Emerald Bay State Park is one of the nicest parks in the state of California. If you’ve never visited the park before…you’re in for a real treat! The park lies along the banks of southern Lake Tahoe.
The 1,533 acre park offers overnight camping, fishing, hiking, walking, bike riding, scuba diving, boating, etc. The park is open year-round with camping ONLY offered during the late spring through early fall seasons of the year.
Located within the state park is Vikingsholm Castle, a 38-room mansion originally owned by Lora and Harry Knight. The castle was constructed in the late 19th century and early 20th century Scandinavian style. In 1996 the castle was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Originally built and used as the summer home of Mr. and Mrs. Knight…it has since been turned into a house museum. Visitors can pay an admission price to tour the mansion and to learn about its original owners. Let me tell you…that castle aka mansion is ONE BEAUTIFUL PLACE!!! Oh my gosh…what an amazing piece of architecture!
The grounds surrounding the castle are really beautiful too! The only bad thing is that the mansion isn’t easily accessible. You’ll have to park in the designated parking lot and walk/hike almost a mile to get there. I recommend dressing appropriately for the weather, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring along a bottle of water.
With that said…it is DEFINITELY worth the hike/walk to see it. Friends of our’s had visited the mansion 2 years ago and told us about it. I’m so glad that we took the time to see it while on our road trip through the great state of California.
Although I have been to California I never visited this park. This mansion does look incredible.
I have been to California many times but never heard about this castle. I would definitely be willing to do the hike to see it.
I love Tahoe and go as often as I can. I have never visited this castle and now I really want to thank you for sharing this as I did not know about it.
Scandinavian style is truly amazing. We see it here in the Midwest – well in our part and north . I love the simplicity yet the love of detail. I was immediately drawn to the name “Vikingsholm” I am fascinated by Viking culture. I would love to see this place.
This place looks absolutely beautiful. That castle is amazing! Nice photos!
It does look pretty impressive. The park sounds like a place we’d like to visit.
What an amazing place. You get to go to the best places. I am glad I can visit them thru your pictures.
That does look like a neat castle. Have to look it up if I’m ever in California again.