Tucked away in the quiet town of Ona, Florida, Solomon’s Castle is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Built entirely by one man, artist Howard Solomon, this aluminum-clad fortress is packed with recycled art, quirky sculptures, and jaw-dropping creativity.
Whether you’re an art lover, a history fan, or just someone looking for an unforgettable day trip, this place will leave you speechless. With a 4.6-star rating and thousands of happy visitors, it’s one of Florida’s best-kept secrets.
The Aluminum Castle Itself
Some buildings make you stop and stare before you even walk inside — Solomon’s Castle is exactly that kind of place. Howard Solomon covered the entire exterior with aluminum printing plates, making the castle literally glitter in the Florida sunshine.
It’s a sight that feels almost magical, like something out of a storybook.
Howard spent decades building and expanding the structure, and every corner tells a story. The walls, the windows, and even the rooftops reflect his wild imagination.
Visitors consistently say photos don’t do it justice — you really have to see it in person to feel the full effect.
The castle sits on a beautifully maintained property shaded by large canopy oak trees, giving it a peaceful, almost enchanted atmosphere. Plan your visit between Tuesday and Sunday, as the castle is closed on Mondays.
Arrive early to make the most of your time.
Howard Solomon’s Artistic Legacy
Howard Solomon wasn’t just an artist — he was a one-man creative universe. He built his castle from scratch, created hundreds of art pieces from recycled materials, and even constructed a full-sized boat next to his home.
The sheer volume of what he accomplished in one lifetime is almost hard to believe.
His humor was woven into every piece he made. Visitors often find themselves laughing out loud at the clever jokes and puns hidden throughout the artwork.
It’s the kind of creativity that makes you see the world differently — a rusty can becomes a sculpture, a broken mirror becomes a masterpiece.
Howard passed away, but his family continues to run the castle with the same love and passion he poured into it. Learning about his story during the tour adds a deeply personal and inspiring layer to the whole experience.
His legacy truly lives on here.
The Guided Castle Tour
Walking through Solomon’s Castle without a guide would be like reading a book with half the pages missing. The guided tour brings every room to life with fascinating stories, clever explanations, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Tour guides — many of them family members — share Howard’s story with genuine warmth and pride.
The tour covers the first floor of the castle, where Howard’s art pieces are displayed in every nook and cranny. Each creation has a backstory that makes it even more impressive.
You’ll find yourself leaning in closer, trying to figure out what everyday objects were used to make each piece.
One thing to keep in mind: the castle has uneven flooring and steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Tours run Tuesday through Sunday, and the castle closes at 3 PM on weekdays and 4 PM on weekends.
Arriving early is always a smart move.
Stunning Stained Glass Windows
Few things inside Solomon’s Castle stop visitors in their tracks quite like the stained glass windows. Howard created these colorful masterpieces himself, and the way they filter sunlight into the rooms creates an almost cathedral-like glow.
They’re breathtaking in the most unexpected way.
Each window tells its own visual story, filled with color combinations and patterns that feel both deliberate and playful. Stained glass is already an impressive art form on its own — but knowing that a self-taught artist crafted these by hand makes them even more remarkable.
Many visitors mention the windows as one of their favorite highlights of the entire trip. If you’re into photography, these windows offer some truly stunning shots.
Just keep in mind that photography inside the castle is not permitted, so take a mental snapshot and let the experience sink in while you’re there.
The Boat in the Moat Restaurant
Eating lunch inside a boat floating in a moat next to a castle — yes, that’s a real thing you can do in Florida. The Boat in the Moat is one of the most uniquely themed restaurants you’ll ever step foot in, and the food is genuinely delicious too.
It’s not just a gimmick; people rave about the meals.
The menu features homestyle cooking with sandwiches, pot roast, lasagna, shrimp salad, and even a banana split for dessert. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and the staff is warm and attentive.
Several reviewers called it the highlight of their entire visit.
You can also dine outdoors under the shady oak trees, where live music is sometimes performed at no extra charge. Whether you tour the castle or not, a meal here is worth the trip on its own.
Just remember — cash only, no credit cards accepted.
Art Made from Recycled Materials
Imagine turning old car parts, tin cans, and scrap metal into stunning works of art — that’s exactly what Howard Solomon did, and he did it better than almost anyone. His recycled art collection is spread throughout the castle and grounds, and every single piece sparks curiosity and conversation.
What makes this collection so special is the humor and storytelling behind each creation. Howard had a gift for seeing potential in things most people would throw away.
A pile of junk in someone else’s hands became a knight in armor or a laughing figure in Howard’s.
Kids and adults alike find themselves completely fascinated by the collection. Trying to identify the original materials in each sculpture turns into a fun little game during the tour.
It’s the kind of art that doesn’t require any background knowledge — just an open mind and a willingness to be surprised.
The Antique and Vintage Car Collection
Car enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Solomon’s Castle features an impressive collection of antique and vintage vehicles that Howard gathered over the years.
What makes this collection extra special is that all the cars are reportedly still in working condition — they’re not just dusty display pieces collecting cobwebs.
The encore tour takes you through this building, where knowledgeable guides walk you through the history and stories behind each vehicle. Uncle Jimmy is frequently mentioned in visitor reviews as a standout guide — entertaining, informative, and genuinely passionate about the collection.
Even if you’re not a hardcore car fan, the sheer variety and condition of these vehicles is impressive. Combining the car tour with the castle tour makes for a full and deeply satisfying day trip.
Many visitors say they wished they had more time to linger. Budget a full afternoon if you want to experience everything comfortably.
The Peaceful Grounds and Oak Tree Setting
Before you even reach the castle door, the property itself sets a magical tone. Large canopy oak trees create a shaded, almost fairy-tale atmosphere that feels completely removed from the hustle of everyday life.
Just walking the grounds is a relaxing experience in its own right.
The property is beautifully maintained, and visitors frequently comment on how peaceful and clean everything feels. There’s a sense of calm here that makes it easy to slow down, wander, and just take everything in without feeling rushed.
It’s the kind of place that recharges you.
Outdoor dining areas are scattered beneath the trees, giving you a lovely spot to enjoy your meal in the fresh air. On lucky days, you might even catch live musical entertainment outside at no extra cost.
Whether you’re exploring the sculptures or simply sitting in the shade, the grounds alone make the trip worthwhile.
Cash-Only Policy and Onsite ATM
Here’s something every visitor absolutely needs to know before hitting the road: Solomon’s Castle is a cash-only venue. No credit cards, no debit cards — just good old-fashioned paper money.
It might feel a little old-school, but it’s part of the charm of this family-run, grassroots attraction.
The good news is there’s an ATM right on the property, so you won’t be stuck if you forget. That said, it’s always smarter to withdraw cash before you arrive so you’re not scrambling at the gate.
Admission tickets, the restaurant, and the gift shop all require cash.
Multiple reviewers emphasized this tip as the single most helpful piece of advice they received before visiting. Ticket prices have been noted as a bit steep by some guests, but the overwhelming majority agree the experience is absolutely worth every dollar.
Plan ahead and you’ll have zero stress on the day.
The Unique Gift Shop
No visit to Solomon’s Castle is complete without a stop at the gift shop, and this isn’t your average tourist trap filled with keychains and magnets. The items here reflect Howard Solomon’s creative spirit, with unique handcrafted pieces and one-of-a-kind souvenirs you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Visitors often describe the gift shop as a fun extension of the castle experience itself. Browsing the shelves feels like discovering little treasures, and many people end up spending more time here than they expected.
It’s a great place to pick up something meaningful to remember your visit.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a gift for someone back home, the selection offers something for every taste and budget. Just remember — cash only applies here too.
Stock up before you arrive so you can shop freely without worrying about running to the ATM mid-browse.
Family-Run Atmosphere and Friendly Staff
There’s something deeply special about a place where the people running it genuinely love what they do. At Solomon’s Castle, Howard’s family and staff carry his legacy forward with unmistakable warmth and enthusiasm.
From the moment you arrive, you feel like a welcomed guest rather than just another ticket sale.
Tour guides share stories about Howard with real emotion and personal pride. It’s clear that this isn’t just a job for them — it’s a calling.
That personal connection transforms a simple attraction visit into something that feels meaningful and memorable.
Reviewers across the board praise the staff for being knowledgeable, kind, and genuinely engaging. Whether it’s Uncle Jimmy cracking jokes during the car tour or a family member sharing a heartfelt story about Howard’s life, the human element here elevates everything.
Supporting Solomon’s Castle means supporting a true community-rooted, mom-and-pop labor of love.
A Day Trip Worth Every Mile
Solomon’s Castle sits in the middle of what many visitors describe as “the middle of nowhere” — and somehow, that makes it even better. The drive through rural Florida builds anticipation, and when the glittering aluminum castle finally comes into view through the trees, the payoff is completely real.
Most visitors spend a full afternoon here between the castle tour, the car tour, lunch at the Boat in the Moat, and browsing the gift shop. Families, couples, and solo travelers all report having a fantastic time.
Several reviewers drove over an hour and a half each way without a single regret.
The castle is open Tuesday through Sunday, with weekday hours ending at 3 PM and weekend hours extending to 4 PM. Arriving when the gates open gives you the best chance to experience everything without feeling rushed.
Mark it on your bucket list — this one delivers.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
First timers, a little preparation goes a long way at Solomon’s Castle. Bring cash — enough for tickets, lunch, and the gift shop.
The onsite ATM is there as a backup, but having your own cash ready means one less thing to worry about when you arrive excited and ready to explore.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes because the castle interior has uneven floors and steps that can be tricky in sandals or heels. Sunscreen and a hat are smart choices too, especially if you plan to explore the outdoor grounds and dine under the oak trees.
Photography inside the castle is not allowed, so leave your camera in your bag during the tour and focus on soaking up the experience firsthand. Check the website at solomonscastle.com or call ahead at 863-494-6077 to confirm hours and any special events.
A little planning makes the whole trip run smoothly.
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