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Rubel Castle: A Glendora奇趣 Vision
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.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Rubel Castle
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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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.
Local tips
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Tours are by appointment only and must be booked in advance through the Glendora Historical Society.
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Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain includes gravel, bare ground, and uneven surfaces.
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Children under 8 years old are not permitted on the property.
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The castle is not ADA accessible; wheelchairs, walkers, and carts are not allowed on the tour due to stairs and tunnels.
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.
A brief summary to Rubel Castle
Use Rubel Castle as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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