519 votes

Scotty's Castle

123 Scottys Castle Road, California 92328 USA

Reasonable

Closed Now

Opens Fri 8:30a

Independent
Wheelchair
Accessible
Public
Restrooms

“Hidden in the green oasis of Grapevine Canyon”

Hidden in the green oasis of Grapevine Canyon in far northern Death Valley, the Death Valley Ranch, or Scotty's Castle as it is more commonly known, is a window into the life and times of the Roaring '20s and Depression '30s. It was and is an engineer's dream home, a wealthy matron's vacation home and a man-of-mystery's hideout and getaway. Walter Scott, Death Valley Scotty, convinced everyone that he had built the castle with money from his rich secret mines in the area. Albert Mussey Johnson actually built the house as a vacation getaway for himself and his wife Bessie. Scotty was the mystery, the cowboy, and the entertainer, but he was also a friend. Albert was the brains and the money. Two men as different as night and day, from different worlds and with different visions - who shared a dream. Scotty's Castle the fantasy house and Scotty's Castle the story are available every day. Take a living history tour and step back into 1939

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Reviewed by
Rich and Emme

11 Reviews
2 Helpful

January 27, 2019

Scotty's Castle CLOSED until 2020 now

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
SFDIVA

5 Reviews
1 Helpful

November 07, 2016

SORRY, but Scotty's Castle still closed and not expected to open until 2019, according to the National Park Service. But do not miss Death Valley - it is spectacular.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Anna Hider

Blogger
1,414 Reviews
637 Helpful

August 01, 2014

Rated 5.0

Scotty was a totally crazy, super interesting guy. He was in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show, he broke the cross-country train speed record, and conned TONS of people with a mining scheme. Scotty even conned the guy who built the castle-- they became best friends later on.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
David

1 Review
0 Helpful

March 22, 2016

Rated 5.0

This landmark was closed in October 2015 due to extreme flood damage. Not expected to re-open until after October 2016

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Reviewed by
bwetherell

11 Reviews
12 Helpful

February 18, 2015

Rated 5.0

This place was SO interesting. We took the House and Underground tours and recommend them in that order if you can swing it. Though the opulence does not quite rival Hearst Castle, the story of this place is just - if not more - fascinating and definitely movie worthy. The rangers and tour guides also do a phenomenal job retelling it. There's sandwiches, snacks and a picnic area but no restaurant. Highly recommend it!

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Reviewed by
Willym.Leaming

27 Reviews
12 Helpful

February 16, 2015

Rated 5.0

Great stop. Did not take any of the tour but still a lot to see, read and learn. Great stop for a picnic!

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Reviewed by
Greek_nomad

Road Warrior
401 Reviews
296 Helpful

September 29, 2014

Rated 5.0

Tucked somewhere at Grapevine Canyon, Scotty's Castle is a building that represents the era of 20's and 30's.
It used to be the house and place for relaxation of Walter Scott, an engineer at the time.Ranger-guided tours are available for everyone to see the internal beauty of this Castle.

We took the tour and really got to know the creator of this place. It was very worth it and even the children were surprised for what is hidden behind the philosophy of this building.

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