History Tour of Pythian Castle in Springfield Missouri

The Pythian Castle in Springfield, Missouri offers an intriguing glimpse into the storied history of the Knights of Pythias, a secretive fraternal organization founded in the aftermath of the Civil War. Visitors can explore the castle’s grand ballrooms, discover its role as a military site during World War II, and encounter tales of paranormal activity that have captivated guests for decades. With a mix of opulence, intrigue, and the supernatural, the castle’s guided tours promise a unique experience for those seeking to uncover the mysteries that lie within its walls.

This experience made our list of the 4 Best Tours In Missouri.

Key Points

• The Pythian Castle in Springfield, Missouri was a meeting place for the local chapter of the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal organization founded in 1864.
• The guided tour of the castle takes visitors through the main floor lobby, ballroom, buffet rooms, and basement POW cells, showcasing the building’s history and architecture.
• The basement tour offers a chilling contrast to the ornate upper levels, with visitors exploring the former military site and cramped POW cells used during World War II.
• The castle is known for its paranormal activity, with tour guides sharing tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and other supernatural phenomena experienced by visitors and staff.
• The tour also includes the castle’s second-floor theater and tower room, allowing visitors to further explore the unique history and architectural features of this historic site.

Overview of the Knights of Pythias

The Knights of Pythias, founded in 1864, is a fraternal organization dedicated to promoting friendship, charity, and benevolence among its members.

The order’s name and rituals are based on the ancient Greek legend of Damon and Pythias, who embodied the ideals of loyalty and self-sacrifice.

Over the years, the Knights of Pythias have built numerous lodges and halls across the United States, including the Pythian Castle in Springfield, Missouri.

This grand castle, constructed in the late 19th century, served as a meeting place for the local Pythian chapter and a symbol of the order’s mission.

Today, the castle’s guided tours offer visitors a glimpse into the history and mystique of the Knights of Pythias.

Exploring the Pythian Castle

Upon entering the grand Pythian Castle, visitors are immediately struck by the castle’s imposing Gothic architecture and well-preserved historic features. The guided tour leads guests through the main floor lobby, where a 6-minute introductory video provides an overview of the Knights of Pythias and the castle’s significance. From there, the tour continues through the ballroom and buffet rooms, showcasing the building’s elegance. Descending into the basement, visitors explore the former military site with POW cells, learning about the castle’s role during World War II. The tour also highlights the castle’s paranormal side, including gargoyles and the infamous dungeon. Finally, guests ascend to the second-floor theater and tower room, completing their immersive experience.

Tour Highlights	Description
Main Floor Lobby	View the 6-minute video introduction to the Knights of Pythias
Ballroom and Buffet Rooms	Explore the castle’s elegant interior spaces
Basement POW Cells	Learn about the building’s military history as a WWII POW site
Gargoyles and Dungeon	Discover the castle’s spooky paranormal features

Main Floor Highlights

As visitors ascend the grand staircase and enter the main floor lobby, they’re immediately struck by the castle’s striking Gothic architecture and well-preserved historic features. The lobby’s ornate details and massive stone fireplace set the tone for the tour.

From here, guests venture into the ballroom, a dazzling space with soaring ceilings, elaborate chandeliers, and a stage. Adjacent to the ballroom are the buffet rooms, where the Knights of Pythias once hosted extravagant events.

Exploring these elegant main floor spaces offers a glimpse into the castle’s heyday as a hub of community life. Throughout, guides share fascinating stories about the castle’s history and the secretive Knights of Pythias fraternal order that built it.

Descent Into the Basement Cells

After exploring the grand spaces of the main floor, visitors descend a set of stairs to venture into the castle’s basement, where they discover the former military site and prisoner-of-war cells.

The dank, dimly lit basement evokes a sense of unease as guests peer into the cramped cells that once housed World War II POWs. Tour guides share the haunting history of this space, describing how the cells were used to detain and interrogate prisoners.

Visitors can almost feel the weight of the past as they stand in these stark, claustrophobic rooms, gaining a deeper appreciation for the castle’s complex and often dark history. The basement tour offers a chilling, yet fascinating, contrast to the ornate upper levels.

Paranormal Activity and Ghostly Encounters

Visitors don’t just explore the castle’s historical military past in the basement – they also encounter its paranormal present. Tour guides regale guests with tales of the Pythian Castle’s famous ghosts and the unexplained phenomena that have been reported within its walls. Strange sounds, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained movements have been experienced by both visitors and staff alike.

Reported Paranormal Experiences
Disembodied voices and footsteps
Slamming doors
Unexplained mists and orbs
Spiritual energies detected by ghost hunters
Sightings of a young woman in a blue dress

The castle’s haunted reputation only adds to the intrigue and excitement of exploring this historic site.

Tower Room and Theater Tour

The tour further explores the castle’s upper levels, including the captivating theater and tower room.

Guests ascend the stairs to the second floor, where they’ll find the grand theater. This impressive space was once used for Knights of Pythias ceremonies and events. The guide shares the theater’s history and architectural details, allowing visitors to imagine the room bustling with activity in its heyday.

The tour then moves to the tower room, a unique space offering 360-degree views of the castle and surrounding area. As guests gaze out the windows, the guide recounts the tower’s fascinating past, from its original purpose to the paranormal sightings reported over the years.

Accessibility and Physical Requirements

The tour involves climbing stairs, with wheelchair access limited to the main floor only. Guests should be prepared for this moderate physical activity.

The tour requires navigating several sets of stairs to explore the upper levels and basement areas.

Wheelchair users can only access the main floor lobby, ballroom, and buffet rooms.

Visitors should have a moderate level of physical fitness to participate fully in the tour.

The tour operates in all weather conditions, so guests should dress appropriately for the day’s forecast.

A minimum of 4 guests is required for the tour to proceed.

Booking and Additional Information

Booking the tour is straightforward, with instant confirmation upon booking. The admission ticket is included, and service animals are allowed.

Guests should keep in mind the moderate physical fitness level required to fully participate in the tour.

The Pythian Castle tour operates in all weather conditions, so visitors can enjoy the experience rain or shine. A minimum of 4 guests is required for the tour to proceed, ensuring a lively and engaging experience.

The check-in point is at the castle entrance, where guests will begin their journey through the historic landmark. With a duration of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, the tour promises an immersive and informative exploration of the Pythian Castle and its rich history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

Guests are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, though the tour guide may request they refrain from using flash or obstructing other guests’ views. Restrictions may apply in certain areas of the castle.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour is generally family-friendly, but young children may find some aspects, like the former POW cells, potentially unsettling. It’s recommended for children ages 8 and up who can handle the tour’s physical and spooky elements.

Are There Any Gift Shops or Souvenirs Available?

The Pythian Castle offers a small gift shop on-site where visitors can purchase souvenirs and keepsakes related to the castle’s history and paranormal activity. Guests can find items like t-shirts, mugs, and postcards to remember their tour.

Can I Purchase Food or Drinks During the Tour?

The Pythian Castle tour does not include any food or drink options. Guests will need to bring their own refreshments if desired, as there are no concessions or restaurants available during the tour.

What Is the Cancellation/Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a flexible cancellation policy – guests can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Partial refunds may be available for last-minute cancellations, subject to availability.

Recap

The Pythian Castle offers visitors a captivating journey through its storied past.

From the opulent main floor to the eerie POW cells in the basement, the guided tour uncovers the castle’s rich history.

Paranormal tales of ghostly apparitions further enhance the castle’s intriguing legacy, making it a must-visit destination for history and mystery enthusiasts alike.

With accessibility considerations and booking information provided, the Pythian Castle is a unique opportunity to step back in time.