Castle Farms

Castle Farms is a stone property inspired by Normandy architecture, featuring formal gardens, exhibition halls, and outdoor event spaces spread across its grounds. The site includes a museum displaying early 20th-century items and a large-scale model railroad installation.

Founded in 1918 by Sears president Albert Loeb, the property began as an ambitious dairy operation with modern equipment and substantial local employment. Over time it evolved from a working farm into a cultural venue with museums and attractions.

The site reflects early 20th-century agricultural life, where visitors can experience how the farm operated through its preserved buildings and gardens. The layout shows how farmers and workers organized their daily routines across the different spaces.

The property is open year-round with both self-guided and guided tour options, and plan for about two hours to see the main areas. The different sections are well-marked, so visitors can easily move between exhibitions, gardens, and outdoor spaces.

One of the state's largest model railroad operations runs from May to October, displaying dozens of trains on extensive tracks. The layout is built with detailed scenery and structures that recreate scenes from different eras.

Location: Charlevoix

GPS coordinates: 45.28020,-85.23020

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:46