Joslyn Castle & Gardens

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.

Visiting Omaha and we had to visit Joslyn Castle & Garden. The grounds are stunning, very green, and well maintained. Everything is so beautiful. The

It was so neat to get a bit more history of Omaha and hear about the Joslyns. The tour started with a video and then we got to visit all three floors. Our tour guide was very kind and knowledgeable. It was great to hear that the trust/foundation is continually working to restore aspects of the building and grounds. Definitely worth the time, especially if you live in Omaha.

Beautiful grounds and a great place to visit small local art fairs, in addition to the on site library. Plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the scenery.

We came here over the weekend and took the tour. It was very informative, and the house was immaculate. The tour is very detailed, and you get to learn about the rich history the home has. The Joslyn family was ahead of their time. We started the tour with a video telling some of the history and went on to explore the home. It was a really cool experience, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't been or is just passing through the area. Make sure you're 15 minutes early! All in all it was a spectacular experience.

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.

Incredible piece of Omaha history! Home is well maintained. Our docent was a wealth of knowledge. Lots of steep stairs. However there is an elevator if needed. The grounds are stunning and a glimpse into historical gardens.

Our Docent was terrific, the facility still in restoration, the tour & history fits into the Need to Know category for everyone!