Bishop Castle
Coordinates: 38 ° 3 '41.2 " N , 105 ° 5' 39.9" W.
Bishop Castle began as a family project in the Wet Mountains in South Colorado . There, in the San Isabel National Forest near Rye , the castle, named after its builder Jim Bishop, is located directly on State Highway 165, which meets State Highway 96 about 13 miles further north at McKenzie Junction. The road is part of the Frontier Pathways Scenic and Historic Byway and Bishop Castle is on the official map.
Bishop bought the property when he was 15 years old for $ 1,250. In 1969 he started building a family house, which he lined with stones. Neighbors thought the shape of the building was reminiscent of a castle. Bishop took this into account in the further construction and so he built his castle out of granite stone, steel and cement over the years. Since there are neither construction plans nor permits, Bishop had to master numerous disputes with the authorities.
Bishop Castle is open for sightseeing all year round. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. Some self-painted signs warn visitors that they enter the castle at their own risk, others remind them that Jim Bishop built the castle by hand all by himself.