Joslyn Castle & Gardens

In August 2025, we visited the Joslyn Castle & Gardens in Omaha, Nebraska. This home is on the National Historic Register and it offers some inside tours. We walked around the exterior and in the gardens, and we enjoyed our self-directed tour. The castle architecture is amazing, and they have nearby buildings, gates, and fences that maintain the castle theme. The Joslyn Castle was a great place to visit, and it was a fun and memorable experience.

Peg was a superlative tour guide with an exuberance of knowledge of the family and the castle's historical and cultural ramifications. The foundation has taken capacious and copious amounts of fervor to revitalize this epochal icon of the Midwest. Rare and extinct woods, Victorian and Scottish milieu throughout this home, make it a haven for those interested in the arts, architecture, and red-lettered artifacts of the early 20th century. Will come again, especially once the “man-cave” is restored.

Was a great tour $17? Is all it cost me? And I'll tell you, it's worth it. The tour took two hours. This is just a very small fraction of all the photos I took most of the light fixtures senses on the first floor are all originals.

We went there for an art event! So much fun and the place is beautiful. Will definitely be visiting again! They have events all the time.

Beautiful grounds and architecture. A tour is available (see website for days/times) but I did not take the tour.

Fantastic representation of architecture. Recommended visit even without the tour. Property is very well represented.

A Snowy Morning at Joslyn Castle: A Private Tour Our recent visit to the Joslyn Castle in Omaha turned into an unforgettable adventure, thanks to an unexpected twist. It was a snowy morning, and I hadn’t thought to check whether the castle was open before we left. Upon arrival, we learned from the kind groundskeeper that the castle was closed for the day. But instead of turning us away, he offered us a private tour—an incredible gesture that made the day magical. As we stepped inside the castle, it was like stepping back in time. Built in 1903 by George and Sarah Joslyn, this Scottish Baronial mansion boasts 35 rooms, intricate woodwork, stained-glass windows, and stunning craftsmanship. The Joslyns were philanthropists, and their legacy still shines through the castle’s historical charm. Our guide shared some fascinating secrets about the castle: • The Hidden Passageways: The Joslyn Castle has a few concealed doors and passageways, designed to maintain the home’s aesthetics while providing practical access to different areas. • The Conservatory: One of my favorite stops was the glass conservatory, which was originally home to lush plants and a fountain. On snowy mornings, it must have been a warm, peaceful retreat for the Joslyns. • The Ballroom Stories: The third-floor ballroom has witnessed many lively events, from charity balls to private parties. Its grand design still whispers of the elegance of days gone by. • The Library’s Secret Panel: There’s a rumor of a hidden panel in the library that once concealed valuable items—adding a touch of mystery to its storied past. We ended our tour by exploring the snowy grounds, which felt enchanting under the soft, white blanket. Knowing the effort and care the groundskeeper took to ensure our visit wasn’t in vain made this day even more special. If you’re ever in Omaha, I highly recommend visiting the Joslyn Castle (maybe check their hours first, though!). Its history and beauty are captivating, and if you’re lucky, you might uncover a few secrets of your own.

Beautiful castle! The staff does an awesome job of going through each room, noting the history. The grounds are beautiful and picture worthy. You don't buy tickets in advance, you wait on the steps of the castle about 10-15 min before the scheduled tour time. Definitely worth the $17 admission fee.