Stokes Castle in Austin Nevada is a tower built out of huge granite rock blocks. The Castle was built by mining baron Anson Phelps Stokes in 1986. Designed as a summer residence the castle was only used for a few months. Soon after completion of the tower Anson Stokes sold the nearby mine along with the surrounding property and the castle.
During its brief time as a residence, the tower had three floors. The ground floor had a dining room with an adjoining kitchen. The second floor was used as a living room, and the third floor had two bedrooms. The upper floors had balconies and there was a rooftop viewing area. Stokes Castle was one of the first buildings in Austin Nevada to have a working plumbing system.
Over the years, Stokes Castle fell into disrepair passing through the hands of several owners. At one time there were plans to move the castle to Las Vegas at a tourist attraction, but the deal never materialized. Today the castle is not much more than a shell. The roof and all floors have collapsed and the balconies are long gone.
Stokes Castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearby the tower you can find the remains of the silver mines that drew Anson Stokes to the area. In a valley below the tower, there are a few foundations from the mining camp of Clifton. Most residents moved to the larger town of Austin when the Clifton mill shut down. If you take Big Creek road off Highway 50 you will find what is left of Clifton.
Stokes Castle sits on a hill overlooking the rural Nevada town of Austin. Most folks visit this historic mining town while traveling along the “The Loneliest Road in America” route 50. Austin is a living ghost town with only a few hundred residents. The town is rich in history with several historic attractions including Stokes Castle, several historic churches, and the International Hotel, the oldest in Nevada.
Austin has a few restaurants, even fewer lodging options, however, there are several nearby campgrounds and RV parks if you wish to stay in the area and explore.
Getting to Stokes Castle Austin Nevada
Austin Nevada is located in the middle of Nevada along route 50. 175 miles from Reno (3 hours), 325 miles from Las Vegas.
Stokes Castle is located off Route 50 along Castle Road. The turnoff is next to the Chevron Station. The road up to Stokes Castle has graded dirt and be made in any vehicle except during snow.
Nearby Attractions Stokes Castle
In town, there are several historic buildings, some in disrepair, some restored. Nearby Spencer Hot Springs is a great place to soak in mineral water. Other points of interest Hickson Summit petroglyph site twenty-four miles east of Austin and Toquima Cave with native American cave paintings.
If you are staying in Austin Belmont Ghost Town is about a two-hour drive and well worth a look.
Belmont Ghost Town
Although the silver mining town of Belmont only prospered for about 20 years there are still a few notable points of interest including the best-preserved building, the courthouse.