Rubel Castle

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Rubel Castle is a monumental folk architecture site nestled in the foothills of Glendora. It was entirely built by hand by Michael Rubel and his "pharmhands" over several decades. Its stone masonry was handcrafted of river rock, recycled materials and an assemblage of the relics and artifacts of Glendora's early agricultural and industrial eras. Michael's innovative use of both natural and cultural materials makes Rubel Castle an exceptionally important masterwork within the context of folk art environments in California. It also serves as a rare resource and physical reminder of the citrus industry, which played a significant role in the development of the area in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

Built over 26 years, near Route 66
Michael Rubel was only 18 when he bought a packing house near Route 66 in Glendora, California to build his childhood dream of a real castle. 
Every year people from all over the world visit Rubel Castle and learn about it’s vast history, famous visitors and enjoy all parts of the property, like the citrus packing house, Tin Palace Museum, Bottle House, Santa Fe caboose, clock tower, dungeon and more!

Famous Names
The history of visitors is spectacular with famous folks like Alfred Hitchcock, Prince Albert, Sally Rand, Dwight Eisenhower, Bob Hope, to name a few! Come visit one of Huell Howser's favorite places ... famous TV show host of "California’s Gold”, "Road Trip", "Visiting", … and more!

Tours by appointment only.
To visit the Castle please read the below and then click on the Registration button.
 

We have the following options for guided tours for individuals or small groups  (11 or less)

  • EVERY First SUNDAY @ 10:00am
  • Second SUNDAY @ 10:00am
  • Second TUESDAY @ 10:00am
  • Second THURSDAY @ 10:00am
  • Third WEDNESDAY @ 10:00am
  • Third FRIDAY Sunset Tour @ 3:00pm
  • Third SATURDAY @ 10:00am
  • Fourth SATURDAY @ 10:00am

 

- Cash Only
Adults $20

Children $10 (8 to 18 Years)
Sorry, children under 8 years are not permitted on the property.

Group Tours
For 12 or more.

50 people maximum.
Please request a date at least 3-4 weeks in advance.
You will be asked about liability insurance that covers your organization, and you will need to supply proof of insurance.*

Register by Phone
If you wish to make tour reservations by phone or would like more information, please call the Glendora Historical Society at (626) 963-0419.
Select 1, and you will be prompted to leave a message.

You will receive an e-mail response or call from one of our dedicated volunteers within 4 days.
• Your name, phone number, and email.
• How many people are in your group.
• Your ideal date and time to schedule a tour.

*If not covered by group liability, the necessary Waiver of Liability Forms for adults and minors can be sent to you OR printed out from our website. Sidebar to the left has links to forms. Each person participating on the tour will need a signed Waiver of Liability form if not covered by a group's liability. Bring Waiver of Liability forms (one for each guest) with you and give them to the tour docent before to the start of your tour (do not mail them back).

IMPORTANT
-Photographs, drawings, paintings, or articles/media about Rubel Castle or its collections may be published without prior written approval from GHS, Inc. All media shall be limited to your sole personal use.
-Please refrain from handling any of the collections or items you see around the property.
-We have many dedicated volunteers, residents and animals on site, your consideration is greatly appreciated.

Thank you, and enjoy your visit.
Let us know if you are interested in becoming a Rubel Castle Docent!

Did you know that Rubel Castle of Glendora, CA is available for filming, photo shoots, other?
Just email us

 

Shop Our Online Store

 

The Rubel Castle entrance is located at:
844 N Live Oak Ave.
Glendora, CA 91741
MAP

Online Registration

Adult Waiver

Minor Release Form

Group Release Form

PROPERTY IS NOT ADA ACCESSIBLE

  • No tour participation is allowed via wheelchairs, walkers, or cart assistance due to stairs, tunnels, and uneven surfaces.
  • There are no sidewalks, handrails, and walking surfaces include gravel and bare ground.
  • There are no rest benches along touring routes.
  • Sturdy footwear is required (heels, flip-flops, and sandals are not recommended).
  • A walking and standing ability of at least a 90-minutes is required.
  • Restroom facilities (2) require agility and balance due to steps and no handrails.

Thank you and we hope you enjoy your visit!

The Glendora Historical Society and Rubel Castle

Books

One Man's Dream, by David C. Traversi
Strange Publications. Ltd. ISBN 0-9744532-0-X

Television

Huell Howser Video Log: Rubel Castle (1990), New: Visiting... With Huell Howser, Rubel Castle Interview, 2011

Website

There are numerous websites which contain interesting information about the castle and Michael Rubel's life. However the Glendora Historical Society website is the official source for touring, forms and reservation instructions.

The Glendoran Magazine

Has from 1983 published many articles about the Castle, the Rubels, the many people involved with Michael and his world.
It is available at the Glendora Library and through subscription.
Published by Liberty Enterprises
P. O. Box 1174 Glendora, CA 91740-1174
Telephone: (626) 335-7769

 

Michael Rubel

Michael Rubel gifted his property which  includes Rubelia Castle, The Tin Palace, The Bottle House, Rubel "Pharm" etc. to the Glendora Historical Society through his will in an agreement finalized Februrary 25, 2005. The grant deed was recorded on March 16, 2005 and Rubel Castle was adopted into the Glendora Historical Society.

youngmichael
A Very Young Michael

A group of Historical Society Members devoted to Rubel Castle, known as The Castle Conservation Committee works to to preserve the legacy provided by Michael Clarke Rubel in which he enriched the lives of many through quality of character, humor, education and historical preservation.