A castle is a quintessential component of any fairy tale. And if you’re looking to bring your fairy tale dreams to life, a visit to Kelley Castle is sure to do the trick. You’ve got to plan accordingly, though, because this castle in Tomahawk is only open to the public once a year. Take a look:
Kelley Castle in Wisconsin is one of the state’s best-kept secrets, hiding deep within the woods in Little Rice, a tiny town in Oneida County.
Chris Hren/Google
The 3-story regal abode is the creation of Pete Kelley, who began bringing his royal dreams to life back in 1987, when he started clearing the land that’s now occupied by his namesake castle.
Kelley Castle/Facebook
Construction on the castle itself began in 1994, but don’t assume it’s finished. The castle is a “life-long work in progress.”
Kelley Castle/Facebook
Over the years, the castle has only grown more regal in appearance.
Kelley Castle/Facebook
From the turrets to a mounted flag complete with a crest, it’s like something straight from a fairy tale.
Sarah Merline/Google
There’s even a moat! The castle is actually situated on an island, which is only accessible by a 3-foot-wide pedestrian bridge.
Kelley Castle/Facebook
The fact that the castle is isolated and hidden from plain view hasn’t stopped it from garnering some attention, though.
Mike Smith/Google
Most recently, it was featured in Our Wisconsin magazine.
Kelley Castle/Facebook
Located on private property and situated behind a locked gate, the castle is off limits to the public…for the most part.
Richard Westcott/Google
Every fall during Tomahawk’s Fall Ride, the castle opens to the public for one weekend. When open, guests are allowed to tour the property, which is brimming with photo-ops so make sure to bring a camera.
Arleen/TripAdvisor
Chris Hren/Google
Kelley Castle/Facebook
Sarah Merline/Google
Mike Smith/Google
Richard Westcott/Google
Arleen/TripAdvisor
For more information and to keep up with the progress of Kelley Castle in Wisconsin, visit the official Facebook page.
So, did you know about this hidden castle in Tomahawk? Have you ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Maybe you know of another isolated castle? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t the state’s only regal gem. Check out our previous article to learn about another castle in Wisconsin that also happens to be a world-class cheese shop. Don’t forget to nominate your favorite castles in Wisconsin (or any other noteworthy attractions) for the chance to see them featured in an upcoming article!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: 2815 Rice Rd, Tomahawk, WI 54487, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kelley Castle In Wisconsin & Related Info December 12, 2022 Katie Lawrence What should I know about visiting Kelley Castle in Wisconsin? There are several important things to note about visiting Kelley Castle in Wisconsin. These include:
The castle is only open to the public for one weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) every fall Hours are typically 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, and the event is usually held in mid-September The driveway leading to the castle is entirely unpaved, so visitors should use extreme caution Admission is free; however, donations are accepted (and encouraged - all proceeds go towards further improvements on the castle) Activities include costumed characters such as knights, a scavenger hunt for children, and more Private events, such as weddings, can be held at the castle any time of year - please contact the castle directly for more information
Are there any other castles in Wisconsin? Other castles in Wisconsin include:
Mader’s Restaurant, Milwaukee
Located in Milwaukee’s Old World Third Street Historic District, this longstanding German restaurant resembles a castle both inside and out.
Mars’ Cheese Castle, Kenosha
For over 60 years, Mars’ Cheese Castle is a castle-themed cheese shop with hundreds of different types of cheese, plus other local foods and even an on-site restaurant.
Elk Mound Castle, Dunn County
A 3-story observation tower dating to 1937, the abandoned Elk Mound Castle was dedicated as a memorial to postal service employees in Dunn County. It’s also rumored to be haunted.
History Museum at the Castle, Appleton
This unique history museum near the Lawrence University campus is housed in a 1920s building that was once a Masonic temple. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and details the rich history of the Fox Valley dating back to before Wisconsin achieved statehood.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kelley Castle In Wisconsin & Related Info
December 12, 2022
Katie Lawrence
What should I know about visiting Kelley Castle in Wisconsin? There are several important things to note about visiting Kelley Castle in Wisconsin. These include:
The castle is only open to the public for one weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) every fall Hours are typically 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, and the event is usually held in mid-September The driveway leading to the castle is entirely unpaved, so visitors should use extreme caution Admission is free; however, donations are accepted (and encouraged - all proceeds go towards further improvements on the castle) Activities include costumed characters such as knights, a scavenger hunt for children, and more Private events, such as weddings, can be held at the castle any time of year - please contact the castle directly for more information
Are there any other castles in Wisconsin? Other castles in Wisconsin include:
Mader’s Restaurant, Milwaukee
Located in Milwaukee’s Old World Third Street Historic District, this longstanding German restaurant resembles a castle both inside and out.
Mars’ Cheese Castle, Kenosha
For over 60 years, Mars’ Cheese Castle is a castle-themed cheese shop with hundreds of different types of cheese, plus other local foods and even an on-site restaurant.
Elk Mound Castle, Dunn County
A 3-story observation tower dating to 1937, the abandoned Elk Mound Castle was dedicated as a memorial to postal service employees in Dunn County. It’s also rumored to be haunted.
History Museum at the Castle, Appleton
This unique history museum near the Lawrence University campus is housed in a 1920s building that was once a Masonic temple. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and details the rich history of the Fox Valley dating back to before Wisconsin achieved statehood.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are several important things to note about visiting Kelley Castle in Wisconsin. These include:
- The castle is only open to the public for one weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) every fall
- Hours are typically 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, and the event is usually held in mid-September
- The driveway leading to the castle is entirely unpaved, so visitors should use extreme caution
- Admission is free; however, donations are accepted (and encouraged - all proceeds go towards further improvements on the castle)
- Activities include costumed characters such as knights, a scavenger hunt for children, and more
- Private events, such as weddings, can be held at the castle any time of year - please contact the castle directly for more information
Are there any other castles in Wisconsin?
Other castles in Wisconsin include:
- Mader’s Restaurant, Milwaukee
Located in Milwaukee’s Old World Third Street Historic District, this longstanding German restaurant resembles a castle both inside and out.
- Mars’ Cheese Castle, Kenosha
For over 60 years, Mars’ Cheese Castle is a castle-themed cheese shop with hundreds of different types of cheese, plus other local foods and even an on-site restaurant.
- Elk Mound Castle, Dunn County
A 3-story observation tower dating to 1937, the abandoned Elk Mound Castle was dedicated as a memorial to postal service employees in Dunn County. It’s also rumored to be haunted.
- History Museum at the Castle, Appleton
This unique history museum near the Lawrence University campus is housed in a 1920s building that was once a Masonic temple. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and details the rich history of the Fox Valley dating back to before Wisconsin achieved statehood.
