Tucked into the quiet backroads of Ona, Florida—population small, charm enormous—you’ll find something utterly unexpected: a castle made of aluminum, rising like a mirage from the swampy landscape. Solomon’s Castle isn’t just a roadside curiosity—it’s a full-blown, self-built fortress of recycled materials, groan-worthy wordplay, and offbeat artistry.
Created entirely by the late sculptor Howard Solomon, this dazzling, tinfoil-looking estate is part art gallery, part personal time capsule, and 100% eccentric magic. Whether you’re into quirky roadside attractions or just looking for a fun detour that’s light on crowds and heavy on character, Solomon’s Castle will surprise you at every turn—and probably make you laugh along the way.
What We Love
A Castle Made of Printing Plates
Yep, the entire glimmering structure is covered in old aluminum printing plates salvaged from a local newspaper. It sparkles in the Florida sun like a fairytale built by a wizard who ran out of bricks and said, “Eh, let’s get weird.”
Punny Sculptures and Playful Art
Howard Solomon’s whimsical sense of humor lives on in his sculptures—think dragons made of car parts, ships in bottles that defy physics, and signs that pun harder than a dad on vacation. Each room feels like a punchline wrapped in metal.
Guided Tours With Personality
Take the official tour and you’ll be led through dozens of Solomon’s hand-built rooms and installations, all while hearing the stories (and puns) behind the creations. The guides channel the spirit of Solomon himself—part docent, part stand-up comic.
Boat in a Moat Café
Yes, there’s a real (and very stationary) boat in a real moat, and inside it? A cozy little café serving sandwiches, soups, and homemade desserts. It’s exactly as quirky as it sounds—and surprisingly good.
The Artist’s Touch Everywhere
From the stained glass windows to the throne made of hubcaps, you’ll find Solomon’s creativity in every detail. This isn’t a themed attraction—it’s a one-man dream that turned into a family-run legacy.
Atmosphere & Setting
The setting is as peaceful as it is peculiar. Surrounded by oak trees, palmettos, and chirping birds, the aluminum castle rises like a glittering anomaly in the green Florida countryside. It’s quiet but full of energy, with meandering paths, shaded picnic spots, and surprise sculptures tucked into the landscape. There’s no piped-in soundtrack—just the buzz of conversation and the occasional snort of laughter when someone gets the latest pun.
The interior has a homegrown museum vibe: part funhouse, part fine art gallery, with a bit of “Grandpa’s garage full of genius” energy thrown in. You’ll want to linger just to soak it all in.
Value (Is It Worth It?)
Admission is around $18 for adults, with discounts for kids and seniors. The guided tour is included and absolutely worth it—don’t skip it. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours onsite (longer if you stay for lunch or poke around the gift shop).
Solomon’s Castle is a perfect fit for couples, families with curious kids, day-trippers, or art lovers who like their masterpieces a little… unconventional. It’s one of those places where you get far more than you expect—for both your time and money.
Other Considerations
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Parking: Free and plentiful, with RV-friendly space
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Hours: Open Tuesday–Sunday, closed July and August due to heat
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Weather: Mostly outdoors—dress cool and bring water if it’s a scorcher
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Accessibility: Mostly accessible, though a few tight corners may be tricky
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Good to Know: It’s cash or check only—no cards, so plan ahead
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Food: Definitely try the café—especially the homemade pies
Solomon’s Castle isn’t just a quirky stop—it’s a full-blown experience built on imagination, elbow grease, and a love of laughter. It’s a place where you can marvel, chuckle, and wander—proof that in Florida, magic hides in the most unexpected corners.
Solomon’s Castle
📍 4533 Solomon Rd, Ona, FL 33865-8713