Jim Bishop started this project back in 1969. He just wanted a “cute little weekend cabin” for his family. Classic weekend project, right? Just a simple cabin.
Well, that “cabin” turned into a three-story, 160-foot-tall stone tower with a dragon on top. Whoops. He just kept adding a room, then a bridge, then a dome. He’s still working on it, by the way. He’s basically a human beaver with a welding torch.
It’s Weird and Wonderful
Walking up to this place is a trip. You round a corner on the highway and suddenly—BAM—a castle towers over the pine trees. It feels like a fever dream. A very, very awesome fever dream.
The whole thing is covered in intricate wrought-iron work. Jim is a master metal-smith. He’s got eagles, flowers, and giant metal spiders crawling up the walls. Why? Because he could. I love that energy.
There’s also a giant iron dragon head that breathes actual fire. I am not making this up. On busy days, Jim fires it up, and this 20-foot-tall beast roars flames into the sky. It’s the most gloriously American thing I have ever seen.
The “Castle Rules” Are… Unique
You are allowed to walk through the entire structure. Climb the spiral staircases. Go to the very top of the tower. There are no safety rails. None. Zero. It’s a lawsuit waiting to happen, and that’s exactly why it’s so fun.
Jim even has signs that say things like, “This is not a government-run project. You are responsible for your own safety.” He’s basically saying, “Hey, don’t be an idiot, and you’ll be fine.” Refreshing, right?
The 22 Gorgeous U.S. Castles That Are Fit for a Fairy Tale - The
And get this: he hates the government. He built this castle in defiance of bureaucracy. The whole place is decorated with signs that say stuff like, “Bureaucrats are the enemy of freedom.” It’s a political rant in stone form.
