Caretakers of History and Upholders of Beauty

We are proud to have hosted and entertained folks from all walks of life at the Soderstrom Castle Home.

As the seasons change, so does the Castle’s personality, bringing new and old dreams to life. Who could ever imagined that an architectural wonder conceived by a fairytale dream is now a philanthropic host to thousands of people each year?

10+ Years

of supporting miss illinois scholarships

4,000+

candy bars handed out at halloween 2023

Decades of

support for the Peoria Symphony Orchestra

1,000

citizens visited the Castle at christmas 2023

Meet the Owner

Dr. Carl Soderstrom, M.D.

For more than 50 years, Dr. Soderstrom served Central Illinois patients through Soderstrom Skin Institute, one of the country’s most highly regarded skin care facilities. A native of Streator, he earned his medical degree at the University of Illinois and completed residencies in both internal medicine and dermatology at Mayo Clinic.

After purchasing the Castle in 2013, Dr. Soderstrom renovated the Castle, and is proud to host philanthropic events for the community and beyond.

castle history

These are the folks that help make the Castle's year-round experiences possible.

Thea Hartzler

Estate Manager

Elena Cross

Gardener

Joe Smith

Groundskeeper

Serving as a center for philanthropy

We’re honored to have welcomed and hosted the following organizations, groups, and fellow friends at the Soderstrom Castle.

Peoria symphony orchestra
miss illinois
peoria district dental society
Central Illinois Cigar society
sun collectors
Peoria art guild

little miss you can do it
St. Jude
peoria players
A Royal remembrance
Peoria Medical Society alliance
make a wish foundation

peoria heights life magazine
Lupus foundation central illinois
Mayo clinic
mrs. gebbink’s piano students
Rolls royce club of chicago
oldsmobile club of america

Make the castle yours

Dragons and Knights and Lions, oh my!

Uncover the unique features of the Soderstrom Castle.

The Dragons

Comprised of over 150 individual pieces, the Castle’s Dragons, Allula and Mosta, were created by Dr. Soderstrom’s good friend, world-renowned sculptor Lonnie Stewart.

While they no longer meet enemies on the battlefield, they are a welcome protection.

The Knights

When Dr. Soderstrom first moved in, he added two knights in full armor just inside the front door. They both carry the most gruesome of all medieval weapons, halberds!

While they no longer meet enemies on the battlefield, they are a welcome protection.

The Lions

The Lions came with the Castle when Dr. Soderstrom purchased it. They've been here for half a century. A traditional symbol of medieval gallantry, they represent the fame, power and strength of history and are often found in crests.

They guard the entrance to the Eastern entry.

Juliet balcony from the Soderstrom Castle

The Castle has 8 balconies, porches, and patios, including a hidden patio for solitude.

Bridge and car from the Soderstrom Castle lawn

The Castle has both defensive and protective features including a moat (now removed) and archers’ room.

The gardens are filled with multiple varieties of local and European perennials and annuals.

learn more about the caSTLE

Soderstrom Castle, one of the area's famous historical landmarks, is located on Grandview Drive in Peoria Heights, Illinois. The Soderstrom Family is proud to open the Castle doors to all walks of life from Central Illinois and beyond. Please respect the grounds as you visit as this is a private residence.