Ohio is full of surprises. Whether it’s the fact that our great Buckeye state has over 300 miles of coastline or that the first traffic light in America was erected here, everything seems to have deep ties to Ohio.
But one thing you surely wouldn’t associate with Ohio is a sprawling, Medieval castle. Yet hiding in Symmes Township, Ohio sits just that. A Medieval castle known as Château Laroche, aka “Loveland Castle.”
And the only thing more surprising than a Medieval Castle perched in Ohio is the fact that it was built entirely by hand… by ONE PERSON.
Who Built Loveland Castle?
That man is Harry Delos Andrews. A legend, of sorts.
He was a medic in World War I, a Boy Scout Troop Leader, and a staunch objector to modern warfare tactics, i.e. killing at a distance. He was more drawn to sword-to-sword combat, hence his obsession with Medieval Europe.
He built and upgraded the legendary castle over the course of fifty years, using stones from the Little Miami River and molding his own bricks out of whatever he could get his hands on such as milk cartons.
A real man of genius!
What to Expect at Loveland Castle
The castle is a sight to behold, and is truly a great time for all ages. It’s just $5 to enter, with children 5 and under getting free admission, making this a super affordable day trip in Ohio that feels NOTHING like Ohio at all.
And that, my friends, is the magic of our great state.
📍 Château Laroche / Loveland Castle | 12025 Shore Dr, Loveland, OH 45140
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