Rubel Castle Travel Forum Reviews

Rubel Castle

Description

Let me tell ya about Rubel Castle – this place is seriously one-of-a-kind! Imagine a castle, but not your typical medieval European stonework. Nah, this bad boy was cobbled together from all sorts of recycled odds and ends by a guy named Michael Rubel over 25 years. It’s like if a hoarder had grand architectural ambitions, ya know?

Now, I gotta say, when I first heard about a “castle” made of junk in Glendora, California, I was pretty skeptical. But lemme tell you, once you see this place up close, it’s mind-blowing. Rubel took an old water reservoir and transformed it into this wild, whimsical structure that defies description. It’s part folk art, part fever dream, and 100% fascinating.

The castle’s got all these quirky details – we’re talkin’ bottles embedded in the walls, old farm equipment repurposed as building materials, you name it. It’s like a giant 3D collage of American cast-offs turned into something weirdly beautiful. And don’t even get me started on the clock tower – that thing’s made from the gears of an old oil derrick!

Fair warning though, this ain’t your standard tourist trap. You can’t just rock up and expect to wander around. Nope, you gotta book a tour in advance. But trust me, it’s worth the extra effort. The guides are super passionate and know all sorts of juicy tidbits about the castle’s history and construction.

I will say, reactions to Rubel Castle tend to be pretty mixed. Some folks absolutely love its quirkiness and DIY spirit. Others… well, let’s just say they don’t quite get the appeal of a “trash castle.” But hey, that’s art for ya, right? Personally, I think it’s a testament to human creativity and the power of seeing potential in the seemingly worthless.

Oh, and here’s a fun little tidbit – apparently, the castle’s been used as a filming location for a bunch of TV shows and movies. So who knows, you might recognize a corner or two from your favorite flick!

Bottom line: if you’re into offbeat attractions, folk art, or just wanna see something truly unique, Rubel Castle should definitely be on your radar. It’s a slice of pure California weirdness that’ll stick with ya long after you leave.

Key Features

• DIY castle constructed from recycled materials over 25 years
• Built on the site of an old water reservoir
• Iconic clock tower made from oil derrick parts
• Walls embedded with bottles and other found objects
• Repurposed farm equipment and machinery throughout
• Guided tours available by appointment only
• Popular filming location for TV and movies
• Recognized as a Glendora Historical Landmark
• Houses a collection of vintage automobiles and machinery
• Features multiple towers, courtyards, and winding passages
• On-site gift shop with unique souvenirs
• Home to the Glendora Historical Society

Best Time to Visit

Alright, let’s chat about when to hit up Rubel Castle for the best experience. Now, Southern California’s blessed with pretty sweet weather year-round, so there’s no “bad” time to visit, per se. But I’ve got some insider tips to help you make the most of your trip.

First off, keep in mind that this place is only open for tours by appointment. So you’re not gonna have to battle crowds no matter when you go. That said, I’d recommend aiming for spring or fall if you can swing it. The temps are milder, which makes exploring the castle grounds way more comfortable. Trust me, climbing those towers in the peak of summer can be a sweaty business!

If you’re a photography buff (or just want some killer pics for the ‘gram), early morning or late afternoon tours are your best bet. The light’s softer then, which really makes those quirky castle details pop. Plus, if you time it right, you might catch a stunning California sunset as a backdrop. Talk about magical!

Now, I know some folks love the idea of a spooky castle tour around Halloween. And while Rubel Castle isn’t your typical haunted house setup, it does have a certain eerie vibe that’s perfect for the season. If you’re into that kinda thing, try booking an October tour. Just remember to bring a jacket – evenings can get chilly!

Oh, and here’s a pro tip: if you’re interested in the castle’s role in film and TV, consider visiting in the off-season for Hollywood production (usually late fall to early spring). You might luck out and catch a film crew in action!

One last thing – holidays can be hit or miss. On one hand, the castle might have special events or decorations. On the other, tour availability could be limited. If you’re dead set on a holiday visit, book well in advance and maybe give ’em a call to see if anything special’s planned.

Bottom line: Rubel Castle’s a year-round destination, but spring and fall offer the best combo of comfortable weather and great photo ops. Just remember to book ahead, wear comfy shoes, and get ready for a truly unique experience!

How to Get There

Alright, folks, let’s talk about how to actually get yourselves to this wacky wonderland known as Rubel Castle. Now, I’m gonna level with you – it’s not exactly the easiest place to find. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?

First things first, you’re gonna need a car. Sorry, public transit enthusiasts, but Rubel Castle isn’t really accessible any other way. If you’re flying in, grab a rental at the airport. Trust me, you’ll want the freedom to explore the area anyway.

Now, the castle’s tucked away in Glendora, which is about 25 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. If you’re coming from LA, hop on the I-210 East. It’s a pretty straightforward drive, but fair warning – LA traffic can be a nightmare. Give yourself plenty of time, especially if you’re booking a morning tour.

Once you hit Glendora, things get a bit trickier. The castle’s in a residential area, and it’s not exactly well-signposted. Your GPS might get a bit confused, so keep an eye out for Alosta Avenue. That’s your main landmark.

Here’s where it gets fun – the actual entrance is kinda hidden. You’re looking for a dirt driveway off Live Oak Avenue. There’s a small sign, but it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention. My advice? Drive slow and keep your eyes peeled. If you hit the train tracks, you’ve gone too far.

Oh, and heads up – parking can be a bit of a pain. There’s a small lot, but it fills up fast. You might end up having to park on the street, so be prepared to walk a little bit. And please, be respectful of the neighbors. This is their hood, after all.

Now, I know some of y’all might be tempted to just show up and try to peek at the castle from the outside. Don’t do it. Seriously. The place is private property, and they take security pretty seriously. Plus, you’d be missing out on all the cool stuff inside. Just book a tour, trust me.

If you’re coming from further afield, like say, San Diego or Santa Barbara, you’re in for a bit of a road trip. But hey, that’s half the fun, right? Plan for about a 2-3 hour drive, depending on traffic. Maybe make a day of it and check out some other local attractions while you’re in the area.

Last tip – if you’re using a rideshare service, make sure your driver knows exactly where they’re going. The address can be a bit confusing, so it might be worth giving them a heads up about the hidden entrance.

Remember, getting there is half the adventure when it comes to Rubel Castle. Just take your time, follow the directions carefully, and soon enough you’ll be exploring one of the quirkiest attractions in all of California!

Tips for Visiting

Alright, future Rubel Castle explorers, listen up! I’m about to drop some knowledge that’ll help you make the most of your visit to this crazy cool place. Trust me, I’ve been there a few times, and I’ve picked up some tricks along the way.

First off, and I can’t stress this enough – book your tour in advance! This isn’t the kind of place where you can just show up and expect to get in. They’re serious about the appointment-only policy. Plus, tours can fill up fast, especially on weekends. So do yourself a favor and plan ahead.

Now, let’s talk footwear. You’re gonna be doing a fair bit of walking, and some of the surfaces can be uneven. Leave those fancy shoes at home and opt for something comfortable and sturdy. I learned this the hard way when I nearly twisted my ankle trying to navigate a spiral staircase in flip-flops. Not my proudest moment.

Speaking of clothing, dress in layers. The castle can get pretty warm during the day, but some of the interior spaces stay cool. And if you’re doing a late afternoon tour, it might get chilly as the sun goes down. Better to have a light jacket you can take off than to be shivering through half the tour.

Bring a camera! I know, I know, we all have phones these days. But trust me, you’re gonna want to capture every quirky detail of this place. Just remember to be respectful – no flash photography inside, and always ask your guide if it’s okay to take pictures of specific areas.

Oh, and don’t forget to bring cash for the gift shop. They’ve got some pretty cool souvenirs, and last time I checked, they didn’t take cards. Nothing worse than falling in love with a funky Rubel Castle t-shirt and not being able to buy it!

Here’s a pro tip: come with an empty stomach. No, there’s no fancy castle restaurant (though how cool would that be?). But Glendora’s got some great local eateries, and half the fun is grabbing a bite after your tour and chatting about all the wild stuff you just saw.

Now, I know some of y’all might be tempted to touch everything – I get it, the place is full of cool textures and objects. But remember, this is a historical site. Look with your eyes, not with your hands. Your guide will let you know if there’s anything you can safely interact with.

If you’re bringing kids (and you totally should, they’ll love it), just keep a close eye on them. There are some areas with steep stairs or narrow passages that might be tricky for little ones to navigate.

Lastly, come with an open mind and a sense of humor. Rubel Castle isn’t your typical tourist attraction. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it might challenge your idea of what a “castle” should be. But that’s what makes it so special. Embrace the quirk, ask lots of questions, and get ready for a truly unique experience.

Oh, and one more thing – don’t forget to thank your guide at the end of the tour. These folks are passionate about preserving and sharing the castle’s history, and a little appreciation goes a long way. Who knows, they might even share an extra fun fact or two!

So there you have it, folks. Follow these tips, and I guarantee you’ll have a blast exploring the wonderfully weird world of Rubel Castle. Happy adventuring!

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