Bishop Castle is an interesting phenomenon being built by one man named Jim Bishop in central Colorado. Jim spends his time constructing this life-scaled castle on his own private property, with his own money (plus a few donations).

I first visited the castle in the Summer of 2019 while I was in Colorado Springs for a company training event. I had been sitting in my hotel room most afternoons due to the cold and rain. Yes, it was snowing and raining during the early summer. One the first bright day I decided to set out and do something. That something, was drive over an hour just to visit Bishop Castle.

I’ve always had an affinity for castles and ruins due to too many Tolkien books in my childhood. When I got to the castle I was dumbfounded. I didn’t expect it to be so large, solid, and intimidating, just like a real castle would be in my mind.

I’ve never seen an actual castle so this was a great experience for me. It was like fulfilling a childhood dream in a way. I couldn’t fathom that this entire structure was build by one man in his spare time. It is a true testament to what we’re capable of if given the right mindset. It will definitely be place I visit again in the future, maybe once I have kids.

Side Note: This dude might have a screw or two loose, the entire front of the site’s entrance is covered in hand made signs denouncing the government, and a bunch of other weird stuff. To each their own though.