pythian castle

It was a nice tour given by the current owner. During the winter on the weekdays there are two tours available at 1:00 pm is the ghost tour, and 2:30 pm is a regular tour. We missed the ghost tour so went on the regular one. The doors are locked until 20 minutes before a scheduled tour. The Castle is a bit difficult to get to because it is surrounded by the Armory grounds. You'll find out about the relationship of the Armory and Castle during your tour. :)

We did a Friday ghost tour, the cost was 32.00 per person. We got there, I thought how pretty it was outside. We walked in, the disappointment started........we stood around for quite awhile first waiting for the huge crowd that came in, then we were taken into a room with a bunch of tables to be entertained by the guy that worked there, telling stories (he was very funny and really was the one employee/attraction of the night that was entertaining). The castle seemed to not have anything original inside, the one woman employee on the tour was rude. There was this huge "rock man" that looked like it was a Disney statue with green glowing eyes. At one point, my fiance had to go to the restroom and started to and then was reprimanded by an older woman who worked there.......There were no beverages or food available (they DO have tours/overnight stays for that I guess, which I will not do) We went as a couple and at one point were told to separate into lines, "boys on one side, girls on the other" (very elementary school to us) and we decided to leave at that point. I expected a ghost tour, this wasn't for us.

This is a great place to spend an hour or two on the tour. There is quite a lot of history here. A retirement home and orphanage, military hospital and prisoner of war camp during World War 2, non-profit headquarters, private home, and now an event center. If you care for history or architecture it is well worth the time.

We had tired to visit on several other visits to Springfield but the ghost tours book up quickly. We decided to go on the 11:15 history tour. The history of the building is absolutely amazing. It used to house seniors and orphans. The military took over the castle before the war. Our tour guide was not the owner but was very knowledgeable about the house and the history. We want to return and go on the ghost tour. It was about 60 degrees outside the day we toured and it was very chilly in the castle and basement area. I highly recommend bringing a sweater or a jacket.

Incredible story here... MJ and one of her twin daughters own, live and gratefully allow tours. It is just amazing the history and it was nearly let go to ruin at one time. I would definitely recommend for adults. MJ was kinda hard to hear at times but very entertaining.. They are growing and improving all the time. The City of Springfield should really rally behind them and cherish all their work in preserving this nugget of history. Can't wait for the ghost tour!!! This made my day! Thanks!

This "castle" built early 1900's has had a long, interesting history. The tour was led by the current owner. Three floors, and an interesting piece of history. Only main floor is handicap accessible.

costly to just walk around a big old house and not see or hear or get touched or anything by a spirit our son was bored

I was able to snag same day ghost tour tickets in a very busy time of year (before the 4th of July) and for my birthday. The tour was packed, every seat taken. It started off so wonderfully, the guide is funny and a great story-teller. The first hour or so is taken with his wonderful story, which is nice, because I was worried about having to walk around all the time.They split the group up into three to make it smaller. The part with the guide taking us into the prisoner room where they were possibly hung up to be tortured was my favorite part. He tells stories of how he has heard or felt something, turns the light off, and gives the general feel of creepiness. Then we were taken into another area to see the prisoner war cells, given time to go through them on our own. The history there is well felt throughout, I DO like that we were given free time to explore. Then shuttled into a tunnel, not being told why it was apart of the ghost tour. (You're told later, and it's TRUE, it is very creepy). We also got to visit the boys dormitory and the theater and get to hear some possible EVPs that they received.Definitely don't go on the tour expecting to see a ghost, feel a ghost, or even have an experience. It's a well rounded historical tour going a little bit deeper than the day time tour, but you should definitely do the day time tour first, then follow up with the night time tour. It is a great thing to do in Springfield, but the way they ran the tour and the over all feeling of rush rush rush made it not so amazing. There was also a lot of selling, during the tour and at not so great times, of articles after the end of the tour. But still worth the (inexpensive) price.

I came here for a Halloween tour and loved it. The building has such an interesting past that there has to be something hanging around there.

As my parents were both members of the order it was very interesting to learn more history of the Pythian's. Very good tour given by the owner.

I was here for a wedding, and it's a very classy place for an old castle. They have nice clean facilities and an old time atmosphere. Its almost like stepping back in time! I would highly recommend renting it for a formal function.

I took the daytime ghost tour as it was the tour that allowed for picture taking.The guide was good, the history and ghost stories where interesting, and the building it's self seemed as if it wants to be remembered.

If you live in the general vicinity of Springfield, once in your lifetime, you should take the time to visit the Pythian Castle. It is a really neat old building. Good history lesson and archeticual experience. Carthage stone and hand carved wood. For example: The movie theatre caught my eye as the projection room had an exterior lock bar on the door. I was told that the old time film was highly flammable. Thus the room could be locked from the outside to prevent the spread of flames. What about the poor projectionist? (Inglorious Basterds) The Ghost thing is a possibility. Last time we were there, a basement door swung shut behind us. We couldn't debunk it. I have never tried the mystery dinners and hear that they are a blast.

The tour was guided by one of the owners who was very informative about the castle. The information was very interesting.

I enjoyed the tour guided by one of the owners. She knew the extensive history of the building and gave a fun, lively presentation. The haunted tours were sold out, as was the mystery dinner, for the weekend I was there but I would imagine that's a good sign!