Visit the English castle-like home and extensive grounds that once belonged to the founder of Colorado Springs and his family.
Glen Eyrie Castle is a large 19th-century house built for the founder of Colorado Springs, General William Jackson Palmer. The English Tudor-style castle was constructed in 1871 and sits on 800 acres (324 hectares) of grounds in the Rocky Mountains. Today the castle and its estate is owned by a Christian organization called The Navigators
When you arrive at Glen Eyrie, look over the building’s architecture that includes a tower. The structure was designed to look like a typical English castle.
Take one of the 90-minute guided tours of the 67-room castle. Learn about the building’s architecture and the history of the Palmer family who lived here. The tour starts with a historical video and a tour of the Carriage House, where the Palmer family lived for a short while.
Then go onto the main building. Step into the Great Hall and marvel at its vaulted wooden ceiling. Walk up the Grand Staircase and see some of the bedrooms that have been furnished with period décor. They include General Palmer’s bedroom and a room with a glass balcony that belonged to one of his daughters. Stay for afternoon tea in the castle’s Music Room or even for the night as there is accommodation onsite.After your tour, step outside to explore the castle’s grounds and gardens.
Glen Eyrie Castle is open daily, although tours are not scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from October through to April. As the estate is a functioning conference facility, you may find that some rooms are closed during your visit. There is a charge for the tour, but children under five years of age get in for free.
The castle is situated in northwest Colorado Springs, approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the city center. There is no public transport access to the attraction, and parking is free on the castle grounds.