Squire’s Castle- Regal Ruins and Great Hiking

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squire's castle
Squire’s Castle in Northeast Ohio

Squire’s Castle is located in the North Chagrin Reservation and is part of the public parklands that make up the amazing Cleveland Metroparks. Known as the Emerald Necklace, the Cleveland Metroparks surround the greater Cleveland area with park land, hiking trails, sledding hills, golf courses, wildlife preserves and more.

North Chagrin Reservation

Squire’s Castle is part of the North Chagrin Reservation on Cleveland’s east side, in the communities of Mayfield Village, Willoughby and Gates Mills. Along with a nature center, picnic areas, horse riding trails and water fowl areas, the North Chagrin Reservation is also home to Manakiki Golf Course.

Directions to Squire’s Castle

Take Route 91 south from Willoughby to Chardon Road to River Road. The address is 2844 River Rd, Willoughby Hills, Ohio, 44094.

History of the Castle

The building known as Squire’s Castle was built in 1895 by Feargus Squire, a Standard Oil Executive. Squire had several homes in the area over the years, including two on Millionare’s Row (Euclid Avenue) and an estate in Wickliffe, Ohio. What is now known as Squire’s Castle was the first building on the 525 acres of property he acquired with the intention of building an English style country estate that would be called River Farm Estate.

rear view of squire's castle
The building is made from local sandstone and once had ornate indoor finishes

Squire’s Castle was actually just the gatehouse for the estate. It was ultimately the only building ever completed on the property. Squire gave up on his plans for a manor house after he had difficulties acquiring building materials.

Eventually, the Cleveland Metroparks acquired the land and the house. Over the years, vandals and thieves looted the property of it’s leaded glass windows and interior fixtures and details.

The park removed the top two floors and sealed off the basement. What remains today is more of a castle skeleton but it is still really cool to explore.

Things to do near Squire’s Castle

  • Explore the Castle. The architecture of the building is German and English baronial style, made of local Euclid Bluestone, a type of sandstone common in the area. Inside, there are several rooms to tour and story panels which explain the history of the original owner and the building.
  • Ghost Hunt- The castle is rumored to be haunted by Squire’s wife, Louisa. There are a number of fanciful tales of Louisa’s spirit haunting the house. Most are based off the (false) premise that she died in the house. Some say she fell down the stairs and broke her neck. Others say she hated the house and living in the country and the dark, quiet evenings drove her mad.

  • Have a picnic. There is a picnic area near by, as well as a large expanse of lawn where you can spread a blanket.

  • Hike the trails around the castle. There are some hilly trails right around the castle and several points of interest within a few miles of it. Hike to Buttermilk Falls Scenic Overlook to see the waterfalls and rock formations. Visit Oxbow Lagoon to see Canadian Geese, ducks and other wetland animals. Go to the Nature Center to see live animal exhibits and the children’s play area.

  • Attend one of the many special events, like birding with a metroparks guide or a special family campout at the castle. Visit the Metropark’s website for a schedule of events.
One of the interior rooms with the roof intact

Tips for visiting Squire’s Castle

  • Try to visit during the week. Squire’s Castle is a popular tourist site as well as a favorite hiking spot for locals. Area photographers also use it for photo shoots for weddings, engagement pictures, senior pictures, etc. I’ve been there on weekends when it’s so crowded you have to wait to get inside and the trails are gridlocked with people.
  • Be prepared for a vigorous hike. Some of the trails are hilly and muddy so you won’t be taking a leisurely stroll.

  • You can spend a few minutes to a whole day there. If you only want to see the house and read the informational panels, you can see everything in 30 minutes or less. But, if you want to hike and explore the other parts of the park, you could easily spend a day there.


Squire’s Castle and the surrounding trails in the North Chagrin Reservation are a must see when you’re visiting the Cleveland area. For more ideas, check out our post about kid friendly things to do in Cleveland.

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