Rubel Castle

Rubel Castle is a concrete fortress in Glendora built from reclaimed materials such as bottles, bedsprings, and machine parts. The complex includes a clock tower, basement areas, a blacksmith workshop, and a restored railroad car integrated into the overall structure.

Michael Rubel purchased the citrus orchard at age 18 in 1959 and spent 26 years constructing this architectural vision. The castle became an expression of one man's determination to transform raw land into something extraordinary.

The property includes a clock tower with a 1911 Seth Thomas timepiece, dungeons, a blacksmith area, and a Santa Fe Railroad caboose.

Visitors must book tours in advance and should be prepared for multiple staircases and steep pathways throughout the grounds. The experience requires physical activity over roughly 90 minutes, so plan accordingly.

The castle walls are decorated with thousands of recycled objects gathered during suburban development, from motorcycle parts to household appliances. This collection demonstrates how everyday items were transformed into lasting artistic statements.