We recently extended our drive to visit the Loveland Castle, after discovering it on the Facebook Group "Ohio Roadtrips." Situated at the bottom of a steep and winding driveway, the approach to the castle is somewhat daunting.

The castle itself is quite impressive, particularly given its unique history and the dedication of its original builder. Admission is reasonably priced at $5.00 per person. However, potential visitors should manage their expectations; while the castle includes elements from various traditional castle styles, it is on a much smaller scale.

We learned that construction continued after the original builder's death in 1981, resulting in some parts appearing newer. The architecture is eclectic, and although the decor attempts to evoke a knightly theme, it often feels inconsistent, with sci-fi swords and sheet metal armor sculptures. Many of the staged rooms are closed off, viewable only through bars.

The castle and its builder possess a fascinating history, but the overall experience would benefit greatly from a more cohesive curatorial approach. The grounds, featuring a mix of annuals and shade perennials, would also benefit from better upkeep. Many of the terraced hotbeds were vacant, which was surprising given the presence of an inexpensive greenhouse behind the castle. Filling these hotbeds with perennials, such as creeping thyme, could significantly enhance the venue’s appeal.

We opted for a self-guided tour rather than being accompanied by one of the orange-shirted staff members. Upon departure, a staff member provided some additional background information, which was interesting, though much of it can be found online.

Overall, the Loveland Castle holds potential as a wedding venue with significant upgrades, an intriguing museum with better curation, and a worthwhile curiosity if you are nearby and have 30 minutes to spare. However, the state of the public facilities, which had not been serviced in a week, detracted from the overall experience.