Who knew Illinois was secretly Westeros in disguise?
Grab your dragon eggs and prepare for a journey through the Land of Lincoln that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a medieval fantasy!
1. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament (Schaumburg)
If RavenStone Castle whets your appetite for all things medieval, Medieval Times in Schaumburg is where you go to feast like a king and watch knights bash each other’s brains in.
It’s like Game of Thrones dinner theater, minus the gratuitous nudity and shocking deaths.
The castle facade might look a bit like a medieval-themed Las Vegas hotel, but don’t let that fool you.
Once inside, you’re transported to a world of jousting, falconry, and horses prancing about like they’re auditioning for a Budweiser commercial.
The four-course meal is served wenches and serfs style – that’s right, no silverware!
It’s all hands-on deck as you tear into roast chicken and gnaw on spare ribs like a proper barbarian.
Just remember, it’s all fun and games until someone loses an eye… or gets gravy on their tunic.
2. RavenStone Castle (Harvard)
Holy turrets, Batman!
RavenStone Castle in Harvard is like someone took a medieval fortress and plopped it right in the middle of Illinois cornfields.
This stone behemoth looks like it could withstand a siege from the Dothraki horde, but instead of archers, you’ll find cozy bed and breakfast rooms.
As you approach, you half expect to see knights jousting on the lawn.
Instead, you’re greeted by charming gardens that would make Olenna Tyrell green with envy.
The castle’s stone walls and towering spires make you wonder if you’ve accidentally stumbled through a time portal.
Inside, it’s less “dungeon chic” and more “royal comfort.”
The rooms are fit for a Lannister, minus the incest and backstabbing.
And let’s be honest, the breakfast spread here probably puts Winterfell’s morning fare to shame.
3. Stronghold Castle (Oregon)
Perched atop a bluff overlooking the Rock River, Stronghold Castle in Oregon looks like it’s ready to repel invaders from Wisconsin at a moment’s notice.
This Norman-style castle was built in the 1920s, proving that even in the age of flappers and jazz, some folks still dreamed of moats and drawbridges.
The castle now serves as a retreat center, which is a fancy way of saying it’s where you go when you want to pretend you’re plotting to overthrow the Seven Kingdoms while actually just enjoying some peace and quiet.
With its great hall, tower, and picturesque chapel, Stronghold Castle is the perfect place to practice your brooding Jon Snow stare or perfect your Cersei Lannister wine-sipping technique.
Just don’t get any ideas about pushing anyone from the tower – that’s frowned upon here.
4. King’s Realm (Elkhart)
King’s Realm in Elkhart is less “impenetrable fortress” and more “charming country estate,” but don’t let that fool you.
This place has enough Tudor-style charm to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Shakespeare play – hopefully one of the comedies, not the tragedies.
The main house looks like it could be the summer home of a minor lord who’s trying really hard to impress his neighbors.
With its half-timbered facade and multiple chimneys, it’s giving off serious “I read one book about medieval architecture and decided to go all in” vibes.
Surrounded by lush gardens and walking paths, King’s Realm is the perfect place to practice your regal wave or work on your “I’m-too-noble-for-this” sighs.
Just remember, the local squirrels are not actually spies for rival houses, no matter how suspiciously they eye your picnic basket.
5. Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford)
Okay, I know what you’re thinking – “A Japanese garden on a Game of Thrones-themed trip?”
But hear me out.
Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford is basically the Dorne of our Illinois Westeros – exotic, beautiful, and a welcome break from all the stone castles and jousting.
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This meticulously manicured oasis is like stepping into a zen version of the Godswood.
Instead of a heart tree, you’ve got carefully placed rocks and tranquil koi ponds.
It’s the kind of place where Tyrion Lannister might go to nurse a hangover or where Varys could pick up tips on subtle manipulation from the art of bonsai.
As you stroll across arched bridges and past trickling streams, you might find yourself wishing that more of Westeros looked like this.
After all, it’s hard to plot regicide when you’re too busy being soothed by the sound of waterfalls and the sight of perfectly raked gravel.
6. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (Collinsville)
Cahokia Mounds is like the mysterious Valyria of our Illinois adventure – an ancient civilization that left behind impressive structures and a lot of questions.
These Native American mounds are less “pointy castle” and more “really big hills,” but they’re no less awe-inspiring.
Climbing to the top of Monks Mound, you’ll feel like you’re surveying your kingdom – if your kingdom consisted mainly of prairie and the occasional passing car.
It’s a great spot to practice your Daenerys Targaryen “I will take what is mine with fire and blood” speech, though the park rangers might give you some odd looks.
The interpretive center does a great job of explaining the history and significance of the site, which is more than we can say for most of the lore dumps in Game of Thrones.
Plus, there’s significantly less chance of running into White Walkers here, which is always a bonus.
7. Allerton Park and Retreat Center (Monticello)
Allerton Park is what happens when a wealthy art collector decides to play SimCity: Medieval Edition in real life.
This 1,500-acre park is dotted with formal gardens, nature areas, and enough sculptures to make you think you’ve stumbled into a very posh version of the Haunted Forest.
The Allerton Mansion itself is a 40-room Georgian-style behemoth that looks like it’s trying really hard to fit in with its European cousins.
It’s the kind of place where you’d expect to find Lord Varys whispering secrets in the hallways or Petyr Baelish setting up his next scheme in the library.
As you wander through the grounds, keep an eye out for the Fu Dog Garden.
These stone guardians might not be dragons, but they’re probably easier to train and significantly less likely to burn down your village.
8. Enchanted Castle Restaurant & Entertainment Complex (Lombard)
If the Red Keep had an arcade and pizza joint, it would probably look something like the Enchanted Castle in Lombard.
This place is less “defending the realm” and more “defending your high score,” but it’s no less epic for it.
The castle facade might look a bit like it was designed by a five-year-old with an unlimited crayon budget, but inside it’s a wonderland of flashing lights, beeping games, and the sweet smell of victory (and pizza grease).
From go-karts to laser tag, it’s the perfect place to settle disputes over the Iron Throne without all that messy beheading business.
And let’s be honest, after a few rounds of skee-ball and some time in the batting cages, you’ll probably be too tired to plot any coups anyway.
9. Soderstrom Castle (Peoria Heights)
Soderstrom Castle in Peoria Heights is what happens when someone says, “I want a castle, but I also want it to look like it could be in a Wes Anderson movie.”
This whimsical brick structure with its round tower and quirky details is less “impenetrable fortress” and more “eccentric millionaire’s folly.”
Built in the 1930s, this castle proves that even in the depths of the Great Depression, some folks were still thinking, “You know what would really cheer everyone up? A castle!”
It’s now a private residence, so you can’t go inside, but you can admire it from the street and imagine what kind of person wakes up every morning and thinks, “Ah yes, time to lower the drawbridge and fetch the paper.”
The manicured grounds and charming details make it look like the summer home of a Tyrell who decided they were done with all the King’s Landing drama and just wanted to open a quaint bed and breakfast.
10. Havencrest Castle (Savanna)
Last but not least, we have Havencrest Castle in Savanna, perched high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.
This place is what happens when someone binges on too many fairy tales and decides to make them a reality.
With its mishmash of architectural styles, Havencrest looks like it was designed by a committee of Disney Imagineers who couldn’t agree on a theme.
It’s part medieval castle, part Victorian mansion, and all parts fabulous.
The interior is a riot of ornate details, gilded everything, and enough cherubs to make you wonder if you’ve accidentally stumbled into some sort of angelic nursery.
The castle is open for tours, allowing you to explore its 64 rooms, which is conveniently one room for each square on a chessboard.
Coincidence?
Probably, but it’s fun to imagine the owners playing a life-sized game of chess using their house as the board.
As our journey through Illinois’ version of Westeros comes to an end, remember: winter isn’t coming here – just really humid summers and the occasional tornado.
Plot your path to adventure!
This map is your key to smooth travels and exciting discoveries.
So raise a goblet of mead (or a can of Old Style) to the Land of Lincoln, where the castles are plentiful, the dragons are scarce, and the only ice wall you’ll find is in front of the beer cooler at the gas station.
Long live the Midwest!