Bishop Castle in Beulah Colorado

When Jim Bishop set about creating Bishop Castle, he wanted to create a "monument to hardworking people." I would say that he did a great job! If you plan to visit Bishop Castle on your Colorado family vacation, then the simple way to get here would be to plan to spend some time in Colorado Springs, first, then drive south on I-25, turn west on HWY 165 in Colorado City, then go about 27 miles and you won't miss it. If you have problems, ask a local, everyone knows what you are talking about or click here for a map.

What you see of Bishop castle from the highway.

We highly recommend this destination on your Colorado family vacation. Jim Bishop the owner and builder of Bishop castle, began piling rocks in 1969, and has moved over a 1000 tons of stones to build this castle. He hasn't had any help, which would explain why it has taken as long as he has to build the place, although, I doubt many other people would have gotten as far as he has gotten! Kids will be fascinated by the spires and the big dragon head that has been added. The high ceilings, glasswork and ironwork are truly amazing to behold.

Bishop Castle was almost doomed from the beginning when pompous politicians in Washington told him that he couldn't take rocks from San Isabel National Forest that is all around his property. They tried to make him pay for the rock, but Bishop refused and went on hauling rocks. It took the government a number of years, before it realized that this gothic beauty was a great tourist attraction, and has finally realized the value to leaving him be and go about business.

The great hall inside Bishop Castle.

Bishop Castle was never really created to be an attraction, it has just become that way because of people's fascination with what one man can do. Afterall, if you take a look at the pictures, you will see that this 70 foot beauty was all created by one man, and you will have to marvel at the perseverence. Bishop plans to continue building his castle, with no thought to slowing down, afterall it seems to have become more than just a hobby, its a passion. In the coming years, he plans to add a roller coaster to the outer wall which will only add to the excitement of this castle for families.

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