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Kansas City, Missouri: The Workhouse Castle

A mid-sized medieval-looking castle that used to be a prison and poorhouse. Currently under restoration.

Address:
2001 Vine St., Kansas City, MO
Directions:
Southeast edge of downtown. On the east side of Vine St., just north of E. 21st St.
Admission:
Free to look.
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Visitor Tips and News About The Workhouse Castle

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

The Workhouse Castle

The Workhouse Castle Has been fenced off with no trespassing signs. Still cool to see from the street. I hope they are able to restore the building.

[Gary Mo, 07/21/2023]

The Workhouse Castle.

The Workhouse Castle

Lots of nails and broken glass around the castle. Be careful and come during the day. Lots of homeless are sleeping in the area. Walls are covered with graffiti.

[Bianca, 12/29/2018]

The Workhouse Castle.

The Workhouse Castle

The castle is now covered with graffiti.

[Amanda, 09/19/2018]

The labors of a modern era!

Workhouse Castle.

The Workhouse Castle

This terrific stone building is being rescued by a community effort to restore and clean the site. It was built before 1900, and was originally a prison for petty thieves to work off their fines. Later it was a poor house, then a city office building. It is being used occasionally as a venue for concerts, weddings, and other events.

It makes a great photo op for your little Princess in her favorite costume, or your junior Crusader in his gear!

[Natalie Douglas, 05/30/2015]

Or for grown-ups in their gear, too.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Negro Leagues Baseball MuseumNegro Leagues Baseball Museum, Kansas City, MO - < 1 mi.
Mini-Baseball Diamond and MuralMini-Baseball Diamond and Mural, Kansas City, MO - < 1 mi.
Big Green Head of Charlie ParkerBig Green Head of Charlie Parker, Kansas City, MO - < 1 mi.
In the region:
Meals Delivered by Model Railroad, Kansas City, KS - 5 mi.

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