Pythian Castle has been listed on the
National Register of Historic Places!



History
The castle was originally built by the Knights of Pythias as an orphanage
and senior citizens home for its members and their families in 1913.
It was called the Pythian Home of Missouri. (See Census data links on side bar
for names of staff and residents here in 1920 and 1930). For an idea of life at the castle during that time, check out the interview with Mildred Hall Cherry, an orphan here during 1930's, by Springfield Magazine.

In 1942, the US military acquired the property by "Order of Immediate Possession" for use as offices and service club for recovering injured veterans from WW11. It became part of O'Reilly General Hospital. An invitation to 1943 Christmas Party here list all personnel working here at that time. The military maintained ownership of the property until 1993 when it was sold as "surplus".
A complete history can be found on our application for
National Registry of Historic Places.

Don't miss your chance to tour this historic building. 

TOURS
Mon - Saturday
9:30am, 11:00am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm
5:00pm, 6:30pm (Mon- Thurs only)
$7.50 persons 12 - 64
$5.00 Kids 12 - 5, Seniors 65 and older
Free under 5, over 90
drop-in, no reservation required
allow one hour for the tour

Labor Day/Memorial Day Weekends
Sun 2:00 & 3:30pm


CUSTOM TOURS
We schedule custom tours as well. Some options include:
Public and Home School Tours

School Tours with Activities
possible activities include singing, acting, dancing, circus arts, martial arts.
Allow 45 per activity. If necessary, students are split into groups no larger than 25.
Tour fee plus $150 per activity


Lunch & Tour
(Mon - Fri Only)
$16 person
15 person minimum

ll other times by appointment only.
Call to confirm availability. 
Tours subject to cancellation during private rental of the building.


Custom Tours or Workshops
Custom tours or workshops can be arranged for your special needs.
Below are some of the options:

Student History and Activity Tours
$5 per student plus $150 per 45 minute activity
Possible activities include acting, singing, dancing, circus, martial arts

Mid-Week Luncheons and Tour
$16 per person plus tax (15 person minimum)
(Fee includes 2 hour time slot
additional time time billed at hourly rate)
available Monday thru Fridays 10:00am - 2:00pm