You’re driving through the dense, rolling hills of Ashland County, expecting maybe a barn or a state park sign. Then, suddenly, there’s a spire. Not just a decorative one, but a massive, stone-clad tower poking out from the hardwoods. It looks like someone took a slice of Bavaria and dropped it right into the middle of Ohio. Honestly, it’s a bit jarring.
That is Landoll’s Mohican Castle Loudonville OH. It isn’t some ancient relic of a forgotten king. It’s the product of one man’s obsessive dream, a publishing fortune, and a very famous intervention by a British chef who yells a lot.
If you’ve heard of it, you probably fall into one of two camps. You either saw the ghost hunting shows where people wander the Heyd Cemetery with EMF meters, or you remember the 2016 episode of Hotel Hell where Gordon Ramsay basically told the owners they were drowning.
The reality of the place is far more interesting than reality TV. It's a mix of genuine luxury, quirky DIY architecture, and a comeback story that most people get wrong.
The Castle That Blueprints Forgot
Most hotels start with an architect and a stack of blueprints. This one didn't. Jim Landoll, a veteran who fell in love with European fortresses while stationed in Germany in the 60s, decided he wanted his own. After building Landoll Publishing into a $100 million children’s book empire, he finally had the cash to do it.
He didn't hire a firm. He just started building.
The construction of Landoll's Mohican Castle Loudonville OH is a feat of sheer stubbornness. There were no formal floor plans. Jim and his crew basically built it one room at a time, figuring out the layout as they went. If he didn't like a wall, he’d have them tear it down and move it three feet.
It’s personal.
Almost everything you see was sourced right from the 30-acre property. A massive storm in the mid-90s knocked down hundreds of trees. Instead of letting them rot, the Landolls turned the Ross Suite into a temporary sawmill. All the hardwood floors, the intricate cabinetry, and the heavy doors were milled right there. The stones? Those were salvaged from old settler-era piles found on the land.
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It took years. By the time it opened in 2002, Jim had poured millions into it. It’s a literal "storybook in stone," but building a castle is one thing. Running it is another beast entirely.
The Ramsay Effect: What Really Happened
By 2016, the castle was in trouble. Jim had retired in 2007, leaving his wife, Marta, and their son, Jimmy, to manage the sprawling estate. They were $6 million in debt. The restaurant had burned down in 2008 and been rebuilt, but the business was bleeding cash.
Enter Gordon Ramsay.
In Hotel Hell Season 3, Episode 8, Ramsay did his usual routine: he critiqued the food, complained about the decor, and highlighted the family friction. But unlike many businesses featured on those shows that shutter six months after the cameras leave, the Landolls actually listened.
They rebranded the restaurant to the Copper Mug Bar & Grille. They shifted their focus from just being a "cool hotel" to becoming a premiere wedding destination. It worked.
"The growth rate doubled," Jimmy Landoll noted in interviews after the show. They went from struggling to pay the bills to hosting over 100 weddings a year. Today, it’s one of the few success stories from the Ramsay cinematic universe that is still thriving. They even added "The Stables" in 2018, a separate building with 14 more suites, to keep up with the demand.
Sleeping in a Spire: What It’s Like Now
Staying at Landoll's Mohican Castle Loudonville OH is a weirdly specific experience. You aren't getting the standardized, sterile feel of a Hilton. You're getting 18-inch thick walls and rooms that feel like they were carved out of a mountain.
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The Room Situation
There are 11 suites in the main castle, and each one is different.
- The Landoll Suite: This is the big one. It has a lookout that gives you a 360-degree view of the property. If you want to feel like you're actually defending a fortress, this is where you stay.
- The Gale Suite: Right next to the recently renovated Red Oak Tower observation deck.
- The Stables: These are newer and a bit more "rustic-luxe." If the main castle is too intense, these feel more like high-end lodge rooms.
One thing to keep in mind: it’s on a hill. A big hill. At 1,200 feet, the property is technically on a mountain. If you have mobility issues, the "castle vibe" comes with a lot of stairs and steep walks. There aren't many elevators in medieval-style fortresses, even modern ones.
Ghosts, Graves, and Grilles
Loudonville is the "Canoe Capital of Ohio," but the castle offers a different kind of vibe than the nearby river liveries. It’s supposedly haunted.
The Heyd Cemetery sits right on the grounds. It’s a small, historic plot where early settlers are buried, and it’s the centerpiece of the castle’s Haunted History Tours. They run these every Friday and Saturday in the summer and every night in October.
Even if you don't believe in ghosts, the atmosphere is heavy. There’s an 1800s-era log structure called Heyd’s Cabin that you can peek into. It’s a sharp contrast to the heated indoor pool and sauna located just a short walk away.
As for the food? The Copper Mug Bar & Grille is a legitimate draw now. They do the standard "castle" fare—steaks, pasta, and hearty breakfasts—but they’ve kept the quality up. The patio is the place to be in the summer, especially with a drink in hand while looking out over the forest.
Beyond the Gates: Loudonville and Mohican
You don't just stay at the castle and never leave. Well, you could, but you’d be missing out.
Loudonville is the gateway to Mohican State Park. You have thousands of acres of hiking trails, the famous covered bridge, and the Clear Fork of the Mohican River. If you’re there in the summer, you're basically required by law to rent a canoe or a tube.
For something a bit more low-key, Malabar Farm State Park is a short drive away. That’s where Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall got married. It’s a 900-acre working farm that feels like a step back in time.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're planning a trip to Landoll's Mohican Castle Loudonville OH, don't just wing it.
- Book the Tower: If the Red Oak Tower is open (it’s seasonal), make sure you go up. It’s the best view in the county, hands down.
- October is Chaos: It’s the busiest month. If you want the spooky vibes, book a year in advance. If you want peace and quiet, go in November or March.
- Ground Floor Requests: If you don't want to climb three flights of winding stairs with your luggage, call ahead and ask for a ground-level suite.
- Check the Wedding Calendar: Since weddings are their bread and butter, some areas of the grounds might be restricted on Saturday afternoons. Friday stays are usually a better bet for full access.
- Pack for Hiking: You’re in the middle of a forest. Even if you’re dressed for a fancy dinner at the Copper Mug, bring boots for the trails.
The castle isn't just a hotel; it's a monument to what happens when someone refuses to let a dream go, no matter how many walls they have to tear down and rebuild. It’s quirky, it’s a little bit over-the-top, and it’s exactly what Ohio needs more of.
Check the availability for your dates and see if the Landoll Suite is open—it’s worth the splurge at least once.