If you’re planning on attending Castlepalooza this weekend (June 2, 4-10pm), keep in mind that there will be limited automobile parking at the event (duh! The Castle and the surrounding neighborhood predate widespread automobile ownership).
No worries, there are other options.
First, you can definitely ride your bike. A bike valet will be available and there is a historic bike tour of significant residences in the area. Be sure to have your lights charged up if you plan to ride home after dark.
You can also ride the bus to the Castle. Joslyn Castle is located at the convergence of a number of bus routes convenient to most parts of the city served by Metro. Below are some suggested routes from the major transit hubs. NOTE: all times are approximate. For routes and times specific to your location, we recommend using the transit option in Google Maps.
From North Omaha Transit Center
Best route from the NOTC (30th Street, one block south of Ames) is going to be Route 3 toward Metro CC South Campus. Buses run every 30 minutes on the 15s and 45s until 7:15p.m. and then on the hour. Disembark at 40th and Davenport where the Castle is on the northeast corner.
Returning buses arrive at 40th and Davenport also every half hour on the 21s and 51s until 8:21 p.m. Last bus is at 10:21 p.m.
From South Omaha Transit Center
If you are starting at the SOTC (Located on the south side of Metro Community College’s South Campus. 30th and Edward Babe Gomez Ave.) the best option is also Route 3, heading northbound. Buses depart every 30 minutes at the top and bottom of the hour until 8 p.m. when they are hourly until 10 p.m. Take the 3 to the intersection of 40th and Davenport.
Returning buses can be caught at the west side of 40th and Davenport at 05s and 35s until 7:35, when it is hourly. The last southbound bus to the the SOTC will pass the castle at approximately 10:35 p.m.
Benson
To get to the Castlepalooza from Benson, catch Route 4 at 60th and Maple. Saturday schedule for that stop is every 30 minutes on the 26s and 56s until 8:56 p.m. Ride to 40th and Cuming and walk south on 40th Street to the Castle at Davenport (approx. 10 min.). If the half mile walk is more than you’re able to walk, you can cross to the northwest corner of 40th and Cuming and transfer to Route 3 which will take you directly to 40th and Davenport. You must purchase your transfer when you board the bus at 60th and Maple.
To return to Benson, you’ll need to time your departure from the Castle to account for the walk back to 40th and Cuming. The westbound bus stop is on the northeast corner of the intersection. The bus runs every 30 minutes on the 25s and 55s until 8:25 when it runs hourly. Last bus is at 10:25. If you are taking Route 3 back to 40th and Cuming, please note that the gap between the two routes is very narrow, and you will need to purchase a transfer when you board at 40th and Davenport.
Westroads
The easiest route from the Westroads Transit Center (located at the northwestern edge of the Westroads site) is Route 2. This bus departs, eastbound every 20 minutes on the 05s, 25s and 45s until 5:45 p.m. when it switches to every 30 minutes on the 15s and 45s. Ride to 40th and Dodge and walk the 1 block north to the Castle.
For your return ride, catch the westbound Route 2 at the northeast corner of 40th and Dodge. The route is every 20 minutes until 5:21 when it switches to every 30 minutes on the 21s and 51s.
Aksarben
The most direct route from Aksarben Village to catch Route 15 at the intersection of 67th and Center. The bus leaves Bergan Mercy every 30 minutes on the 21s and 51s (until 6:51 p.m. when it goes hourly) and should arrive at Aksarben shortly thereafter. Ride the bus to 40th and Farnam and walk the three blocks north to the Castle.
On the return trip, catch the westbound bus at 40th and Farnam. Bus runs every 30 minutes at the top and bottom of the hour until 7:30 p.m. when it runs hourly.
Downtown
Coming from Downtown, the most convenient route is Route 2. The bus departs 11th and Dodge every 20 minutes on the 15s, 35s and 55s until 5:15 p.m. when it operates every 30 minutes. Get off the bus at 40th and Dodge and walk one block north to the Castle.
Return trip catch the eastbound bus at the southwest corner of 40th and Dodge. Bus runs every 20 minutes on the 04s, 24s and 44s until 6:04 when it operates every 30 minutes.
Reminders
Check the weather before riding the bus and make sure you are dressed appropriately. Before boarding the bus, make sure you have everything you need for the trip, including hydration, sun screen, etc. Metro buses operate in traffic with all other vehicles, so departure and arrival times are approximate (public, real time bus tracking cannot get here fast enough!) so allow for a waiting window around the scheduled times.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at the Castlepalooza!