Mystery Castle
| Related: | dwntwn phoenix |
| Address: | 800 E Mineral Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042, USA |
| Site: | mymysterycastle.com |
| Rating: | 4.4 |
| Working: | Closed Closed Closed 11AM–3:30PM 11AM–3:30PM 11AM–3:30PM 11AM–3:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 38
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Brian Bergström
The reality of dying was thrust upon Boyce Luther Gulley in his prime. Choosing not to live a life of quiet desperation awaiting the end, he ran away from home, family and friends. Those were sad but wondrous times of soul searching and physical activity. In his heart was permanently etched the vision of those precious moment in time when he and his little girl, Mary Lou, built sand castles on the beach in Seattle, Washington. How she would cry when the tide washed them away. "Please, Daddy, build me a big and strong castle someday that I can live in. Maybe you ought to build it on the desert where there is no water." He would smile and wonder perhaps its no coincidence that he migrated to Arizona, where he gradually regained his health. So he built her a native stone castle: 18 rooms, 13 fireplaces, parapets and many charming nooks and crannies, then furnished it with southwestern antiques. The "king" died in 1945, before he could send for his family. The little girl now an aged "princess", dwells in her "sand" castle, and is living the last fairytale. By conducting tours, Mary Lou Gulley maintains the castle and perpetuates her dream.
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A Private User
If you have a heart for the special relationship between fathers and daughters you will be touched by the story and the years of dedication that went into making The Mystery Castle. By gathering tossed-away materials from the nearby dump this father built a castle for his little princess. There is almost awe-inspiring dedication revealed in the daughters commitment to living in the castle her father built for her with his own hands, while never seeing his daughter during the 15-year process. It is a love story and a monument to the connection between a man dealing with his own mortality and the daughter he left behind. If the story doesnt capture your heart, the ingenuity and panoramic views will certainly capture your attention. Truly worth the trip!!! Be blessed!
JO
Jocelyn Dykes
Wonderful true fairytale about the labor of love! Absolutely fascinating to gaze upon this piece of architecture and think that it was built by one man with a duration of 15 years in the making! My kids really enjoyed it and we will definitely return! One of those places where you see something new every time you go and we are fortunate enough to reside close to this castle! Historical Phoenix gem and the stunning views of South Mountain and downtown alone are worth the trip!
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Whitney Brooks
We had an awesome time visiting this little piece of Arizona history. The story behind it is both sad and amazing. The tour guides are so friendly and knowledgeable about the house and its history. The views are beautiful as well. We really enjoyed visiting and will definitely be back again someday!
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Linda Lilly
Amazing , constructed from what was available and the story of available material, including water to build this mystery will leave you fascinated and wanting to share your experiance with others .I have taken all my out of state visitors there as well as local friends. Everyone leaves amazed.
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Anthony Williams
Enjoyed a wonderful backstory while guided through a beautiful stone mansion. The views are great over the valley while the artsy mansion is even more creatively unique. Insipiring and creatively uplifting little place to visit, definietly a Phoenix bucketlist item.
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Evelyn Louise
A quirky cool place to visit at least once and a great place to bring out of town visitors. The guides are knowledgeable. The view of the city is spectacular. Wear tennis shoes as the staircases are steep and narrow and the floors are uneven.
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Braxton Schafer
This place is so cool!! The story behind it and its history are one of a kind. You can read all about it, but its so much better to visit in person and hear about it from somebody who knew the longtime inhabitant.
JE
Jessie Ward
It was worth the trip. Its a very unique building with an interesting story. Its very eclectic. There is no gift shop, bring your own water and the only bathroom is a port a potty in the parking lot.
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Maggie Murch
Such an interesting story, and the guide was really wonderful, a valley gem, didnt know it existed before a friend invited me to tour it. Check it out and then view the south mtn scenic outlook after.
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Derin M
Fun and strange little attraction at the base of South Mountain... Take the tour, listen to the story, admire the strange architecture and have a good time... Tour lasts a little over a hour...
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David Rios
yes mr. So much of the mystery cant even freakin even go inside some kind of storage building I think when are the hours from the outside and just passing by it is a very mysterious Castle
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Lee Hopkins
Very interesting place to visit, guides are good, lots of interesting facts to listen to and the view back towards Phoenix is beautiful.
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Leanne Leaman
Fascinating tour, good stories, knowledgeable guides. A little over priced but still worth it. Builder was the ultimate recycler!!!
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Meagan Thornburg
Difficult to go when its cash only and you dont have cash on you. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids
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Gregor J. Rothfuss
a reasonable effort but nowhere near as awesome as corral castle in florida. the junk does indeed distract.
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Shandon Sullivan
Absolutely awesome. The tour guides are so knowledgeable and draw you in. The castle itself is stunning.
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Erik Mickelson
It was a very good place to visit if you have an hour to kill, it is very different to say the least.
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Bret Hiller
Amazing place. Guided tour was great and views were amazing. A MUST SEE! and will definitely go back!
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Joe Turner
Some tour guides didnt know much about it. Over priced admission fee. Cool, but not that cool.
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Dona Jones
I visited with my sister Jan. 2014. It is just amazing! A+ rating & worth checking out!!!
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True Myth
Definitely a unique and fun place to visit at least once in your lifetime.
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Lori Pfeifer
Had a great time--love the stories snd the house is really intetesting.
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A Private User
It was a lot of fun. It is also apparently closed during the summer.
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Roger
Eh. More of a tourist trap. Not impressed with cash only either
AM
Amanda Kipfer
Amazing day, great tour guides... Awesome house....
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Janette Palacios
such a great place to see and a very great tour
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Scot Pioske
A little pricey but a very cool tour.
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Sabrina Murrell
Local history. Repurpose at its best
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Paul Santo
I have know idea what this is ???
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A Private User
Been going since the early 60s.
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David Welker
Something to do. Interesting.
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Gloria Crane
amazing i would recommend it
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Frank Carnline
Its one of phoenix wonder
AR
Arlene Kramer
Very interesting place.
MO
Monica Tway
What a neat place
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A Private User
how amazing it was
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Tea Rose
Fascinating!
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