Legendary Locales: Zelda Dungeon’s Staff Find Glimpses of Hyrule in the Real World

This world is filled with stunning and unique locations, each forming the rich tapestry that we call home. From rolling fields as far as the eye can see, to lush, green forests that paint a canopy against the morning sun, to winding caves that promise adventure around every corner, we are blessed with vistas to inspire the mind. It’s said that Shigeru Miyamoto spent time in places like this during his childhood in Kyoto, Japan, which actually inspired the legendary landscape of Zelda as we know it today.

Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom are just the latest in a series of breathtaking worlds in Zelda. Today’s technology really did bolster the wonderment that was born from Miyamoto, but each game prior also captured the imagination of Zelda fans everywhere. There is true magic in the mind of every player who could see the possibilities of exploration in the “open world” of the first Zelda game, with all of its pixelated nooks and crannies. That magic extends into the real world — the one that we can see and touch — when we are somehow reminded of places within our beloved Zelda universe.

Join Zelda Dungeon as we show you, dedicated reader, our own legendary locales.

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Ecuador – Jared Eubanks, Junior Editor

The Legend of Zelda series has often included a vast array of climates and types of geography within its games. However, due to hardware limitations or developer choices, these distinct areas are quartered off from one another with loading screens or hard boundaries. However, with Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the open-world map became a grand tapestry of unique regions sewn together into a cohesive whole. Few places on earth provide the kind of variety in climate within a comparable proximity as found in Hyrule, but I was privileged with the opportunity to experience one of those places in a whirlwind month abroad. The South American country of Ecuador within its relatively small footprint contains sunny beaches, verdant valleys, towering mountains, arid plateaus, and lush rainforests, which are all just minutes from one another by car.

My time in Ecuador was related to my job, but amidst the long days and frequent shifting of hotels, I was able to take in the scenery and savor a few moments with photographs. The way that the multi-faceted climate of Ecuador came together so densely reminded me of the southeastern section of the map from Breath of the Wild. Mount Chimborazo, which is the tallest peak in Ecuador, turned my mind toward Mount Lanayru with the way its snow-covered peak towers over the surrounding terrain. (Fun Fact: The peak in Ecuador boasts of being the farthest point from the center of the earth since the bulge of the earth at its equator apparently gives it a boost over other more well-known peaks at higher latitudes.) The tropical coastal town of Manta reminded me of Lurelin Village with its bustling fishing industry and sandy beaches. The verdant valleys between the Pacific Coast and the Andes Mountain Range echoed the Faron Region with its forest jungle atmosphere. While returning to Ecuador may not be in my near future, I’m thankful to revisit shadows of it within Zelda.

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Laramore Park, Sky Country, California – Rod Lloyd, Editor-In-Chief

For Link, the sound of a rooster crowing at daybreak and the sight of a horse galloping across an open field are not unusual occurrences. But for me, someone who grew up in a wide, suburban sprawl, these were sights and sounds I didn’t encounter every day. That’s why I found my regular visits to my grandmother’s house so exciting. Her neighborhood, a semi-rural “ranchero” community known as Sky Country, felt like a slice of Hyrule to me.

In Sky Country, roosters greet the day’s first rays of sunlight, as if Link had just played the “Sun’s Song” on his ocarina. In Sky Country, sidewalks aren’t paved over with cement, allowing residents to ride their horses from place to place as if they were a Hyrulean explorer. In Sky Country, you can hear the distant moos (and smell the distinctive scents) from the cow farms just a few miles up the road, as if Lon Lon Ranch was just up the road.

One of the highlights of my grandma’s neighborhood is Laramore Park. While the park features the typical grassy fields and kid play area representative of most neighborhood parks, what sets Laramore apart is the inclusion of two equestrian arenas on its far side. You wouldn’t see that in the suburbs! To my childhood self, walking from my grandma’s house to Laramore, venturing beyond the play area, and seeing horses run full gallop around an area felt just like Link’s journey from Hyrule Castle Town to Lon Lon Ranch in Ocarina of Time.

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Harry P. Leu Gardens, Florida – Kristen G. Rosario, Associate Editor

Since I’ve been living in Florida for over 25 years, the obvious choice for my Legendary Locale would’ve been one of the many beaches that are located along the coastlines. That is until this past June, when I got to experience Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando. What’s great about this garden oasis is that there’s so many Zelda-reminiscent elements that you can find throughout the park, from the overhanging tree paths that’ll remind you of Hyrule’s forests, to the butterfly garden that is sure to make Agitha from Twilight Princess giddy with glee. There is almost no part of this park that doesn’t remind me of Hyrule. Certain garden and flower setups I saw at the park even reminded me of the Courtyard Gardens from Ocarina of Time.

Even the massive flower clock in the picture above is something that would probably remind you of Clock Town from Majora’s Mask. During my time at Harry P. Leu Gardens, there was a special event going on for the Summer season wherein they had unique fairy doors scattered throughout the park. Some looked like simple entryways into a fairy’s home, while others gave off vibes familiar to the Zelda franchise, like one door that was made of books that reminded me of the Royal Hyrule Library from The Minish Cap. It’s hard to believe that this lush, Zelda-like garden is roughly 17 minutes away from where I live.

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Fairy Glen, Lancashire, England – Julia Wilson, Junior Editor

I am lucky enough to live near an ancient woodland called the Fairy Glen. This tranquil place is a designated biological heritage site due to the variety of trees like oak, ash, and birch, combined with an abundance of flora, including wild garlic. There is also a stream that flows through the woodland, cascading into a small waterfall. It is a beautiful and timeless valley, which is a breathtaking sight when carpeted with bluebells in the spring.

This would make a perfect setting for the Lost Woods. You can just imagine Hestu shaking his maracas in a clearing, while the Koroks forage, play, and make their home amongst the trees.

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Snow Canyon State Park, St. George, Utah – Chakell Herbert, Associate Editor

I have always lived in northern Utah, which feels the full impact of the four seasons each year. Hot summers, chilly winters, and a good blend of spring and fall. However, a few hours south of me is St. George, which is a beautiful desert resort town known for its dry heat, red rocks, and multiple national parks! This place is scorching in the summer, with temperatures getting up to 120°F or higher, but boy is it a magical place! 

Last year, my husband and I were feeling adventurous during our week-long trip down to the desert town and decided to do an e-bike tour of Snow Canyon State Park. This canyon boasts includes hiking trails, steep climbs, and so many beautiful red mountains formed from ancient Navajo sandstone. From the tourists zooming past me on bikes and on horseback, riding along the trail in this ethereal park made me think of Gerudo Desert and the Gerudo Highlands in the Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom‘s Hyrule. Honestly, it looked like the developers just picked up some of these red formations in the real world and dropped them right into Hyrule, because they are the spitting image of each other. The Gerudo region and sand-themed areas of the series hold some of my favorite dungeons and characters, so whenever I find myself in this desert, I feel a sense of nostalgia and adventure.

I have gained a deep fondness for the beauty of nature, and exploring Hyrule on numerous occasions has definitely helped me gain that love of the natural world. It’s places like Snow Canyon that really show that we don’t have to look too far for magic — it might be in our own backyard!

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Sideling Hill Overlook, Maryland – Nicole Scott, Associate Editor

Maryland’s topography is rather diverse, with its squiggly coastlines and ever-sprawling urbanity inching outside of the D.C. metro area. However, its most stunning parts are in the Appalachian Mountains to the west, where Sideling Hill Overlook is. This location (the rest stop near the Pennsylvania-Maryland border) is not at a place one would normally drive for a scenic view; however, it has distinct Zelda atmospheres from all angles.

The first view is what my partner and I lovingly call “The Wound,” which looks like Dueling Peaks to me. There is a bridge connecting the two sides where you can stand above the speeding cars. The height puts into perspective exactly how tall the ridge is. Turn 180 degrees, and you’ll see a massive valley of trees. During the spring and summer, it reminds me of looking over the Great Plateau at the beginning of Breath of the Wild. In the fall, a thick, layered fog rests between the forest, low enough to where the treetops poke through, making me imagine Koroks that could be living in the distance.

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Multnomah Falls, Oregon – Alex Weber, Copy Editor

Although I’ve lived most of my life in Southern California, the American Northwest is a large part of my childhood. I was born there, and most of the maternal side of my family lives there. Growing up, I’ve spent many snowy Christmases and sunny summers up north, so much so that it feels just as nostalgic as a hometown.

Multnomah Falls in particular is not only 16.8 miles from my mom’s childhood home, but is also famous in my family for being the backdrop of engagement pictures. Pictured above is me and my own fiancé following in the footsteps of my aunts and uncles. The Falls overlook part of the Columbia River, a 1,243 mile river that spans Canada, Washington, and Oregon before going into the Pacific Ocean. My fiancé being Canadian adds an extra layer of sentimentality to the already nostalgic part of the Northwest.

The waterfall itself reminds me of the small waterfall near Dueling Peaks in Breath of the Wild. Just like this waterfall, it starts out small and narrow but eventually becomes a river that a bridge curves over. The sight also reminds me of the gigantic cliff faces in Breath of the Wild. Seeing things like this for real always makes me awe at how massive nature can construct itself. And, unlike other things from my childhood like houses and clothes, Multnomah Falls always looks bigger than I remember it being.

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Union City, Tennessee – Heather Beard, Senior Editor & Art Director

I’ve called Tennessee my home for much of my life, but only just recently did I move back to my “home” state. From the bustling urban life of Memphis to the rural farms of Union City, west Tennessee has been my home. Only seven years of my life were spent outside of Tennessee, and I can say with so much love in my heart that there is no place like Tennessee. 

This edition of Legendary Locales boasts so many wonderful places, but my choice lies right behind my own backyard. Union City is a small town, a hop, skip, and jump away from Kentucky. The earthquake that formed Reelfoot Lake took place a handful of miles away, and Obion County is the largest producer of corn in the United States. It’s a farmer’s paradise here.

Growing up in the city, I’ve always loved seeing farm animals when I could. Now that I have a pasture that runs the entirety of our street, I’m still enamored by the cows that call that pasture home. It’s always a pleasure in the spring to see the new calves frolic among the grass, and the curious ones will come up to the fence to say, “Hello.” With few trees around us, my own backyard boasts the most magnificent of sunsets and sometimes we’ll go for a drive just to chase the sun and marvel in the sky’s colors.

Since we are surrounded by farmland, the sky is so open, and the quiet of a small town feels so joyous. Farmland and pastures make me think of the many farms we see throughout the Zelda series — Ordon Ranch, Lon Lon Ranch, just to name a few. It’s a quiet life here and there’s beauty in the little things, much like the quaint farms and villages that we’ve come to know and love in the series.

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Oklahoma – Brandon Schmitz, Senior Editor

For me, treks through the outdoors have long been a necessary escape – a brief respite from the noise of everyday life. As a kid, especially, these journeys through one of the many forested areas of my hometown often captured my imagination. Indeed, as I mentioned in 2022’s Legendary Locales feature, the source of Zelda series creator Shigeru Miyamoto’s inspiration is on full display throughout nature itself. From woods that seem to stretch on for eternity to passages that could be mistaken for dungeon entrances, it’s tough – especially after so many years of playing Zelda – not to feel as if you’ve stepped right into a corner of Hyrule.

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Presque Isle State Park, Erie, Pennsylvania – Josh Wittmershaus, Associate Editor

Just a short drive from my childhood home lies a stretch of land that curves in a Fibonacci-esque way around the historic bay of Lake Erie. Close to the tip of the peninsula of Presque Isle State Park stands the Perry Monument, an almost 400-ft tall tower honoring Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry for his leadership in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. 

In Breath of the Wild and then again in Tears of the Kingdom, the walk around Rist Peninsula brings me back to walking along the beach of my hometown’s own peninsula, and in some instances ending up at a structure of sorts – be it a lighthouse, a monument, a Shrine, or some lines in the sand. In spite of all the monsters that await us on our walk on Rist Peninsula, there’s something zen about the long, rounding stroll to the center. Perhaps it’s because it takes me back to aimless walks on the beaches of Presque Isle, knowing that down the stretch, something awaits me.

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Brecksville Reservation, Ohio – Sean Gadus, Senior Editor

Living in the midwestern United States, I have planned a lot of activities around rivers and lakes. One of my favorite activities is exploring along rivers and creeks either by myself or with family. I love exploring the small-scale waterways in my area and on vacation; it is a very peaceful process that gives an individual the time and space to reflect on life and nature. These rivers often have a beautiful and tranquil collection of natural sounds, like running water or the rush of a waterfall. 

Whenever I roam around streams and rivers, they always remind me of locations within the Zelda series, like Zora’s River in Ocarina of Time, Upper Zora’s River in Twilight Princess, or the trail to Zora’s Domain in Breath of the Wild. Though fictional, these Zelda locations remind me of the important place that rivers have in a variety of cultures. Rivers and streams are sources of life-giving water, sites of recreation, and highways for transportation. Climbing over rocks and stepping through shallow water in these rivers, it feels like there are so many secrets and special spots to find. If only a secret city was hiding behind every waterfall, just waiting to be discovered. 

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Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, Ohio – John Lortie, Associate Editor

The best part about living in Cincinnati is that all of Southeast Ohio’s gorgeous hiking locations are only a day trip away. On a recent journey to Rockbridge with my wife and in-laws, I found myself stunned by the scenery. While the rock bridge itself was the highlight for most of our group, I was taken with the field we passed as we made our way to it. One area of the field in particular reminded me of Majora’s Mask’s Inside the Moon. Looking up a green hill, I saw sparse trees standing against a bright blue sky that seemed to spread forever. I’m happy I didn’t spot a lonely-looking kid sitting under the boughs.

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Alpine, Utah – Aubriel Eastman, Junior Editor

When I first saw this ruin in Alpine, Utah, I immediately thought, “This looks just like Breath of the Wild.”

Of course, there was no Great Calamity in which hundreds of Guardians swarmed and destroyed it, but I cannot remember the actual reason this place is a ruin. Thus, I can pretend. This crumbling building with its aged stone boasts a moody backdrop of the setting sun, and happens to be right next to a giant poppy field. Perhaps Flowerblight Ganon would like it here.

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Interstate Park, Wisconsin – Leslie Jacobson, Associate Editor

Interstate Park is the oldest state park in Wisconsin and is a mini-Hyrule. Unique formations called potholes dot one area of the park. In another, Lake O’the Dalles sits at the northern end of the park and has a beach area that is great for swimming, very much like Lake Hylia. Thirteen different hiking trails take you either through the woods or up and around the huge cliff sides that overlook the river. Two of the trails, the Pothole Trail and Silverbrook Trail, are reminiscent of Hyrule.

The Pothole Trail takes hikers around to several potholes carved when melting waters from receding glaciers swirled and twirled around hard stones into the softer surrounding stone. The result was cauldron-like formations in the rock. You can see a pothole on the left side of the picture above, where the rest of the rock forms a face. This rock and pothole combination reminds me of either a boss or an entrance to a dungeon, perhaps like Turtle Rock in Link’s Awakening. The same trail also takes you along the cliffs overlooking the Saint Croix River and looking across to Minnesota. It reminds me of the Zora River in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, especially around the Tabahl Woods area. Plus, there’s rock formations all throughout the park that could perhaps allow me to get up to a Sky Island — if I had Recall!

The Silverbrook Trail is named for the 19-room mansion and property that once stood at the end of the trail. The mansion was built in 1895 and occupied by a man who wanted to try mining the area for copper. In fact, the outer-wall ruins of the office and laboratory for the mine are still present, although they are behind a chain-link fence. The ruins definitely call to mind those from throughout the Zelda series, but especially those found in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

In the official record for subsequent owners, the years 1956 to 1962 have a rather dismissive single sentence describing how owners James and Annabelle Rideaux used the mansion: “Operated a drinking club for Blacks from the cities.” The Rideauxs were from St. Paul’s Rondo Community, a wealthy Black neighborhood eventually demolished to build a large highway. The Rideauxs operated Silverbrook not as a “drinking club,” but as the St. Croix Valley Country Club for high-society social functions and getaways. After having to foreclose on the country club due to their forced move (among other factors) the mansion fell into disrepair and was heavily vandalized. The mansion was eventually burned to demolish it, and only a few ruins remain, like the pillars for the front gates. The whole story of the Silverbrook mansion makes me think of how bits of Hyrule’s history are lost and often re-discovered by Link.

Finally, at the end of the trail, there is a small waterfall. When the Silverbrook property was operational, a diverted creek made the flow of the waterfall a lot stronger, and descendants of the Rideauxs recall family stories of boys running and playing behind the waterfall. Of course, many games in the Zelda series have secrets behind waterfalls. Interstate Park is my favorite place to go when I want to feel like I’m in Hyrule.

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Waterrock Knob, North Carolina – Connor Butler, Junior Editor

About a half hour away from my college campus lies an entrance to the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway. My first time out to the Parkway, I drove for quite a while, and found this lovely overlook, Waterrock Knob. I parked my car, and found this amazing view. I remember closing my eyes for a moment, and feeling a complete peace wash over me. All I could hear were the sounds of distant birds, the rustle of trees, and the wind. When I opened my eyes and saw the sun setting over the mountainous horizon, a smile crept across my face. This was my new safe spot. 

Then I really remembered, before I discovered that beautiful place, my previous safe spot wasn’t somewhere I could ever go in person. When I was feeling stressed or anxious, I would plug my headphones into my TV, boot up my copy of Breath of the Wild, and head to Shatterback Point of Ploymus Mountain. There, I would listen to the sounds of Hyrule, and look out at the mountains in the distance. Mount Lanayru and Dueling Peaks standing tall always made me feel at ease. It was amazing to find a spot in person that inspired such peace in me. 

Now, every time I visit, I almost expect some atmospheric piano music to start playing. It speaks volumes of Nintendo that they can create environments that truly capture natural beauty. I will forever be grateful for Ploymus Mountain, and for Waterrock Knob.

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Darby Canyon Wind Cave, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Wyoming – Nick Miller, Senior Editor

Nestled deep in the Darby Canyon, just west of the Grand Teton Mountain lies the Wind Cave. It is a monumental cave etched into the side of a mountain, the scope of which must be seen to be believed. The entrance is approximately 100 feet tall, but it’s also deep — deep enough that you’ll need to pack a flashlight if you want to do any exploring. The trail to the cave takes you up along the canyon ridge, which is lined with endless acres of trees, streams, boulders, and the occasional waterfall. It’s an incredible hike with an even more impressive destination.

Darby Canyon was only about an hour drive from my college, so it was a popular spot for students to hike and explore. Despite that, we didn’t see many people on our almost six-mile round-trip hike. That feeling of isolation in the wilderness and finding an incredible landmark off the beaten path is not unlike the feeling you get finding a dungeon hidden in the farthest reaches of Hyrule. I could easily imagine Link wandering along the same path only to discover a Shrine or secret boss deep within the Wind Cave. Even the name is prime for a Zelda dungeon!

So, if you ever visit Jackson, Wyoming, you’ve got to visit the Darby Canyon Wind Cave. It’s only about a 40-minute drive from Jackson, but it isn’t really advertised so most tourists are unaware of its existence. As such, it’s quiet — almost reverent — like a lonely pilgrimage to a sacred temple of Hyrule.

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Ligoniel Park & Clotworthy House, Northern Ireland – Judy Cooper, Managing Editor

Living in Northern Ireland, I am blessed with the natural beauty that comes with each passing season. Personally, I think there is no season more stunning than autumn (or fall), as pictured here in Ligoniel Park, Belfast. Leaves of warm golds and burnt reds swirl through the air, and the rolling green hills are quickly littered with hues of brilliant yellow and earthy brown. The rustling and crunching of nature is calm music to the ears of those who walk in the parks, sipping on hot drinks, and smiling warm smiles.

The vibe captured in this photograph makes me think of Holodrum, the land from Oracle of Seasons. Although we only see the most basic version of autumn in that title, I can imagine how scenic it could be if the game were ever remade. In my mind’s eye, I can see Link adventuring through piles of leaves, his world turned a pleasant copper, with a coolness in the air that promises respite from the blazing summer sun. Like me, I think he’d feel joy at the abundance in nature during this time of the year, and nostalgia as he’s reminded that the passage of time is inevitable. Oh, to visit Holodrum on a crisp, autumn morning!

Clotworthy House was built circa 1843 and is a fine example of a stable block/coach house, with is Jacobean revival-style façade. The 10th Viscount Masserene is responsible for the creation of this gorgeous structure, which formed part of his Lady wife’s pleasure gardens — such romance! Eventually, it became the home of 12th Viscount and his family after their castle quite tragically burnt down and was never rebuilt (that’s a whole other story for the next Legendary Locales!).

The building, which lies nestled in the heart of Antrim Castle Gardens, now serves as a centre for a range of art exhibitions, theatre and music shows, and even weddings. I have the pleasure of passing it on my frequent walks through the Gardens, and sometimes I’ll treat myself to a coffee and a pastry from the little café inside. It’s dog-friendly, which is a lovely bonus, too.

Perhaps it’s the course rubble basalt or the old granite stone, but this building makes me think of the structures we see in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Although those castles and forts are in ruins, I know they were grand and representative of another magical time, which is how I view Clothworthy House. And although it isn’t medieval, Clotworthy House exudes a certain grace that Hyrule Castle and its gatehouses boast, especially in Age of Calamity.

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If ever you needed proof that the magic of Zelda could be just outside your front door, this has got to be it. The Zelda Dungeon staff set out to places near and far in search of that magic, and find it they did. From the tallest peaks to the darkest caves, from fairy glens to seasonal scenery, we were reminded of Hyrule and beyond. And we’ve barely scratched the surface of what this world has to offer in terms of Zelda beauty!

If you’ve been inspired to set out and find your own legendary locale, be sure to let us know in the comments below.