Join Detroit History Tours for an exclusive hard hat tour of Castle Rouge, a stunning former monastery with a layered past, stretching from Detroit’s early land developers to a hidden chapter of wartime heroism. From attics to crawl spaces, the chapel to the cloisters, we are thrilled to share this architectural treasure with our guests.

This one-hour walking tour, held on the last Saturday of each month, invites you to step inside one of Detroit’s most fascinating sites, navigating through its historic corridors, climbing its staircases, and uncovering its long-forgotten secrets—all while efforts to restore the building progress around us. 

As Castle Rouge undergoes its next transformation, the Detroit Training Center (DTC) and DHT are playing pivotal roles in bringing new life to the historic site. Currently in pre-development, DTC is working to reactivate Castle Rouge as a hub for skilled trades education, contractors, and community events—all while honoring the building’s historical significance and embracing sustainability and climate-resilience. DTC is grateful to offer these programs in the Castle Rouge Neighborhood and add yet another layer to Castle Rouge’s story

Together with your Detroit History Tours guide you’ll explore why the Castle Rouge neighborhood was not named for the Rouge River and this castle-like structure, but instead understand how its roots trace back to real estate magnate John H. Castle and his partnership with John Ford—the brother of Henry Ford. Their development empire shaped this area of Detroit in the 1920s, and Castle himself was a rags-to-riches figure whose life took a scandalous turn when he became entangled in a high-profile society affair that captivated Detroit’s newspapers.

This building and its stories span from World War II heroism to the weddings of hundreds of couples, from the sacred waters of baptisms to the quiet solitude of monks' cells—if these walls could talk, they would yell tales of faith, resilience, and Detroit history.

The Castle Rouge will reopen in the coming year as a non-religious site, dedicated to skilled trades education, growth, and the resilient spirit of Detroit. As restoration efforts continue, we are thrilled to welcome guests to experience this towering, historic structure and share in the excitement of what the future holds for this remarkable space.

On this tour, guests will journey through Castle Rouge with a Detroit History Tours expert, exploring its most captivating spaces. Step inside the chapel, once a place of deep reflection, now awaiting its next chapter (ask us about booking your wedding or event in this historic setting). Wander through the cloisters, a tranquil architectural feature, and uncover the secrets hidden in the attics and crawl spaces, where time has left its mark. Navigate the grand staircases and low passageways, experiencing firsthand the diverse architecture and craftsmanship that make Castle Rouge a true gem of Detroit’s history.

Important Information

• This is a walking tour: Guests must be able to stand, walk on uneven surfaces, climb stairs, and move through low-ceiling areas.

• This tour is a moderate to challenging physical activity. Guests who require mobility assistance should NOT book this tour. 

• Be prepared for the elements: The tour takes place in heat, cold, dust, and noise.

• Safety first:Closed-toe shoes are required. Guests arriving in footwear other than closed toed shoes will not be allowed on the tour. Hard hats will be provided and must be worn in active construction areas.

• Children over 12 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult over 21. 

• Photography is welcome!

Meeting Point:

The Rouge Castle: 23300 Davison, Detroit MI 48223

• This tour begins and ends in the historic chapel. Please follow signs when you arrive to check in inside the chapel on the north side of the building. 

• Free parking is available in the circle drive at the Davison entrance to the south of the building

Whether you’re an architecture lover, a history enthusiast, or just eager to explore one of Detroit’s most captivating hidden spaces, this hard hat tour of Castle Rouge offers an unforgettable experience.