Rubel Castle, San Gabriel Valley Travel Guide

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Discover a whimsical castle built from recycled materials in Glendora, a unique folk art landmark with a rich history.

Rubel Castle, also known as Rubelia, is a unique folk art site in Glendora, California, hand-built by Michael Rubel and friends using recycled materials over several decades. This quirky castle features towers, tunnels, and a clock tower, offering a glimpse into the region's history and the builder's eccentric vision.

A brief summary to Rubel Castle

844 N Live Oak Ave, Glendora, California, 91741, US
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Rubel Castle.

Tours are by appointment only and must be booked in advance through the Glendora Historical Society.
Wear sturdy shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces, gravel, and bare ground.
No children under 8 years old are permitted on the property.
Bring cash for admission, as the venue may not accept other forms of payment.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

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Explore Rubel Castle on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Rubel Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

If driving from downtown Los Angeles, take I-10 E and merge onto I-210 N toward Pasadena. Continue on I-210 N and take exit 40 for Grand Ave toward Glendora. Turn left onto Grand Ave, continue for 2 miles, then turn right onto E Route 66, followed by a left onto N Live Oak Ave. Rubel Castle will be on your right at 844 N Live Oak Ave. Parking is available on the street in the surrounding residential area.
Public Transport

To reach Rubel Castle via public transport from Los Angeles, take the Metro A Line (formerly the Gold Line) from Historic Broadway Station to APU/Citrus College Station. From there, transfer to Foothill Transit Line 187 towards Azusa and get off at the stop closest to N Live Oak Ave. Walk approximately 0.5 miles north on Live Oak Ave to reach the castle. A single fare on the Metro A Line is $2. Check Foothill Transit for current bus fares.
Rideshare

Using a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is a convenient option. Input 'Rubel Castle, 844 N Live Oak Ave, Glendora, CA 91741' as your destination. Fares vary based on distance, time of day, and demand. A ride from Glendora station typically costs around $10-$15.

Discover more about Rubel Castle

Rubel Castle, also called Rubelia, stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of Michael Clarke Rubel, who, with the help of friends and family, constructed this unique landmark over nearly three decades. Beginning in 1959, Rubel transformed a former citrus orchard and packing house into a whimsical castle using recycled materials such as river rock, scrap steel, and even old bottles.The castle's construction began in earnest in 1968 when Rubel sought to create a private space within a large concrete reservoir. This initial project evolved into a sprawling complex featuring towers reaching five stories high, a bottle-lined tunnel, and various rooms filled with antiques and curiosities. The site incorporates a blend of architectural styles and found objects, creating a truly unique and captivating environment. Visitors can explore the castle's grounds on guided tours offered by the Glendora Historical Society, which has owned and operated the site since 2005. The tour provides insights into Rubel's life, the castle's construction, and the many famous visitors who frequented the site, including Dwight Eisenhower and Huell Howser. Keep an eye out for chickens and other animals roaming the grounds, adding to the castle's quirky charm. Note that the property is not ADA accessible due to stairs, tunnels and uneven surfaces.