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February 2024 by Nancy Morgan
The castle is unique and special to Omaha. I was disappointed walking through it as so many of the rooms within were empty & tour guides were left talking about light fixtures and a few pictures.I believe it would benefit the castle to bring in period furniture even if it is not original to the home...
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January 2024 by Is Private
It's an interesting place but I was not clear that this was a tour and that you can't just go in and look around. It probably would have only taken about 30 minutes to look around but the tour is 2 hours which I felt was too long. Interesting history but wish that the tour was quicker and that they just gave you a pamphlet with some of the history so that they didn't talk in the beginning for 30 minutes about the history of the place.
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January 2024 by Bellwether Booth
We came here over the weekend and took the tour. It was very informative, and the house was immaculate. The tour is very detailed, and you get to learn about the rich history the home has. The Joslyn family was ahead of their time. We started the tour with a video telling some of the history and went on to explore the home. It was a really cool experience, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't been or is just passing through the area. Make sure you're 15 minutes early! All in all it was a spectacular experience.
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January 2024 by Stevanus Haryadi
After driving through blizzard from Cheyenne, Wyoming, finally got here at night and got the best photo shoot
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January 2024 by Rick Keimig
Amazing 12th Night performance, excellent food.
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November 2023 by Daniel Griffith
An enchanting house with an interesting story behind it about one of the major families of Omaha. The tour starts with a quick informative video and then a fairly detailed walking tour of the home. We will definitely be back during the summer months to see the landscaping in full bloom. Our guide, Gary, was very knowledgeable and considerate of everyone on the tour needs.
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October 2023 by Heartland Paranormal
We were beyond thoroughly impressed not only with the castle and preservation of the history but with the tour itself and the information provided!!! A stunning location all around from the castle to the outbuildings to the gardens and grounds!!! Don't pass on the opportunity of a visit if given the chance!!!
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August 2023 by Out Standing in a field
Beautiful and well maintained. Show up at the times of tours.I would highly recommend, taking some time to walk the grounds and see the stable, which has a shop.The size and design is consistent throughout the property with ramparts being used at the entrance as you drive in.There is a lot to see and the tour can take a couple of hours.There are a lot of nice local restaurants near by, so make this a day trip and enjoy.
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August 2023 by Lila Johnson
Since my announcement last week regarding the book signing next month, I decided a tour of the Joslyn mansion or castle as it is referred to, would give me a better understanding of the building, grounds, and the history behind the Joslyn Museum.George and Sarah Joslyn, were a young couple under thirty years of age. As natives of Vermont, they were the part of a wave of new entrepreneurs that were looking to achieve their best in life after the completion of the transcontinental railroad. After Georges' first job in a printing firm in Des Moines, IA in 1879, he made smart business decisions and investments that placed him in areas that allowed growth and fortune.On 5.5 acres of land, a Scottish Baronial Architecture Mansion would be a future dream. With the design hand of architect John McDonald and his suspected Scottish ancestry influence, the 35 room, four story house would take 10-11 months of construction and interior design to bring their dream to life. Builders used gorgeous and varied carved woods shipped in from different countries and stained glass for some of the windows. Mosaic tiles for the interior while Kansas Silverdale limestone created the outer building . The mansion, which was referred to as a “castle” by onlookers due to its small turrets and crenellations, is now on the National Register of Historic Places.With the death of her husband George in 1916, Sarah remained a strong influence and contributor to many charities and businesses in Omaha. In 1929, the Joslyn Memorial, a tribute to her husband, became a public cultural institution for the visual and performing arts. Known today as the Joslyn Art Museum, this is considered by many as Sarah’s most important and greatest gift to Omaha, NE.
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August 2023 by ashle thompson
the castle doesnt have gardens, there are a couple flower beds. we really wanted to see the castle. i got scolded for walking into another room by the guide. the guide took forever in one room discussing every inch of the room. we wanted to walk through and see the castle. my dad couldnt stand for very long without sitting. there should be more chairs on the balcony. there should be chairs for people to sit in the rooms if the guide is going to take so long in each room. we ended up leaving since there was nowhere to sit and the guide was ugly to me for walking in the other room. if there is so much to mention in each room maybe do print out sheets for people to read so people can see the castle. everybody cant stand to extend time hearing about which item in every room is part of a different remodel. ive been to several tours and they spend 5 mins max in a room for guided tours. way too long in one room!!
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June 2023 by Caroline Smith
My daughter and I came to the Joslyn Castle and Gardens for the first time for the 2023 Bat release and it was just amazing! the grounds are breathtaking! they are so well kept and there is so much room for tons of people. At this event, they said there were over 1000 people and there was plenty of room. The castle was beautiful and the castle staff was very kind and did a great job with that many people. I can see why so many people chose to get married here!
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June 2023 by Rachel Ibes
Absolutely stunning Midwest "castle". I loved the history and the tour guide was very knowledgeable and loved what she was doing. The tour was a lot longer than expected, about 1.5 hours. Well worth the visit. I only wish they had more furniture and we could see the basement, but they use the house for events and functions so I understand it isn't just about touring the house. If you love the history and architecture of the early 1900s, this is definitely a place to stop in Omaha.
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May 2023 by Sondra Z.
We were married at the castle 25 years ago and decided to revisit it on a tour for a Saturday date. It was so nostalgic and lovely. We especially liked seeing the parts of the castle that have continued to be renovated over the years as well as the memories of our special day. A beautiful venue and a wonderful piece of Omaha history.
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May 2023 by Michael D.
What a fascinating place in the middle of Omaha!I was in town to visit family, and wanted to see some of the sights. Definitely the guided tour is a must. We went on a Sunday for the first tour of the day (1 PM). It was six of us, along with a couple of other small groups. I believe the tour is limited to 40 people, but was happy that there was maybe half that.The tour is around an hour. Incredibly informative tour guide. I don't think this is suitable for high school kids or under unless they're really interested in history, but for adults it is fascinating.If you happen to be in Omaha, or if you live in Omaha, this is definitely something you need to do.
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April 2023 by Trina DeMattei
I was very happy I was able to make it to a tour with one of the knowledgeable docents. The story of the Joslyn family and the building of the grounds is very interesting. The craftsmanship is truly extraordinary. If you enjoy history or architecture you should make a point of taking the tour.
