Mystery Castle
Mystery Castle
4
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
About
Built by a father to realize his daughter's dream, this three-story castle, completed in 1945, is made of stone, adobe, automobile parts and petroglyphs and is held together by a cement mixture including goat's milk. Take a tour - usually led by the daughter, who still lives there - of this odd, yet imaginative dwelling.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view










Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Neighborhood: South Mountain
Best nearby
Restaurants
78 within 3 miles
Attractions
20 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- divaw0rldRichfield, Wisconsin443 contributionsOne Of The More Different and Interesting Tours You Will Ever ExperienceWe had heard about and read online about the Mystery Castle. What we saw on the tour, however, was so much more than online words and pictures can provide. Our tour guide was friendly, upbeat, and knowledgeable. Our group was quite large, but the Castle can accommodate a larger group. Our tour guide provided background information on how the Castle was created, and was very casual about letting everyone look around. After a short amount of time at each stop along the way, he re-gathered the touring guests and moved to the next area of the venue. Nice job! The insides are almost indescribable regarding their themes. There is a little bit of everything from furniture to art to...junk. What's remarkable is when you actually realize that what you're looking at was a lived-in home and that it was made out of things collected or given to the builder and his daughter. Nothing was paid for. Our tour guide provided a wealth of interesting stories. This is the kind of place where you think you've see it, yet when you look in the next room or walk through the same room, there is something new/different each time. This was an excellent way to spend a cool, cloudy Arizona day, and well worth the drive from northern to southern Phoenix.Written January 16, 2020
- Nomad1502831 contributionNOT TO BE MISSEDLoved the tour. If you like quirky, off the beaten track sights with a fascinating story, you will love this. Unbelievable creativity with all original furnishings led by knowledgeable guides this trip is not to be missed. Interesting note: the caretaker who worked and lived on premises with Mary Lou is one of the guides. The ten dollar admission fee which goes towards maintaining the castle was well worth it!Written January 11, 2020
- FromTime2TimeVancouver, Washington11 contributionsGreat Value TourThis is one of those "lower tier" tours that is a super value at $10 a head. The story of the builder and the unique result of his efforts are well worth the price. Our docent was knowledgeable and personable. A definite stop to please you.Written February 14, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
399 reviews
Excellent
143
Very good
166
Average
59
Poor
14
Terrible
17
Alvin B
Phoenix, AZ5 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
I would love to have visited all the rooms on the property. Very interesting place with a good history behind it. Ramon was very good at explaining every aspect of the rooms we were visiting. He is a very funny guy and loved his sense of humor. Went back today and whoever was leading the tour group was not good at going over every details of the house. It definitely felt she was rushing us to get through and out. 10$ is a little bit much for getting rushed out of a historical place. I would loved if they took their time and explain everything available. Hopefully we will get to visit every room available
Written April 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JoeOB
Denver, CO210 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Did not know a thing about this and just stumbled onto it on-line when looking for unusual recommendations of things to see in the Phoenix area. This is a really unique place and interesting story and history. This is a very basic tour, nothing fancy but packed with details and facts about the man who built the castle and ultimately his daughters acquiring of the castle. We enjoyed the uniqueness and quirkiness of this place so much that we will probably visit it again when we are back in the area with other family members. It looks really rough and run down when you approach it but don’t let that fool you, it’s a fun tour.
Written July 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gibsoninpa
Fairview, PA609 contributions
Oct 2020
I thought the story behind the Mystery Castle was interesting so we decided to visit. They open at 11am, we were first in line, waited for group to form but then people kept getting added on. Experienced and knowledgeable guide. This is a must see if you enjoy architecture, antiques and eccentric people. Great views of the Phoenix area.
One visit was enough for me.
One visit was enough for me.
Written November 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WALTER K
Indianapolis, IN60 contributions
May 2021
Very interesting addition to the history of Phoenix. If you find creative construction fascinating, you will love this hodge-podge of items and ways to make a livable structure in the desert.
The staff is friendly and knowledgable and the preservation of the artifacts left by the family are worth a visit.
The staff is friendly and knowledgable and the preservation of the artifacts left by the family are worth a visit.
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eric D.
3 contributions
Feb 2020
Who knew that, after driving thru the vast somewhat anonymous south Phoenix suburbs you’d find a castle that is this distinct. That was built by a father with tuberculosis to fulfill his daughter’s dreams. That was built entirely by hand using found, used, and rejected materials. That still only partially has plumbing and electricity. That is literally the definition of ‘man made.’ Or ‘labor of love.’ It’s amazing to be looking out over the vastness of Phoenix from a place where every surface is covered in a mosaic of river rock, glass, tiles, and other desert objects. Where Saguaro furniture is next to huge native baskets and fine German porcelain dishes. And around every corner is another story. The docents who lead the tours are wonderful and loaded with stories and seem to be just as amazed by what they are showing you as you are seeing it. And they clearly excited because they know the next surprise that’s around the corner. You have to take the time to see the Mystery Castle when you’re in Phoenix.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
yes4me
California9 contributions
Nov 2020
It is an custom property that was build with no regulation but ended up less crazy than the "Winchester house", with stuffs from all over the place (but not exotic as the "Hearth Castle").
It is pretty impressive that one person built so much, but it is not amazing either when you compared to the Gaudi house (spain) or "Winchester house" or "Hearth Castle".
Just make sure to bring $10 cash for the entrance fee.
Like the "Mystery spot": If you happen to visit it by curiousity, there is no chance you would be interested to visit it again.
It is pretty impressive that one person built so much, but it is not amazing either when you compared to the Gaudi house (spain) or "Winchester house" or "Hearth Castle".
Just make sure to bring $10 cash for the entrance fee.
Like the "Mystery spot": If you happen to visit it by curiousity, there is no chance you would be interested to visit it again.
Written November 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AZSMF
Phoenix, AZ103 contributions
Apr 2021
Interesting home built by a guy from things he found in the desert. He built it for his wife or daughter, forgot which, but the daughter lived there for years until she recently passed. We went a couple times over the years, thie kids really liked it, she led the tour at a very advanced age. Cool visit
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kkoleary
Scottsdale, AZ840 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
I expected this castle to be unique and it did not disappoint on that. Basically, a man fled his family (due to TB) and came to the hot dry climate of Phoenix for a cure. Having no money (and living in isolation) he started to build his home from salvaged and recycled material. He continued to build one quirky place after another until he built a Castle for his daughter. That part I understand.
I wonder ... Why? When she inherited in her early 20’s there was no electricity or water so why stay. She actually lived there 60 years until passing in 2010.
Eclectic decoration makes you wonder ... Why?
I wonder ... Why? When she inherited in her early 20’s there was no electricity or water so why stay. She actually lived there 60 years until passing in 2010.
Eclectic decoration makes you wonder ... Why?
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JP4808
Mineral Ridge, OH15 contributions
Feb 2021
The entire experience is very eclectic. I have never seen a hand built castle. The guides were very pleasant and knowledgeable. The decor was extremely interesting and you have to be willing to spend time to appreciate the entire experience and look at each item and picture. I asked questions that the guide did not cover in her telling of the story and she knew the answers to those offbeat questions as well. We took a horse drawn carriage ride to this location, toured the castle, and rode the carriage back. Definitely worth the $10 entry price.
Written February 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Makenna C
Seattle, WA1 contribution
Feb 2021
This was easily my favorite thing I've seen in the city of Phoenix. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable about the history of the castle. It's an absolutely beautiful and unique structure of art. The story behind it is beautiful and you can tell how much love was put into the place.
Written February 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cost to go see
Footprints801785
18 contributions
I believe it was $10, cash only.
When does it reopen?
AzUhl
Tempe, AZ295 contributions
Should be open now, from their website:
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE - We will be closed Thursday, November 23 for Thanksgiving. We will resume normal tour days and hours on Friday, November 24. We will be open December 24 and December 31.
Regular tour schedule is Thursday through Sunday beginning October 5, 2017, 11am to 3:30pm.
Reservations are not necessary.
Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5-12.
Location
The Mystery Castle is located in the Foothills of South Mountain Park (two miles south of Baseline Road) at 800 E. Mineral Road in Phoenix, Arizona 85040.
To visit, take 7th Street South to Mineral Road, then head east and follow the road to the Mystery Castle entrance.
For more information and special requests, email us.
The Castle is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors must be able to walk up a number of stairs.
offthechains
Fairhope, AL38 contributions
How long does the tour take?
liftman53
Orlando, FL196 contributions
We spent about an hour there. There is a surprising amount of things to see here, but if pressed for time you can see a lot with the short tour. Very unique place
Sam P
Las Vegas, Nevada, United States43 contributions
group guided tours??? If so, how much..
Pinkie2013
Scottsdale, AZ83 contributions
I have tried calling to ask about reservations for a group. Never an answer?
Mystery Castle (Phoenix) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Mystery Castle
- Mystery Castle is open:
- Thu - Sun 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM
- Hotels near Mystery Castle:
- (0.53 mi) Situated right at the base of South Mountain - views of mountains and valley
- (0.60 mi) Phoenix Area Retreat w/ Patio - Pets Welcome!
- (5.54 mi) Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Tempe
- (5.77 mi) Homewood Suites by Hilton Phoenix Airport South
- (4.99 mi) Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport
- Restaurants near Mystery Castle:
- (1.00 mi) Los Dos Molinos
- (3.71 mi) Cocina Madrigal
- (6.16 mi) Little Miss BBQ
- (6.90 mi) Pomo Pizzeria Phoenix
- (6.33 mi) Breakfast Club