You Have to See These 2 Fairytale Castles Found in Louisiana

Louisiana is known for its diverse cultural heritage, blues, jazz, and Mardi Gras celebrations. But what about castles? This historic city is home to two fairytale castles that have been a part of Louisiana history for centuries. Let’s take a closer look at these two fairytale castles found in Louisiana to see what makes them enchanting.

1. Old Louisiana State Capitol 

The first fairytale castle found in Louisiana is the Old Louisiana State Capitol. It’s located in downtown Baton Rouge, about 100 miles north of the state capital, New Orleans. This fairytale castle was constructed between 1847 and 1852 and this spot was chosen because it was close to the city but far enough away that it was protected from the seasonal flooding of the Mississippi River. Public donations helped turn the simple plot of land from Judge Thomas Gibbs into the landmark it is today. 

The Old Louisiana State Capitol has stood the test of time, including war and fire. Now, the Old Louisiana State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark that is free to visit. Group tours educate visitors on the rich history of Louisiana and the democratic process as they explore various exhibits with learning programs and art. The castle-like building has the appearance of a white medieval fortress. However, the interior tells a different story. Inside, it’s decorated in marble and wood paneling with a spiraling staircase and overhead skylight. Don’t forget to look up once you step inside, or you will miss the colorful stained glass dome. Outside, the bluff looks over the Mississippi River.  

The Old State Capitol was restored after the Civil War because a raging fire gutted the building. But after so many years, it’s impossible to tell. It showcases the state’s lively history with an exhibit dedicated to the controversial state governor and U.S. senator Huey Long. It also hosts the award-winning and immersive presentation “The Ghost of the Castle,” which introduces guests to the ghost of Sarah Morgan Dawson, a civil-war era figure who wrote about Louisiana during the Civil War. 

Wildlife Around the Old Louisiana State Capitol 

The Old Louisiana State Capitol is in downtown Baton Rouge, so there is less wildlife than in a more rural area. However, many animals commonly found in southern states can be seen running around. Squirrels, foxes, and black snakes are more likely to appear in the area. Common backyard birds include the northern cardinal, mourning doves, and blue jays. But bobcats, wolves, and great horned owls live in the surrounding areas and are common wild animals in Louisiana.   

2. Layton Castle

The second fairytale castle found in Louisiana is Layton Castle. This beautiful southern home with European elegance stands in Monroe, Louisiana. It was originally named Mulberry Grove by the Swiss emigrant Judge Henry Bry and his wife, Marie, in 1803. The simple two-story building was a Creole cottage with a wine house built in 1814.

Bry planted mulberry trees to feed and raise silkworms on the property. Hence the name Mulberry Grove. In the 1850s, Bry’s daughter Melinda and her husband Robert Layton updated the house and turned it into a three-story red brick home. The house was later passed down to their son Robert and his wife, Eugenia. When Robert died in 1892, Eugenia and her children left to live in Europe for several years. When they returned, Eugenia transformed the property into the beautiful red brick castle today, adding the tower, gallery, turret, and porte cochere with Romanesque columns by 1910. 

Now the ground floor consists of apartments that are a popular wedding destination. Although tours cover most of the grounds, these parts are exclusive to events. However, curious visitors can attend monthly tours or schedule a custom tour to explore the grounds of the museum and winehouse to learn about its influence on early Louisiana history. 

Monthly guided tours to this fairytale castle found in Louisiana are otherwise available once a month at 10 a.m. These 60-minute tours include a tour of the house and grounds, the Winehouse Museum, and the family cemetery. Visitors can also stay in the spacious Carriage House. It’s commonly booked for small family vacations and romantic getaways. Visitors can spend time under the huge wild oak or strolling through the magnolias, crepe myrtles, or camellias.         

Wildlife Around Layton Castle

The fairytale castle of Monroe, Louisiana, is surrounded by native wildlife. Some commonly spotted animals include deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, turtles, foxes, and the occasional coyote or bobcat. Birds spotted in the area include mourning doves, rose-breasted grosbeaks, barred owls, and the great crested flycatcher. Many of these animals are easy to see in Louisiana, but they add a rural charm to the castle’s elegant perimeter.