Mystery Castle
A father's loving creation, this 18-room stone mansion built from salvaged materials tells a unique story.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tours
Mystery Castle
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A father's loving creation, this 18-room stone mansion built from salvaged materials tells a unique story.
"A very cool, unique place to check out. An amazing story about how it came to be."
Bring Cash for Tickets
:moneybag: Admission is $10 per person, cash only! Don't forget to bring enough for your group.
Photography Friendly
:camera: Snap photos and videos everywhere except the gift shop. Capture the unique charm!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Father's Love Story
Throughout the castle
Discover the touching tale of Boyce Gulley building this 18-room mansion for his daughter, Mary Lou, using found objects.
Quirky Architectural Details
All 18 rooms
Marvel at the unique construction using car parts, bricks, and stones, showcasing incredible ingenuity and resourcefulness.
Panoramic Desert Views
Upper levels and exterior
Enjoy scenic vistas of Phoenix and the surrounding mountains, offering a beautiful contrast to the castle's interior.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King Here
Embrace the Eccentricity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Tickets
:moneybag: Admission is $10 per person, cash only! Don't forget to bring enough for your group.
Photography Friendly
:camera: Snap photos and videos everywhere except the gift shop. Capture the unique charm!
Combine with Hiking
:hiking_boot: Located near hiking paths, making it perfect for a full-day adventure.
Listen to the Guides
:microphone: Guides share personal anecdotes and dad jokes; they've often worked there for decades!
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Tickets
:moneybag: Admission is $10 per person, cash only! Don't forget to bring enough for your group.
Photography Friendly
:camera: Snap photos and videos everywhere except the gift shop. Capture the unique charm!
Combine with Hiking
:hiking_boot: Located near hiking paths, making it perfect for a full-day adventure.
Listen to the Guides
:microphone: Guides share personal anecdotes and dad jokes; they've often worked there for decades!
Arrive Early for Tours
: reloj: Tours are frequent, but arriving a bit early ensures you join a group without a long wait.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Mystery Castle's unique story and eccentric architecture, built from salvaged materials. The affordable $10 cash-only admission and friendly, knowledgeable guides add to the charm. While some find the tour a bit quick, the overall experience is highly recommended as a quirky, off-the-beaten-path gem.
"A very cool, unique place to check out. An amazing story about how it came to be. Guided tour."
Ron Williamson
"A great historic find! I’ve been living in Arizona for 20 years and I just heard about this place! I love the history to this home and all the eccentric details! We were giving enough time to really look around and take in the views. The tour guide was nice, maybe a little quick with the speaking, but it wasn’t bad! The tickets were only $10 and you’re allowed to take video and pictures every where with the exception of the gift shop area. Definitely come by and check it out. It’s amazing to hear the story behind the mystery castle."
Deborah Rodriguez
"This is definitely a quirky odd the beaten path spot but worth it. It’s only $10 and they bring you through the entire house. The people working there truly love it and have worked there for 20+ years so they have lots of personal antidotes and dad jokes, lots of dad jokes. It’s right by a ton of hiking paths and a good addition for a full day adventure. I went on a Saturday at 12pm and joined a tour right away. I PAID CASH. Make sure you bring cash."
Anna Karnowski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mystery Castle is located in Phoenix, Arizona. While specific public transport options might be limited, it's often best accessed by car. Many visitors combine their trip with nearby hiking trails, making it a great destination for an adventurous day out.
Mystery Castle is a bit of an 'off the beaten path' spot, but its unique architecture makes it a memorable landmark. Using GPS or a mapping app is recommended for the most direct route.
Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Mystery Castle. Parking is usually available on-site, though it can get busy during peak times.
Yes, Mystery Castle is situated near several hiking paths, making it an ideal stop for those looking to explore the Arizona landscape. Dobbins Overlook is also a nearby drive with great views.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are generally available in Phoenix and can be a viable option for reaching Mystery Castle if you prefer not to drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Mystery Castle is $10 per person. It's important to note that they are a cash-only establishment, so be sure to bring cash with you. +1
Advance booking is typically not required for Mystery Castle. Tours are frequent, and you can usually join a group shortly after arriving, especially if you visit during off-peak hours.
Operating hours can vary, so it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the $10 admission price is considered very reasonable for the unique experience offered.
No, Mystery Castle operates on a cash-only basis for ticket purchases. Make sure to have enough cash on hand for your entire group.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed throughout most areas of Mystery Castle, with the exception of the gift shop. It's a great spot to capture unique architectural details.
Tours are guided and typically last about an hour. The guides are often long-time caretakers who share the castle's history, personal anecdotes, and even some dad jokes.
Mystery Castle is generally considered family-friendly, though some younger children might find the tour a bit long. The unique construction and stories can be engaging for kids.
The gift shop at Mystery Castle offers a limited selection of souvenirs. It's more about the experience and history than extensive shopping.
While some TikTok videos mention 'haunted places' and 'paranormal' themes, the primary narrative of Mystery Castle focuses on its history and the father-daughter story.
🎫 🏰 History & Architecture
Mystery Castle was built by Boyce Luther Gulley in the 1930s for his daughter, Mary Lou. He was inspired to create a castle for her after being diagnosed with tuberculosis and moving to the Arizona desert. 
The castle is famously constructed from salvaged and found materials, including car parts, bricks, stones, and other recycled items, showcasing incredible resourcefulness.
Mystery Castle features 18 unique rooms and 13 fireplaces, offering a surprisingly spacious and intricate interior despite its unconventional construction.
The history is fascinating, but some details might be embellished over time. The core story of a father's love and dedication is central to its appeal.
The 'mystery' likely refers to its unconventional construction, the unique materials used, and the intriguing personal story behind its creation, making it a captivating landmark.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While the tours are informative, keep in mind that younger children might have a shorter attention span. Bringing cash for the $10 admission is essential. The castle is also located near hiking trails, making it a great option for an active family day out.
💰 Budget Travelers
Since it's a cash-only venue, planning your cash expenses is key. You can easily spend a good portion of the day exploring the castle and then combine it with nearby free hiking activities for a full, low-cost adventure.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visitors are generally allowed to take photos and videos in most areas, offering ample opportunities to capture unique shots. The natural light filtering into the rooms, combined with the quirky details, provides a fantastic backdrop for creative photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartwarming Origin Story
+1This personal narrative is a significant draw for visitors, offering a glimpse into a unique family history. The story adds a layer of emotional depth to the quirky architecture, making the visit a touching experience for many.
While the exact details of the story might have been embellished over the years, the core sentiment of a father's profound love for his daughter remains the heart of Mystery Castle's enduring appeal.
Ingenious Use of Found Materials
This resourceful approach to building not only makes the castle visually unique but also tells a story of creativity and sustainability long before it was a common practice. The 18 rooms and 13 fireplaces are a testament to the scale of this ambitious project, all built with an eclectic mix of the readily available.
The result is a one-of-a-kind architectural marvel that sparks curiosity and admiration. It's a place where imagination and resourcefulness have created something truly extraordinary, standing out from traditional castle designs.
Navigating Your Visit: Tours and Practicalities
Be prepared for a cash-only admission policy; the ticket price is a modest $10 per person. While photography is generally permitted throughout the castle (except the gift shop), it's wise to be mindful of your surroundings and the tour group. The guides often speak with passion but can sometimes be a bit quick, so attentive listening is key.
Combine your visit with the surrounding hiking trails for a fuller day of exploration. The views from the castle itself offer a pleasant panorama of Phoenix and the nearby mountains, adding another dimension to your experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit