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Scotty's Castle Reopens After $90 Million Restoration

1/30/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Scotty's Castle in Death Valley National Park, California, reopens for tours after ten years of flood repairs.
The castle was built by Albert Johnson and Bessie Johnson.
Walter Scott convinced them to invest in a fictional gold mine.
Its architecture is inspired by Stanford University and includes a music room and a clock tower.
Restoration costs are estimated at $90 million, and flood-recovery tours are sold out.

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Story summary

Scotty's Castle in Death Valley National Park, California, reopens for tours after ten years of flood repairs.
The castle was built by Albert Johnson and Bessie Johnson.
Walter Scott convinced them to invest in a fictional gold mine.
Its architecture is inspired by Stanford University and includes a music room and a clock tower.
Restoration costs are estimated at $90 million, and flood-recovery tours are sold out.