Bishop Castle
Rye, Colorado | 237 miles
In 1959, 15-year-old Jim Bishop bought a 2.5-acre parcel of land bordering the San Isabel National Forest in central Colorado for $450. Ten years later, he started construction on a one-room stone cabin, but without plans or blueprints, his “cabin” slowly grew into a castle. Over the next 44 years, he added turrets, stained-glass windows, wrought-iron railings and walkways, and a stainless-steel, fire-breathing dragon. The equivalent of 16 stories tall, Bishop’s unique self-built fortress has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing an estimated 200,000 visitors annually. Sadly, Jim Bishop died in 2024 aged 80, and the castle is now managed by his family.
Important note: Bishop Castle is a privately owned structure that remains under active construction. While many people continue to visit, access is at your own risk. The owners clearly state that the property is not officially open to the public. Please check thebishopcastle.com for current details and use caution when planning your ride.
Originally published in 2025.
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