August 18, 2017
9:45AM Arrival
$5.00 Student (Ages 8+ ONLY)
$10.00 Adults
844 N Live Oak Ave, Glendora, CA 91741
When he was 18, Michael Rubel bought 2.5 acres of a citrus orchard in Glendora, CA. He quickly set to fulfilling his childhood dream of owning and living in a real castle. Over 26 years, and with the aid of thousands of volunteers, Rubel Castle, sometimes called Rubelia, stands in the otherwise sleepy Californian suburb.
Though built largely with concrete and stone, the structure also contains a bottle house tucked inside the castle keep, bedsprings, bicycle and motorcycle parts, scrap metal, and anything else that Rubel and his friends found useful. There is a courtyard, drawbridge, clock tower, retired citrus packing house, faux graveyard, dungeons, printing press room, Santa Fe Railroad caboose, and blacksmith area all as part of the property.
Shortly before his death in 2007, Rubel gifted the castle to the Glendora Historical Society. In October of 2013, the Rubel Castle Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
** Please note there is a lot of walking on this tour and it will last 90+ minutes. Children under the age of 8 are not permitted. The tour is NOT ADA compliant. There are no sidewalks, or 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). Restroom facilities (2) require agility and balance due to steps and no handrails.
During the summer it can get warm in the towers so please dress accordingly, wear sunscreen and bring water.
To contact the organizer Heidi Da Silva: 949-445-1214