Best Of Colorado: Bishop Castle Has A Fire Breathing Dragon

There are so many things to do and see here in Colorado. Unique places, awesome places, fun places, and awe-inspiring places. I think this particular spot can be described using ALL of the adjectives at the same time. I don't know how I've gone so long without knowing about it, especially since I have a six-year-old who LOVES castles and dragons. I may have found his dream spot.

This place has been featured on the Travel Channel, CNN, Reader's Digest, and more, and I'm STILL trying to figure out how I didn't know about this place until now.

You don't have to take a vacation to Europe or anywhere like that to see a real bonafide castle. We have one right here in Colorado down in Rye, located in Custer County.

According to Bishop Castle's website, a gentleman by the name of Jim Bishop, back in 1959 at the ripe old age of 15, found a two and a half acre parcel of land enclosed on three sides by the majestic San Isabel National Forest in southern Colorado just West of Pueblo.

Jim earned the money by doing chores, mowing lawns, stuff like that. Eventually, he talked his parents into buying the land for him. The original plan was to build a family cabin, but that turned into something a little bigger and, dare I say, better. And the rest is history.

Reaching about 160 feet tall, Bishop Castle has a stone exterior featuring wrought iron stairs (careful on those things), stained glass, and bridges. The castle has been immaculately cared for and preserved for over 60 years. It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. year-round for tours and your viewing pleasure. It sits at around 9200 feet, so plan your trip accordingly.