Background

Rubel Castle, Westside Travel Guide

Search across countries, cities, destinations, landmarks, attractions, restaurants, bars, hotels and more.
Please tell us what you're looking for
4.7 (183)

Explore Rubel Castle: A whimsical folk-art landmark in Glendora, CA, built from recycled materials with a rich history and unique charm.

Rubel Castle, also known as Rubelia, is a unique folk art environment in Glendora, California, constructed by Michael Clarke Rubel and now operated by the Glendora Historical Society. Built from recycled materials over decades, it's a whimsical and historically rich landmark.

A brief summary to Rubel Castle

Eve
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 footwear as the terrain includes gravel, bare ground, and uneven surfaces.
  • Children under 8 years old are not permitted on the property.
  • The castle is not ADA accessible; wheelchairs, walkers, and carts are not allowed on the tour due to stairs and tunnels.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Craftsman Village Historic District - Hellman Street Craftsman

Craftsman Village Historic District - Hellman Street Craftsman

Harada House

Harada House

Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum

Jensen Alvarado Historic Ranch and Museum

Doheny Mansion

Doheny Mansion

Campo Seco (California Historical Landmark No. 257)

Campo Seco (California Historical Landmark No. 257)

Explore Rubel Castle on the Map

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

Unlock the Best of Rubel Castle

Buy tickets

  • No tickets available

Book tours with entry

  • No tours available

Book tours without entry

  • No tours available

Getting There

  • Driving

    From I-10 East, take exit 42 for Grand Ave toward Glendora. Turn left onto Grand Ave and follow it for about 2 miles, then turn right onto Live Oak Ave. Rubel Castle will be on your left at 844 N Live Oak Ave. Parking is generally plentiful and free in the residential neighborhood surrounding the castle.

  • Public Transport

    From Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, take the Metrolink San Bernardino Line to the Glendora station. Then, catch the Foothill Transit Bus Line 184 towards Azusa and get off at the stop at N Live Oak Ave and E Route 66. Walk north on N Live Oak Ave for about 0.5 miles to Rubel Castle at 844 N Live Oak Ave. A Metrolink ticket from Los Angeles to Glendora costs approximately $10, and a Foothill Transit bus fare is around $1-$6.

  • Rideshare

    Use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft and input 'Rubel Castle, 844 N Live Oak Ave, Glendora, CA 91741' as your destination. Fares vary depending on distance, time of day, and demand. From Glendora Metrolink station, a rideshare will cost approximately $10-$15.

Discover more about Rubel Castle

Rubel Castle, nestled in the foothills of Glendora, California, stands as a testament to the vision and resourcefulness of Michael Clarke Rubel. Beginning in 1959, Rubel transformed a 1.7-acre defunct citrus orchard and packing house into a unique folk art environment, also known as Rubelia. Over nearly three decades, with the help of friends and volunteers, Rubel constructed a sprawling castle complex using recycled materials such as river rock, scrap steel, bedsprings, bottles, and even old appliances.The castle features a five-story clock tower with a restored 1911 Seth Thomas clock, a Santa Fe caboose, a bottle house, and even underground dungeons. The site became a gathering place, hosting parties and attracting notable visitors, including Dwight Eisenhower. Today, the Glendora Historical Society maintains Rubel Castle as a living educational center, offering tours that reveal the stories behind its creation and the eccentric characters who contributed to its legacy.Visitors can explore the castle's intricate architecture, discover hidden curiosities embedded in its walls, and learn about the history of Glendora's citrus industry. Rubel Castle is not just a quirky landmark; it's a symbol of community, creativity, and the power of imagination.

More to explore near Rubel Castle

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



Explore More of Westside

Looking beyond Rubel Castle? Discover Westside for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.

Explore Westside
Attraction

Discover El Monte's rich heritage at the Historical Museum: Explore exhibits, artifacts, and stories that shaped this vibrant Southern California community, from its pioneer roots to today.

El Monte Historical Museum
Attraction

Explore the elegantly restored Phillips Mansion in Pomona, a testament to Victorian-era grandeur and the legacy of Louis Phillips.

Phillips Mansion

Select Currency