During our April trip to Carbondale for the solar eclipse festivities, we checked off a must-see spot from my Atlas Obscura bucket list: Boo Castle Park. Officially known as Jeremy Rochman Memorial Park, this privately owned gem stands out as one of the coolest parks we’ve ever visited. The park, brimming with a Dungeons and Dragons theme, boasts an impressive castle playground and an array of sculptures depicting wizards and other fantasy characters. Boo Castle Park is not just a whimsical destination; it’s a heartfelt tribute, created both as a gift to the public and as a memorial to a beloved son.
The Story of Boo Castle Park
Jeremy “Boo” Rochman grew up loving action figures as a kid, and as he grew up moved onto painting figures and playing Dungeons and Dragons. In 1993, at only 19 years old, Jeremy was tragically killed in a car accident near his home. Jeremy’s parents and 8 siblings were obviously devastated by this lost, but over the next few years they came up with an idea of how to share Jeremy’s memory with others. The Rochmans bought a plot of land across from their house and created a memorial park. In honor of Jeremy’s love of D&D, they created a fantasy themed park. The Rochmans had local artists help create the figures and statues seen throughout the park. Some are even based specifically off of fjgures Jeremy had painted. The park opened in 2005 and is still privately owned by the Rochmans. The bulk of expenses for the park are paid for by the family, but they do also receive donations from the public. In the center of the park is a memorial to Jeremy, as well as a donation box to help keep the park running and free for everyone.
What You Need to Know to Visit Boo Castle Park
Location: 30 Homewood Dr, Carbondale, IL, United States, Illinois
Hours: The park is open daily from 9am-dusk, except for being closed occasionally for bad weather
Admission: The park is completely free for the public to visit! But, consider donating to help keep the park running
Dogs: Dogs are allowed in the park, but must stay leashed. And, of course, make sure you clean up after them!
Not Allowed: alcohol, drugs, smoking, firearms, graffiti, grills, climbing on castle walls, bell tower, or trees
Parties: Parties are allowed, you can reserve a pavilion for two hours for $50, or set up in an open area- just make sure you’re not somewhere where you’re blocking other people’s access to anything
Office Hours: Across from the park entrance is the office in a gray and white Victorian building on Homewood Dr. They have office hours Monday-Friday 9-5 and sell souvenirs
More in Carbondale
There’s plenty to do in Carbondale, Illinois. One of the other things we did on our visit was to visit the Bucky Fuller Dome Home, check out our post on it here: Visiting the Bucky Dome Home Museum: A Geodesic Wonder
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