. If you’re short on time, you might want to focus on one particular area rather than driving the entire 600 miles.
Woodmont Peace Mission
Begin your fairy tale journey at Woodmont in Gladwyne, a place of peace. The site of the International Peace Mission Movement, a movement that kicked off during the Great Depression, beckons visitors with its sheer beauty. Visitors to the castle, which sits atop a hill on 72 acres, welcomes visitors on free guided tours.
Please note: Woodmont is currently closed due to COVID-19; be sure to check their website for opening plans and dates.
Facebook/Glencairn Museum
Facebook/Glencairn Museum
Drink in the breathtaking architecture at Glencairn Museum, a stunning castle that serves as a museum of religious history and art. Originally the home of the Pitcairn family, the castle took 11 years - from 1928 to 1938 - to build. Today, visitors of all faiths visit to tour the museum, to celebrate Christmas in the Castle, and to embark on a one-hour guided Easter-season tour. To ensure you get to tour the museum, make reservations in advance.
Flickr/Jim, the Photographer
Flickr/William Doyle
The Mercer Museum - the inspiration of Henry Mercer - attracts visitors with its stunning architecture and for the very rare collection it houses. Mercer collected and preserved artifacts dating back to pre-industrial civilization, including a carriage, a whale boat, and photographs. Be prepared if you want to see everything the castle houses because it will take some time to see the 40,000 items displayed in more than 50 rooms.
Yelp/Jennifer K.
Yelp/Mickey C.
Just over a mile from Mercer Museum proudly stands Fonthill Castle, the one-time home of Henry Chapman Mercer, a prominent American archaeologist. The palatial castle boasts a whopping 44 rooms with more than 200 windows, 10 bathrooms, and 18 fireplaces. Make reservations in advance to ensure you get to tour the castle.
Facebook/Grey Towers
Discover unparalleled beauty and rich Pennsylvania heritage at Grey Towers, a sprawling estate highlighted by the spectacular castle. Built in 1886 for the Pinchot family, Grey Towers eventually became the birthplace - thanks to Pinchot son Gifford - of the conservation movement and the U.S. Forest Service. Embark on a tour of the castle then stroll through the grounds when you visit this piece of Pennsylvania history.
Facebook/Buhl Mansion
Our penultimate stop of this statewide road trip brings us to a castle of luxury. The stately Buhl Castle hosts guests who want to escape from the harsh realities of every day life and offers spa treatments and luxurious getaways. Named the Best Weekend Getaway by Dream Vacation Magazine last year, Buhl Castle promises to pamper you and to allow you to relax in a fairy tale setting.
Facebook/Nemacolin Castle
Flickr/Jon Dawson
Our fairy tale tour ends at Nemacolin Castle, also commonly referred to as Bowman’s Castle. The impressive structure dates back to the 1790s. Built by the Bowman family, Nemacolin Castle remained the family home until the final member died in 1959. Once the Bowman family was gone, the castle became a museum. Visitors flock to the museum for a dual purpose: To experience its beauty and to discover for themselves if, as local lure says, the castle is haunted.
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Address: 1622 Spring Mill Rd., Gladwyne, PA. 19035Address: 1001 Cathedral Road, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009Address: 84 S Pine Street, Doylestown, PA 18901Address: 525 E Court Street, Doylestown, PA 18901Address: 151 Grey Towers Drive, Milford, PA 18337Address: 422 E State Street, Sharon, PA 16146Address: 136 Front Street, Brownsville, PA 15417
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Road Trips in Pennsylvania June 29, 2021 Sarah What are some of the best road trips to take in Pennsylvania? If you enjoyed road tripping to the best castles in Pennsylvania, you’ll definitely want to keep the magic going and embark on this amazing waterfall road trip in the Keystone State. While on this six-hour adventure, you’ll get to visit some wondrous waterfalls such as Ganoga Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park, Bowman Hollow Falls in Forkston, and Bushkill Falls, which are lovingly referred to as the Niagara of Pennsylvania. If you’re in the mood for something a bit less magical and more, shall we say, macabre, then you’ll definitely want to check out this spooky Pennsylvania road trip we devised. The trip stops at notoriously haunted places in Pennsylvania such as Hill View Manor in New Castle, the Mishler Theatre in Altoona, Van Sant Covered Bridge in New Hope, and Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. Does Pennsylvania have many magical places? Pennsylvania is a charming, fairy tale state, full of some of the most winsome and wonderful places in the country! The town of New Hope, for example, is straight from the pages of a fairy tale, complete with enchanting, old architecture, a babbling brook, old-fashioned Main Street, picturesque parks, and its own charming railroad. For an overnight experience that’s absolutely magical, Bear Run Campground near Pittsburgh is as good as it gets. The sprawling campground sits just three miles from Moraine State Park and four miles from McConnells Mill State Park, and features cozy little cabins, beguiling lakes and woods, and its own old-fashioned general store that’s simply delightful! What are some unique castles in Pennsylvania? Looking to mix up your Pennsylvania castle experience? The Carnegie Library of Homestead hails back to 1898, and is a spectacular work of Gothic-inspired architecture. Today, the historic landmark houses a library, an athletic club, and a music hall, for a truly unique experience you can only have in Pennsylvania! Located on the grounds of Stokesay Castle, you’ll find The Knight’s Pub, an acclaimed restaurant in the most unique setting. Meanwhile, up in the Pocono Mountains, Hilltop Castle is 30,000 square feet of luxury, and serves as the most magical, extraordinary overnight destination in Pennsylvania! That’s right – this castle Airbnb can be all yours for the night! The castle boasts 26 bedrooms, 26 bathrooms, a mini golf course, billiards tables, a bowling alley, arcade games, a full-size basketball court, a restaurant-sized kitchen, and even comes with a private chef and a housekeeper, if you choose.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Road Trips in Pennsylvania
June 29, 2021
Sarah
What are some of the best road trips to take in Pennsylvania? If you enjoyed road tripping to the best castles in Pennsylvania, you’ll definitely want to keep the magic going and embark on this amazing waterfall road trip in the Keystone State. While on this six-hour adventure, you’ll get to visit some wondrous waterfalls such as Ganoga Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park, Bowman Hollow Falls in Forkston, and Bushkill Falls, which are lovingly referred to as the Niagara of Pennsylvania. If you’re in the mood for something a bit less magical and more, shall we say, macabre, then you’ll definitely want to check out this spooky Pennsylvania road trip we devised. The trip stops at notoriously haunted places in Pennsylvania such as Hill View Manor in New Castle, the Mishler Theatre in Altoona, Van Sant Covered Bridge in New Hope, and Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia. Does Pennsylvania have many magical places? Pennsylvania is a charming, fairy tale state, full of some of the most winsome and wonderful places in the country! The town of New Hope, for example, is straight from the pages of a fairy tale, complete with enchanting, old architecture, a babbling brook, old-fashioned Main Street, picturesque parks, and its own charming railroad. For an overnight experience that’s absolutely magical, Bear Run Campground near Pittsburgh is as good as it gets. The sprawling campground sits just three miles from Moraine State Park and four miles from McConnells Mill State Park, and features cozy little cabins, beguiling lakes and woods, and its own old-fashioned general store that’s simply delightful! What are some unique castles in Pennsylvania? Looking to mix up your Pennsylvania castle experience? The Carnegie Library of Homestead hails back to 1898, and is a spectacular work of Gothic-inspired architecture. Today, the historic landmark houses a library, an athletic club, and a music hall, for a truly unique experience you can only have in Pennsylvania! Located on the grounds of Stokesay Castle, you’ll find The Knight’s Pub, an acclaimed restaurant in the most unique setting. Meanwhile, up in the Pocono Mountains, Hilltop Castle is 30,000 square feet of luxury, and serves as the most magical, extraordinary overnight destination in Pennsylvania! That’s right – this castle Airbnb can be all yours for the night! The castle boasts 26 bedrooms, 26 bathrooms, a mini golf course, billiards tables, a bowling alley, arcade games, a full-size basketball court, a restaurant-sized kitchen, and even comes with a private chef and a housekeeper, if you choose.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you enjoyed road tripping to the best castles in Pennsylvania, you’ll definitely want to keep the magic going and embark on this amazing waterfall road trip in the Keystone State. While on this six-hour adventure, you’ll get to visit some wondrous waterfalls such as Ganoga Falls at Ricketts Glen State Park, Bowman Hollow Falls in Forkston, and Bushkill Falls, which are lovingly referred to as the Niagara of Pennsylvania. If you’re in the mood for something a bit less magical and more, shall we say, macabre, then you’ll definitely want to check out this spooky Pennsylvania road trip we devised. The trip stops at notoriously haunted places in Pennsylvania such as Hill View Manor in New Castle, the Mishler Theatre in Altoona, Van Sant Covered Bridge in New Hope, and Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.
Does Pennsylvania have many magical places?
Pennsylvania is a charming, fairy tale state, full of some of the most winsome and wonderful places in the country! The town of New Hope, for example, is straight from the pages of a fairy tale, complete with enchanting, old architecture, a babbling brook, old-fashioned Main Street, picturesque parks, and its own charming railroad. For an overnight experience that’s absolutely magical, Bear Run Campground near Pittsburgh is as good as it gets. The sprawling campground sits just three miles from Moraine State Park and four miles from McConnells Mill State Park, and features cozy little cabins, beguiling lakes and woods, and its own old-fashioned general store that’s simply delightful!
What are some unique castles in Pennsylvania?
Looking to mix up your Pennsylvania castle experience? The Carnegie Library of Homestead hails back to 1898, and is a spectacular work of Gothic-inspired architecture. Today, the historic landmark houses a library, an athletic club, and a music hall, for a truly unique experience you can only have in Pennsylvania! Located on the grounds of Stokesay Castle, you’ll find The Knight’s Pub, an acclaimed restaurant in the most unique setting. Meanwhile, up in the Pocono Mountains, Hilltop Castle is 30,000 square feet of luxury, and serves as the most magical, extraordinary overnight destination in Pennsylvania! That’s right – this castle Airbnb can be all yours for the night! The castle boasts 26 bedrooms, 26 bathrooms, a mini golf course, billiards tables, a bowling alley, arcade games, a full-size basketball court, a restaurant-sized kitchen, and even comes with a private chef and a housekeeper, if you choose.
