3 castles to visit on and near Long Island

The weather is warming, and the days are growing longer, so now is the perfect time to plan quick and easy outdoor trips. A day spent at a historic castle can be a refreshing escape from the winter, and these three 20th century versions on and near Long Island provide intriguing experiences for visitors of all ages.

Oheka Castle

135 West Gate Dr.,
Huntington, oheka.com

Built in 1919 by financier Otto Hermann Kahn, Oheka Castle was the second-largest private residence in America. This grand French-style château, originally a summer retreat, hosted royalty, Hollywood stars and political figures during the Gilded Age. After changing hands multiple times through the century — hosting a variety of residents, from military academy students to sanitation workers on vacation — the property faced decades of neglect before being restored in 1984. Today, the castle operates as a historic tour destination, a luxury hotel and event venue. Visitors are welcomed by an impressive courtyard, stunning facade and a grand staircase, famously featured in Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” music video. “Unlike many historic sites, there’s no velvet ropes on our property, visitors can be immersed in history while having fun and being entertained,” said Nancy Melius, director of marketing.

The castle is fully wheelchair accessible. The one-hour tour is $30 for adults and $10 for children.

Bannerman Castle

Pollepel Island, Hudson River, bannermancastle.org

Rising from the Hudson River like a forgotten fortress, Bannerman Castle is a striking relic of a bygone era. Built between 1901 and 1918, this Scottish-style structure was originally a military surplus warehouse for Francis Bannerman — who opened America’s first military surplus store in Manhattan. The island became his storage solution after New York City prohibited gunpowder stockpiling. Over time, Bannerman added towers and drawbridges, making it resemble a European castle. The abandoned ruins now offer a hauntingly beautiful sight for visitors arriving by boat or kayak. The island also hosts Scottish-themed dinner events, Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival shows and movie nights under the stars.

Bannerman Castle is accessible only via boat or kayak from Beacon, with guided tours running from May 1 to Oct. 31. Due to uneven terrain, the site is not wheelchair accessible. Tours start at $45.

Gillette Castle State Park

67 River Rd., East Haddam, Connecticut, ctparks.com/parks/ gillette-castle-state-park

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Connecticut River, Gillette Castle was built from 1914 to 1919 by renowned actor and playwright William Gillette. Best known for his stage portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, Gillette designed this whimsical 24-room, medieval-style stronghold with hidden doors, intricate woodwork and a 3-mile-long railroad that once encircled the property. Tthe amenity-filled park offers museum exhibits, castle tours, multiple hiking trails (some along a former train bed), picnic grounds and one of the state’s rarely found riverfront campsites.

Park entry is free. Tour tickets for the castle are $6 for adults and $2 for children 6 to 12.