Unearth The Voyage
You probably think castles only exist in European countries or fantasy novels. But tucked away in southern Oklahoma, a stone fortress rises from the hillside like something that belongs in a medieval fairy tale.
The Collings Castle stands as one of the most unexpected architectural surprises you can find in the American Southwest, complete with towers, stone staircases, and rooms that wind through multiple levels. I visited this curious landmark and discovered it offers way more than just photo opportunities for your social media feed.
Finding Your Way to This Hidden Stone Fortress
The Collings Castle sits at 6250 US-77 in Davis, Oklahoma, right inside Turner Falls Park. Getting there requires paying an admission fee to enter the park itself, which runs about fifteen dollars per adult depending on the season.
The castle isn’t visible from the main highway. You need to drive into the park and follow the signs toward the hiking trails.
Most visitors discover it while exploring the park’s other attractions, which makes the castle feel like a bonus surprise.
Park your vehicle in the designated lot near the base of the hill. From there, you’ll spot the stone structure perched above you.
The location offers something special because it combines natural beauty with this unusual man-made creation.
Davis is a small town in the Arbuckle Mountains region. The area attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
The castle adds a touch of whimsy to an already scenic destination.
Plan to spend at least an hour exploring the castle and the surrounding trails. The combination of history, architecture, and nature makes this Oklahoma spot worth the detour.
The Stairway Challenge That Guards the Castle
Before you reach the castle, you face a serious workout. The staircase leading up to the structure features dozens upon dozens of steps carved into the hillside.
Some visitors count over a hundred steps from bottom to top.
The climb isn’t for everyone. The stairs are steep, uneven in places, and can be slippery when wet.
If you have mobility concerns, you might want to admire the castle from the base level instead of attempting the full ascent.
I took my time going up, pausing every twenty steps or so to catch my breath. The railings help, but they don’t exist along every section.
Watch your footing, especially on the way down when gravity works against your balance.
The effort pays off once you reach the top. Each level of the castle opens up new rooms and passageways to explore.
The physical challenge becomes part of the adventure, making you feel like you’ve truly earned access to this stone fortress.
Wear proper shoes with good grip. Flip-flops or smooth-soled sandals make the climb dangerous.
The stairs alone turn a simple sightseeing trip into a legitimate hiking experience.
Architecture That Transports You Across Centuries
The castle’s design mimics European medieval architecture with surprising authenticity. Stone walls rise several stories high.
Arched doorways lead from room to room. Small windows punctuate the exterior walls like something from a fortress built to withstand sieges.
Dr. Ellsworth Collings constructed this castle back in the 1930s. He used native stone from the surrounding area, which gives the structure a natural connection to the landscape.
The building blends into the hillside while still standing out as something completely unexpected.
Walking through the interior feels like stepping into another era. The rooms are empty now, but you can imagine how they might have been furnished decades ago.
Some chambers are large and open, while others feel cramped and cave-like.
The stonework shows impressive craftsmanship. Each rock was carefully placed and mortared into position.
The castle has weathered decades of Oklahoma storms, which speaks to the quality of its construction.
Multiple levels connect through interior staircases and outdoor walkways. The layout encourages exploration.
Every turn reveals another passage or room, keeping the experience interesting from start to finish.
Rooms That Wind Through Multiple Levels
The castle interior sprawls across several floors. Narrow hallways connect larger chambers.
Some rooms feature high ceilings, while others feel more like tunnels carved through the stone.
Natural light filters through the windows and doorways, but many interior spaces remain quite dark. Bring a flashlight if you want to explore the deeper rooms thoroughly.
I used my phone’s flashlight, which worked well enough for basic navigation.
The layout doesn’t follow a logical pattern. You might climb a set of stairs only to find yourself in a small chamber with no obvious exit except the way you came.
Other rooms open onto outdoor terraces with stunning views of the surrounding park.
Some visitors report seeing spiders, especially in the darker corners. I didn’t encounter anything too alarming, but the castle definitely feels wilder and less maintained than a typical tourist attraction.
That roughness adds to the authentic castle experience.
The rooms vary in size and purpose. You can tell some were designed as living spaces, while others might have served as storage or lookout points.
Imagining how people used these spaces makes the exploration more engaging.
Views That Reward Your Climb
Climbing to the castle’s upper levels gives you spectacular views of Turner Falls and the surrounding valley. The waterfall cascades down the rocky cliff face, creating a natural focal point that draws your eye immediately.
The overlook areas provide perfect spots for photos. You can see for miles across the Arbuckle Mountains.
The green canopy stretches out below you, broken only by rocky outcroppings and the ribbon of water flowing through the park.
I visited during fall, and the changing leaves added extra color to the landscape. Spring and summer would offer different but equally beautiful perspectives.
Even on cloudy days, the views remain impressive.
The height gives you a completely different appreciation for the park’s geography. From ground level, you can’t fully grasp how the terrain slopes and curves.
The elevated vantage point reveals the whole picture.
Several outdoor platforms and terraces offer safe places to stand and take in the scenery. The stone walls provide barriers in most spots, though you should still watch children carefully.
The combination of castle architecture and natural beauty creates photo opportunities you won’t find anywhere else in Oklahoma.
The History Behind This Unusual Structure
Dr. Ellsworth Collings built this castle as a summer retreat during the Great Depression. He was a professor at the University of Oklahoma and apparently had enough resources to pursue this ambitious project even during tough economic times.
The castle served as a family getaway for several decades. Collings and his relatives would escape the summer heat and enjoy the cooler temperatures in the Arbuckle Mountains.
The location near Turner Falls provided natural entertainment and scenic beauty.
After the Collings family stopped using the property, it eventually became part of Turner Falls Park. The castle has been left largely as-is, without major renovations or modernization.
This preservation approach maintains the structure’s authentic character.
Some historical details remain murky. Finding old photographs or detailed records about the castle’s construction and early years proves difficult.
The mystery adds to the castle’s charm, letting visitors imagine different scenarios about its past.
The castle represents a unique piece of Oklahoma history. It shows how one person’s vision can create something lasting and memorable.
The structure has introduced thousands of visitors to a side of Oklahoma they never knew existed.
Seasonal Considerations for Your Visit
Summer brings the most visitors because Turner Falls Park offers swimming and water activities. The castle gets crowded during peak season, especially on weekends.
The heat also means you’ll work up a serious sweat climbing those stairs.
Fall provides cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. The changing leaves create a picturesque backdrop for photos.
Fewer crowds mean you can explore at your own pace without waiting for groups to clear out of rooms.
Winter visits are possible but less common. The stairs can become icy and dangerous.
The castle itself offers no heating, so you’ll need warm clothes. Some visitors appreciate the solitude and stark beauty of the castle against a winter landscape.
Spring brings wildflowers and mild weather. Rain can make the stairs slippery, so check the forecast before visiting.
The waterfalls run stronger after spring rains, which enhances the overall park experience.
I recommend visiting during shoulder seasons for the best combination of good weather and manageable crowds. Early morning or late afternoon provides better lighting for photos and a more peaceful atmosphere for exploration.
What to Bring for a Comfortable Exploration
Proper footwear makes the biggest difference in your castle experience. The stairs and uneven surfaces demand shoes with good traction.
Athletic shoes or hiking boots work perfectly. Leave the sandals in your car.
A flashlight or headlamp helps you explore the darker interior rooms safely. Phone lights work in a pinch, but a dedicated flashlight provides better illumination.
You’ll appreciate the extra light when checking out the deeper chambers.
Water is essential, especially during warmer months. The stair climb and castle exploration require more physical effort than you might expect.
Dehydration can turn a fun adventure into a miserable experience.
Your camera or phone will get a workout capturing all the interesting angles and views. Consider bringing a portable charger to keep your devices powered up.
The stone textures, archways, and scenic overlooks provide endless photo opportunities.
Insect repellent might come in handy during certain seasons. Some visitors report encountering spiders and other bugs in the darker corners.
A small first-aid kit makes sense for any outdoor adventure involving uneven terrain and old structures.
Combining the Castle with Other Park Activities
Turner Falls Park offers way more than just the castle. The main waterfall stands as Oklahoma’s tallest at seventy-seven feet.
Swimming holes at the base provide refreshing relief on hot days. The combination makes for a full day of entertainment.
Hiking trails wind throughout the park, connecting different attractions. You can explore caves, climb to additional overlooks, and discover hidden swimming spots.
The castle represents just one stop on a larger adventure.
The park includes camping facilities for visitors who want to extend their stay. Cabins and RV spots let you base yourself in the area for multiple days.
Waking up near the castle and falls creates a memorable experience.
Picnic areas provide spots to rest and refuel between activities. Pack a lunch and find a shady spot to relax.
The natural setting makes even a simple sandwich taste better.
The admission fee covers access to everything in the park. This makes the castle feel like a bonus attraction rather than a separate expense.
You get the most value by exploring multiple areas rather than just visiting the castle alone.
Making the Most of Your Castle Adventure
The castle rewards curiosity and exploration. Don’t just walk through the main rooms and leave.
Poke your head into side passages. Climb to the highest accessible point.
Check out the view from different terraces and windows.
Take your time moving through the structure. Rushing means you’ll miss interesting details in the stonework or overlook a hidden chamber.
The castle isn’t huge, but thorough exploration takes at least thirty to forty minutes.
Respect the structure and other visitors. The castle has survived decades without major damage, partly because people treat it carefully.
Don’t climb on walls or try to access clearly unsafe areas. Leave no trash behind.
The castle offers something different depending on your interests. History buffs appreciate the 1930s construction story.
Photography enthusiasts love the unique architecture and views. Families enjoy the adventure of exploring a real castle together.
This Oklahoma landmark proves that unexpected treasures exist throughout the United States. The Collings Castle turns a simple park visit into something more memorable.
The combination of natural beauty, unusual architecture, and hands-on exploration creates an experience that sticks with you long after you’ve descended those many stairs back to your car.
