Castle Farms | Michigan's Most Beautiful Castle & Gardens

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Castle Farms is one of Michigan’s most iconic buildings and one of the state’s largest gardens. Originally a model farm, then later a concert venue which hosted iconic names like AC/DC, Stevie Nicks, Metallica and many others, the property eventually fell into disrepair until it was purchased and revitalized to the tune of $15 Million USD by a couple with plans to turn it into the state’s most romantic building.

Castle Farms Michigan's Most Beautiful Castle with Expansive Gardens in Charlevoix, Michigan

Castle Farms & Gardens

Name: Castle Farms
Location: Charlevoix, Michigan
Address: 5052 M-66
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Admission: $11-15 per Adult
Hours: Click Here for Hours
Parking: Free parking
Accessible: Yes, mostly

Castles Farms has a long, and fascinating history. It’s very uncommon to see anything resembling a castle in either of Michigan’s peninsulas, and so to find one thats beauty rivals castles in Europe and Asia is a very uncommon sight. Originally built as a model farm for Sears, Roebuck & Company to display their farming equipment and some homewares, the castle has been the site of wartime support efforts, and was also a very popular concert venue that housed acts like AC/DC, Aerosmith, Metallica, REO Speedwagon, Ozzy Osborn, Stevie Nicks, The Beach Boys, Bon Jovi, and dozens more.

After falling into nearly unrecognizable disrepair, the property was purchased by a married couple, Linda and Richard Mueller, who spent an estimated $15 million USD to restore the castle to its current beautiful state, and purchase adjacent acres to expand the property. Featuring a large duck pond, sprawling seasonal gardens, several fountains, and even a dragon, the property is now one of Michigan’s most beloved gardens, museums, and event venues.

It’s also one of the midwest’s most impressive feats of architecture. Mr. and Mrs. Mueller purchased the original blueprints to the castle and recreated the castle’s original look, right down to the tiles and swirled, conical timber roofs. Several new additions to the castle include Mr. Mueller’s impressive train collection, which draws thousands of families from around the midwest to view and enjoy his hand designed train paths.

In the summertime, the gardens burst to life with thousands of beautiful blooms that create romantic sitting areas, and together create one of the most beautiful gardens in the state. Since it’s such a unique and charming event venue, it’s no surprise that Castle Farms is one of the midwest’s most popular wedding venues. Sometimes as many as four weddings will happen on the property, and since it’s so large, it’s able to accommodate simultaneous events without the threat of them spilling into one another.

Next time you’re “Up North”, visit Castle Farms, stroll the gardens, and feed the ducks at the duck pond! Read more about Castle Farms and the surrounding area in my Charlevoix Travel Guide.