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Bishop's Castle
The largest self-built castle in the US
Category Eccentric Homes, Outsider Architecture
At the age of 15, Jim Bishop dropped out of high school after being told he would "never amount to anything." With the help of his parents Jim saved up and bought himself a two and a half acre plot of land in rural Colorado, planning to hunt and live on it. A frontier spirit, when Jim decided it was time for him and his wife to get a house, he figured he would build it himself. What started as a one room stone cottage would soon grow to astounding proportions: it may be the largest one-man architecture project in the world.
Today the frontier fortress reaches over 16 stories high, has three large cathedral windows, wrought iron walkways and a steel fire-breathing dragon. Today Jim Bishop is 63 and is still building. It is unlikely he will stop anytime soon.
In his own words: "Everything just seems to work, What's real neat about not having blueprints is that if you make a mistake, you call it art."
The castle is part of a non-profit organization. This free attraction is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. A gift shop is open Monday - Saturday from 10 am-6 p.m.
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- Hours Generally open during daylight hours. Call ahead to confirm.
- Address Custer County, Colorado, United States
- Cost Donation
I-25, turn west at highway 165 going through Rye or Colorado City approximately 27 miles to Bishop Castle.
Comments
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Anonymous
January 15, 2011
The tour is self guided and you can take as long as you like. It is good for all ages. Check Google maps for directions and time to get there. It is fun to look at and explore but I would not drive down from Denver just to see this. -
Anonymous
July 30, 2010
Would like to know more information on this BISHOP CASTLE how to get there from Denver Colorado and how long is the tour and what age groups are allowed.
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