You might not expect to find a medieval-style castle hiding in the Florida countryside—but here it is.
Rising among the trees near Ona, Solomon’s Castle looks like it belongs in a fairy tale, not Hardee County.
The strangest part? One man, Howard Solomon, built it himself.
Using discarded materials, handmade details, and plenty of imagination, he turned an unusual idea into a towering silver curiosity that draws visitors from far beyond the area.
Inside, the surprises keep coming.
Stained glass, whimsical artwork, winding rooms, and quirky creations reveal the personality of the man who dreamed up this remarkable place.
And then there’s the moat, complete with a full-size wooden galleon.
Solomon’s Castle isn’t just a building—it’s a wonderfully weird adventure waiting to be explored.
Meet Howard Solomon, The Man Behind The Castle
Picture a guy who could weld, carve, paint, and tell jokes all in the same afternoon. That was Howard Solomon, a self-taught artist and builder who never let a lack of formal training slow him down.
He simply learned by doing, one project at a time.
In the early 1970s, Solomon started working on a dream in rural Hardee County, Florida. The land was quiet, far from big cities, and surrounded by woods and wetlands.
Most people would have built a simple house there, but he had much bigger plans.
Over the years, he turned that secluded spot into one of the strangest attractions in the whole state. He was a sculptor, a craftsman, and a natural storyteller who loved making people smile.
His castle became a giant showcase of his skills and his sense of fun.
Here is a lesson worth remembering. You do not need a fancy degree to create something amazing.
Curiosity, patience, and hard work can take you surprisingly far, just like they did for Howard.
Why A Castle Ended Up In The Florida Swamp
Funny enough, the whole castle idea started with a soggy surprise. Solomon bought land near Horse Creek because he wanted a peaceful place to live and make his art.
It seemed perfect at first.
Then the rain came. He soon learned that much of the property got very wet, especially during Florida’s rainy season.
Large parts of the land could turn swampy, which is not great news when you want to build a home.
Instead of giving up, Solomon got creative. He chose the highest ground on the property and decided to build up instead of spreading out.
Building tall meant fewer worries about water and more room for towers, turrets, and fun details.
That practical choice helped shape the castle design we see today. A problem turned into a brilliant idea, and the result is a building that looks like it belongs in old Europe.
Think about that the next time something goes wrong in your own plans. Sometimes the obstacle is actually pointing you toward a better solution.
The Castle Is Covered In Recycled Aluminum Printing Plates
From far away, the castle sparkles like a knight in shining armor. Walk closer, though, and you might spot faint letters and images pressed into the metal.
That is your first clue to its secret.
The silver siding is actually made from old aluminum printing plates. These thin metal sheets were once used by the local newspaper to print pages.
After the printing was done, the plates were usually thrown away.
Solomon saw treasure where others saw trash. He collected the discarded plates and used them to cover the outside of his castle.
Together, they formed a gleaming skin that catches the sunlight and makes the whole building glow.
Did you know? Recycling materials like this was a smart move long before going green became popular.
It saved money and kept usable metal out of the landfill.
When you visit, take a moment to look carefully at the walls up close. Spotting old newspaper text in the metal is a fun little treasure hunt for kids and adults alike.
Inside The Three-Story Castle
Step across the drawbridge, and you enter a world packed with surprises. The castle rises three stories high, with turrets, a bell tower, and rooms filled from floor to ceiling with eye-catching details.
It feels like walking through a giant art project.
Light is one of the best parts. The castle holds more than 80 stained-glass windows, each one designed by Solomon to tell a story or share an idea.
When the sun shines through, the rooms fill with bright splashes of color.
You will also find hundreds of pieces of his imaginative artwork displayed throughout the building. Some are silly, some are clever, and many make you look twice.
No two rooms feel exactly the same.
Remember that this was also his home. Knowing someone actually lived among all these creations makes the place feel personal and warm.
A handy tip is to slow down as you move through each space. Small details hide everywhere, and rushing means you might miss some of the best ones.
The Artwork Is Almost As Strange As The Castle
Ever looked at an old oil drum and seen a dragon? Howard Solomon did.
His sculptures are made from things most people toss out, like oil drums, car parts, gears, cans, and all kinds of salvaged scraps.
Each piece shows off his clever hands and wild imagination. Some sculptures look like animals, others like people, and a few have moving mechanical parts that make them extra fun to study.
You can almost hear the gears turning in his head as you look.
His style mixes folk art, sculpture, humor, and smart engineering. It is not stuffy or serious like some museums.
Instead, it feels playful and friendly, inviting you to laugh and wonder.
Fun fact: many visitors try guessing what each object used to be before it became art. It turns into a great game, especially with kids along.
Feeling inspired? Try making your own mini sculpture at home from bottle caps, cardboard, or old toys.
Solomon would probably approve of the effort.
A Castle Tour Filled With Howard Solomon’s Humor
Get ready to groan and giggle, sometimes at the same time. Howard Solomon loved puns, and his jokes live on in the guided tours.
The guides share his stories, silly wordplay, and funny descriptions as you explore.
These tours are the heart of the visit. Looking at the art is fun, but hearing the tales behind each piece makes everything click.
You learn why he built certain things, what he was thinking, and what made him laugh.
Many pieces come with names or explanations that are pure Solomon. Some puns are so corny they become funny all over again.
Grown-ups and kids often end up laughing together.
The best part is how the tour lets you meet the man, even if you never met him in person. His personality fills every room through the words the guides share.
So here is a little advice for your trip. Listen closely, ask questions, and do not be afraid to laugh loudly.
That is exactly the kind of reaction Howard hoped for.
The Giant Galleon Floating In The Moat
A castle alone would be enough for most people. Not Howard Solomon.
He looked at his moat and thought it needed a ship, and not just any ship.
He built a replica of a historic sailing galleon that measures roughly 60 feet long. It has three tall masts and looks like it sailed straight out of a pirate movie.
Seeing it sitting in the moat next to a silver castle is a wonderfully odd sight.
Building something that big took serious skill and patience. Solomon used his woodworking and building talents to shape the hull, decks, and masts.
Every part shows the same bold creativity found in the castle.
Did you know? Old galleons like the one he copied were used centuries ago to carry goods and treasure across the ocean.
Florida’s coast has a long history connected to these kinds of ships.
Bring your camera for this one. The ship and castle together make one of the most memorable photos you can snap anywhere in Florida.
Dine Aboard The Boat-In-The-Moat Restaurant
Hungry explorers, good news is waiting. That big galleon is not just for show, because it houses the Boat-in-the-Moat Restaurant.
You can actually eat lunch inside a ship sitting beside a castle.
The restaurant started because so many visitors kept asking for food. The castle sits far out in the country, with few places to eat nearby.
Adding a restaurant was a natural answer to all those growling stomachs.
Guests can sit inside the ship or relax outside on the deck, shaded by big oak trees. On a warm Florida day, that shady spot feels like a breath of fresh air.
It is a great place to rest your feet and talk about everything you saw.
Eating here turns a normal lunch into part of the adventure. Kids especially love saying they ate on a pirate-style ship.
A quick tip: plan your tour and meal together so you do not miss serving hours. Arriving hungry and finding the kitchen closed would be a real bummer.
More Than A Castle: The Grounds Have More To Discover
Plenty of folks pull up expecting a quick photo stop. Then they discover the grounds and end up staying for hours.
The property around the castle is full of its own surprises.
Horse Creek winds nearby, adding a peaceful natural feel to the area. Gardens, shady trees, and outdoor artwork are scattered around, giving you lots to see as you stroll.
It feels relaxing and quirky all at once.
Do not miss the Lily Life House, a whimsical lighthouse standing beside the moat. Its playful name is classic Solomon wordplay, and its cute look makes it a favorite for pictures.
It adds one more unexpected touch to an already unusual place.
Walking the grounds is a nice break after the indoor tour. Fresh air, birds, and sunshine give you time to soak it all in.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring bug spray, since this is still rural Florida. Water bottles and sunscreen are smart to pack too, especially during the hotter months.
Plan Your Visit To Solomon’s Castle
Ready for a road trip? Solomon’s Castle sits at 4533 Solomon Road, Ona, FL 33865.
It is tucked away in the countryside, so using GPS and checking directions ahead of time is a smart idea.
The official site lists the attraction as open Tuesday through Sunday. It closes during August and September, partly because of the summer heat and rainy weather.
Schedules can change, so calling (863) 494-6077 before you go is always wise.
Guided tours walk you through the castle and share Solomon’s stories. The Boat-in-the-Moat Restaurant has its own hours, so ask about them when you call.
Planning both together helps your day run smoothly.
Here is a key detail many people miss. Castle admission is paid by cash or check only, though an ATM is available on site.
Expect a relaxed, friendly visit filled with art, laughs, and plenty of photo spots. Give yourself at least a few hours to enjoy everything without rushing.
