Topeka, Kansas: Matrot Castle and Dinosaur Garden
In 1883 French wine merchant Seraphin Matrot built a Normandy-style castle house for his family. According to one story told, Matrot feared French political assassins, and added turret gun ports and an escape tunnel. Today, there's a dinosaur garden and a basement tasting room for a local winery, but it's mostly a real estate office.
- Address:
- 6424 S.W. Huntoon, Topeka, KS
- Directions:
- I-470 - US Hwy 75 exit 1B, turn west onto SW Huntoon St. House is 1/3 mile on right.
- Hours:
- Free tastings Sa 11-7 (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
- Phone:
- 785-215-3425
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I got a mini-tour of the castle from the extremely friendly real estate guy, and he let me wander around and take pictures. The castle currently hosts wine tastings from a local vineyard on Saturday nights. A chapel has been moved onto the property, and the plan is to eventually host weddings and other special events. For now, it's just a real estate office.
[Heidi Ho, 05/15/2015]
French immigrant and wine merchant, Seraphin Matrot built this small, elaborate Normandy-style castle in 1883 to protect himself and his family after leaving France because of his political affliations. After they settled in, Matrot planted a vineyard in the nearby fields. Because of his fear of persecution due to his political involvement in France, he constructed the castle with three turrets that contained holes from which he could fire a weapon. Sometime later a dinosaur garden was established next to the castle which now is somewhat overgrown. Also on the property in the castles basement is a tasting room for a local winery. This is a most fascinating attraction well worth a visit.
[Phil Pasquini, 08/27/2011]Nearby Offbeat Places
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