Upcoming Events
Car Show and Self-Guided Tours
Join us on June 20th for self-guided tours and a joint event with the City of Ione, featuring the third annual car show on downtown Main Street and Preston Castle.
Preston Castle will host self-guided tours and offer craft and food vendors for the public. A shuttle will provide round-trip transportation between downtown and Preston Castle. Onsite parking will also be available for guests.
Pre-WWII cars will be displayed at Preston Castle; space is limited, so register early. To register your vehicle, please complete the registration form at www.myione.com
Car Show guests can enjoy food and craft vendors, as well as the displayed cars. Self-Guided tours available here.
Kitties and K9s at the Castle
Join us for a delightful adoption day at Preston Castle on June 27th, adoptions available 11am-2pm! Admission is free, giving you the perfect opportunity to meet our adorable cats and dogs eagerly looking for their forever homes.
Enjoy guided historic tours of the Castle, with tickets available from 10 AM to 1 PM at the front desk or online for advance purchase. Explore a variety of merchandise from local vendors, and satisfy your appetite with delicious food options throughout the day.
Don’t miss this fun-filled event—bring your friends and family and help us find loving homes for our furry friends!
Historic Sunset Tours
Join us for enchanting evening experiences throughout the year! From April through August, we will be offering monthly Sunset Tours—an exceptional opportunity to explore Preston Castle as the day transitions into night.
As the sun dips below the horizon, witness Preston Castle bathed in warm, amber light. Guided through its historic halls, visitors will immerse themselves in the Castle’s rich history against a breathtaking sunset backdrop. The fading light beautifully highlights the Romanesque Revival architecture, creating a mystical and nostalgic atmosphere.
We have three available time slots: 7:15 PM, 7:30 PM, and 7:45 PM. Each tour will last approximately 90 minutes. Guests will receive a commemorative flashlight to assist with dimly lit sections of the Castle.
Special Event August 21, 2026: Open to the Public
Additionally, on August 21, we invite the public to join us for food and refreshments at the Castle. Enjoy exploring the grounds, viewing updates on the new porches, and spending an evening with family and friends. Food vendors will include Andy’s Crossover Kitchen, Valenz Tacos, The Mack Shack, and Salty Sweet Pop. No purchase necessary! Food vendors available to the public 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
We look forward to sharing these memorable evenings with you!
Engaging Experiences & Events at Preston Castle
What is Preston Castle?
Preston Castle was constructed in 1894 as the administration building for the Preston School of Industry, a reform school for boys. The Romanesque Revival style of architecture was to make the building look like a school rather than a prison.
The Castle opened in June 1894 and remained in use until 1960. In 1960 the State planned to demolish the building and from 1960-1968 a group of local women fought to keep it standing. Once the State agreed to not tear the building down they also said they would do nothing to keep it standing.
The building remained vacant and in disrepair until September 2001 when the Preston Castle Foundation leased the building from the State. And later, in 2014, the foundation was granted ownership of the Castle and 12.91 acres.
The Preston Castle Foundation’s mission is to preserve, rehabilitate and utilize the historic Preston Castle site as well as preserving the history of the school, its staff and boys.
