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Bannerman Island Cruise and Walking Tour

Friday, May 19 th , 2023

Please see website for details.

Janeen Martin

Bannerman Castle Beacon Long Dock Beacon, NY 12508

(845) 831-6346

http://www.bannermancastle.org

Take a magnificent boat ride from the Beacon dock over to Bannerman Island aboard the BCT’s Estuary Steward tour boat. Enjoy a guided or self-guided walking tour of the island. Visit the famous Bannerman Castle ruins and gardens and explore the original Bannerman residence, which is now a museum, where you’ll learn about all things Bannerman. Stop by the new island pavilion and gift shop!

Click here for tickets and information or call BCT Executive Director Neil Caplan at (845) 831-6346 for discounted rates for larger tours. Tours run on select days from May through October. For a preview schedule of special theatrical, musical and culinary events, click here.

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Escape to this private island with an abandoned castle — it’s only an hour from nyc and you can take the train.

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Private island, 6.5 acres of complete solitude in the middle of the Hudson River — majestic water and mountain views from your own historic castle, convenient to Midtown via Metro-North, bring your contractor!

Right, so maybe one of the most dramatically situated pieces of real estate within commuting distance of NYC isn’t for sale, and definitely don’t upset any development-averse locals by bringing your contractor, but don’t let that stop you from from visiting and appreciating Bannerman Castle — jewel-in-the-rough of New York’s Hudson Highlands region — anytime you like.

Best of all, you don’t even have to get in a car.

Linked to the heart of the Big Apple via Metro-North’s Hudson Line, all year long — that and a boat shuttle departing the docks near the Beacon train station — this architectural oddity, over a century old, remains the focal point of life on little Pollepel Island all these years later.

For such a small landmass, Pollepel has enjoyed a varied and colorful history, earning its stripes as a strategic site for holding the British back (at least for a time) during the Revolutionary War. In more modern times, it became a storehouse for a military surplus dealer based in Brooklyn, an immigrant from the British Isles named Francis Bannerman.

The remnants of that structure are what Hudson Valley residents now refer to as “the castle.”

And while those riding the train — passing just a stone’s throw away on the eastern bank of the Hudson — might not know to look at it, the Island is much more than its crumbling ruins.

In this diminutive paradise, there are gardens, appealing nature trails and picturesque viewpoints for all the photo and video you can take. The island hosts a full series of cultural events, along with year-round tours, conducted on foot, by boat and even kayak.

Essentially left to rot for the latter part of the 20th century, the island is now managed by the Bannerman Castle Trust, which, in partnership with New York State, has made continued investments in the site — new funds were just announced for additional improvements, prior to the summer season.

Getting there is easy — hop the Hudson Line train from Grand Central Terminal to Beacon, which can take anywhere from a bit over an hour to about 90 minutes, depending on the time of day.

Once in Beacon, the island’s trusty Estuary Steward boat will take you the rest of the way — a scenic, 30-minute ride toward Storm King Mountain, where the river shrinks down to truly earn its title as the only recognized fjord in the Eastern United States.

What to do once you’re there? Read on:

The best things to do at Bannerman Castle

• Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour Join the classic island tour, available as a package with the boat ride leaving from Beacon. After 30 minutes on the boat, you’ll be given a 45-minute guided tour of the island, including the castle ruins and gardens.
• Kayak or Canoe to Bannerman Island Outdoorsy types favor this DIY approach — for complete details on how-to and where to launch from, see here . There are launch sites as close as 30 minutes of paddling from the island.
• 2024 Theater on Bannerman Island From June through September, hop the boat out to the island for a night of theater under the stars — 2024’s schedule includes Driving Miss Daisy and Always, Patsy Cline.
• Movie Nights at Bannerman Castle There’s movie night, and then there are the summer movie nights on the island — this year, expect a little of everything, from North by Northwest and Casablanca to Jurassic Park and Hocus Pocus.

For more information, visit bannermancastle.org .

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A Guide to Bannerman Castle, the Hudson River's Oddest Attraction

• Aug 5, 2022
• By Jenna Scherer

If you’ve taken the Metro-North Hudson Line upstate, odds are you’ve glanced out the train window and seen a curious sight: a small, rocky island in the middle of the Hudson River, topped with what appears to be the ruins of a European castle. 

But this isn't the Danube, this is Pollepel Island, a 6.5-acre island in the shadow of Storm King Mountain that was once home to the largest military surplus arsenal of its age. Unlike many crumbling ruins, which are often closed to the public, you can actually visit this one—and learn plenty of Hudson Valley history while you’re at it. 

Today, the island is a thriving destination for history and nature buffs alike. Best of all, the experience is easily reachable via Metro-North, and there's even an MTA Bannerman Castle Cruise and Walking Tour package . It’s a beautiful ride on the Hudson Line from Manhattan to Beacon. Once you arrive, the Beacon Institute Dock where you’ll meet the boat to Bannerman is a short walk from the station. 

1 minute walk from Beacon station

In addition to the MTA package, The Bannerman Castle Trust offers regular tours of the island between May and November. You can take a combination cruise and walking tour, a kayak tour, or pair a self-guided tour with a live concert (all $40 per ticket). Any of these will give you ample opportunity to explore both the island’s natural and manmade features. The best reason to visit Bannerman, however, is to learn about the unusual history of the island. 

A Brief History of Pollepel Island 

Pollepel Island was formed 10,000 years ago during the last ice age, and it has spent most of those millennia uninhabited. Before European settlers arrived in North America, the banks of the Hudson were inhabited by members of the Lenni-Lenape, Algonquin, and Wappinger tribes. As far as archaeologists know, Native Americans never lived on the island, which at the time was a barren rock with no sources of food, but likely used as a lookout. Legend has it the island was believed to be haunted.

Though it was owned by wealthy local families on and off, no one lived on Pollepel. As such, it became a prime spot for ne’er-do-wells to live it up away from the mainland. Fed up with the drunken carousing, a local teetotaler named Mary Taft bought the island in 1888. 

Pollepel remained Taft’s until Francis Bannerman, the son of Scottish immigrants, bought it in 1900. Bannerman started what would eventually become a booming military surplus business when he was only 12 years old. His warehouses were situated in Brooklyn and Manhattan until the city government intervened for the sake of public safety, and he had to find a new place to store his munitions. 

Bannerman was a castle enthusiast, and he built the island’s four arsenals in their image. The grandest—and the one most prominently viewable today—was Arsenal 3, modeled after a castle he’d seen on a trip to Belgium.

One summer day in 1920, Francis’ widow, Helen, was relaxing on a hammock in front of the main house and went in for a glass of iced tea. Meanwhile, a spontaneous spark ignited the powder in one of the arsenals, causing a massive explosion that boomed across the area, shattering windows as far north as Poughkeepsie. Mrs. Bannerman herself narrowly escaped death—when she came back outside, a chunk of the building was nestled in the hammock she’d just been lying in. 

Though Francis’s progeny continued operations into the 1960s, the island fell into disuse and was sold to the State of New York in 1967. Then a second disaster occurred: In 1969, a fire of mysterious origins burned for three days and nights, gutting the remaining arsenals on Pollepel. The island fell out of use and memory until 1993, when the Bannerman Castle Trust took over its stewardship. It opened to the public in 2004.

How to Experience Bannerman Castle

There are a few different ways to experience the wonder of Pollepel Island and Bannerman Castle yourself other than the Bannerman's Island Cruise and Walking Tour package . All of the experiences offered by the Trust below cost $40 per person.

From Beacon Station, cross the tracks to the river, and you’ll find a dock where you can meet the Estuary Steward, a boat that will take you on a 30-minute ride down the river to the island. From there, you’ll enjoy a guided 90-minute walking tour of the island to learn about its history and legacy before being ferried back to the mainland. If you have a kayak or canoe, you can take your own trip to the island and go on a self-guided tour at a reserved time slot. A castle historian will take you on a 20-minute tour. 

If you don’t have a kayak of your own, Hudson-area tour group Storm King Adventure Tours will take you on a 2.5-hour guided tour of the river ($70), kayaking past Storm King Mountain and Breakneck Ridge before arriving at Pollepel Island. Though you can’t disembark at the island, your guide will give you a brief history of the area. 

The Trust also hosts music nights with local artists, which include a ride on the Estuary Steward , a self-guided tour of the island, and a performance.

Editor's Note: This was originally published on 8/27/21. It has been updated with the 2022 MTA Away Deal.

Jenna Scherer is a writer, journalist, and editor whose work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Time Out New York, The Village Voice, Condé Nast Traveler, and CNN Travel. Read more of her writing at  jennascherer.com .

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BANNERMAN CRUISE & WALKING TOUR (Newburgh) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Bannerman Castle: How to Visit the Abandoned Castle on the Hudson

The abandoned Bannerman Castle New York is hard to miss sitting out on Bannerman Island, officially called Pollepel Island, in the middle of the Hudson River. 

If you have peered out at the Hudson River near Cold Spring or Beacon, whether on the Hudson Valley hiking trails or as you drive along the river, you have probably seen Bannerman Castle on a island and wondered what it was. 

The best way of answering that question is to book a cruise and walking tour and get to Bannerman Island itself to learn more about the fascinating history of the timeworn ruins. 

If you are questioning if taking a Bannerman Island tour is worth it, since you can see it from various angles and locations along the Hudson River, we would absolutely recommend it. You can never compare actually being on Pollepel Island and seeing Bannerman Castle from afar. 

Get a glimpse of Bannerman Castle’s history and read a detailed description of the cruise and walking tour below.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us create free content for you to enjoy. Learn more about our disclaimer here . Thanks for your support!

How to Get to Bannerman Castle

Bannerman Castle sits on Pollepel Island in the middle of the Hudson River near Beacon, New York, just a few miles north of Cold Spring. Don’t get confused, some people refer to the island as Bannermans Island but the island’s official name is Pollepel Island.

Note: To access the island you need to purchase a ticket. You are not allowed to enter Pollepel Island without one, even when you arrive at the castle on a island with your own small vessel. 

There are two different ways to see Bannerman Castle up close:

1. Book a cruise which comes with a walking tour

There are two ferry ports which you can utilize to get to Bannerman Castle, one in Beacon and one in Newburgh Ferry Landing. 

Since the most popular Island cruise and walking tour starts from Beacon ferry dock, we will concentrate on that way to explore the Bannerman Castle ruin and the island itself (see below).

If you are traveling from New York City the ferry port in Beacon is easily accessible by public transportation. First, hop on the Metro North on the Hudson Line to the Beacon Train Station. Once you get off the train, you walk across the parking lot towards the Hudson River and you will see a sign for Bannerman Castle Tours. 

2. Arrive in your own kayak or canoe and do a self-guided walking tour

In case you are a little more adventurous (and you are fortunate enough to have your own small vessel), you can paddle to Pollepel Island yourself. There are 4 different departure locations you can choose from, depending on how long you would like your paddle adventure to last:

• Donohue Park in Cornwall on Hudson (½ hour paddle one way)
• Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point  (½ hour paddle one way)
• Scenic Hudosn’s Long Dock Park (1-1 ½ hour paddle one way)
• Cold Spring (1 ½ hour paddle one way)

Make sure to arrive at Bannerman Island at your chosen time slot. Then you will have 1.5 hours to venture the island yourself on the historic trails. You also have the option to join a 20-minute tour of Bannerman Island’s history led by a historian. 

About Bannerman Castle NY

Have you ever wondered like us why there is an abandoned castle on a island in the middle of the Hudson River?

When visiting this unique attraction in New York, we were not only stunned by the beauty of the castle ruins but also by Bannerman Castle’s history.

To get you even more interested in visiting and taking a tour, we will give you a quick synopsis of Bannerman Castle and its owner Francis Bannerman.

Francis Bannerman was born in Scotland and came to the United States to live in Brooklyn at 3 years old. At a young age, Francis used to collect scraps from the harbor, which turned out to be a successful business for the teenager. In 1865, he was able to open his own business called Bannermans. As the business grew and he possessed more and more goods, his store eventually made its way to Broadway in Manhattan. 

He soon specialized in military gear but with so much dangerous material and ammunition in store, the city eventually required Bannerman to look for storage outside the city limits. On a canoeing trip on the Hudson River, David Bannerman (son of Francis) spotted an island in the middle of the river. It was the perfect safe storage space for all the surplus military equipment for the Bannermans. Francis purchased the island in 1900 and began building Bannerman Castle in 1901. 

Without wanting to spoil too much, we can say that after Bannerman died various natural disasters like storms and fires but also vandalism and decay hit the island hard.

In the 21st century, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation purchased the island, recognizing the value of this hidden gem in the Hudson Valley. Nowadays, the non-profit organization The Bannerman Castle Trust, Inc. takes care of Bannerman Island and offers tours and various unique events.

Bannerman Castle Tour Information

Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour (From Beacon,NY)

Price: Adults $40 (12+), Child $35 (0-11) Duration: 2.5 hours Good to Know:

• Tour is welcome to all ages
• Rain or shine tour
• No refund or rescheduling

This is the most popular tour offered to Bannerman Castle. The tour begins with a 30 minute boat ride from Beacon ferry dock to Pollepel Island followed by a 1.5 hour guided tour of Bannerman Castle ruins and gardens.

You will learn all about the island’s history, the various buildings, and of course the Bannerman family. After the conclusion of the tour, you will take the 30 minute boat ride back to Beacon. 

Tours only run seasonally, usually from late April to late October/early November. 

The tour will bring you around the perimeter of the Bannerman Castle ruins and surrounding areas. Since Bannerman Castle is mainly ruins, the Bannerman Island tours do not provide access to the castle due to safety concerns. Most of the ruins are being supported by large metal support beams. 

Here is how to make a reservation for the Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour from Beacon step by step:

• Visit the bannermancastle.org website
• Hover over the Activities banner on the top of the page
• Click on Cruise & Walking Tour
• Book the tour by choosing a date and time is applicable
• Add how many adults and children will attend the tour
• Complete the necessary information, add payment, and submit

You can also book a tour by calling (845) 831-1001.

Visiting Bannerman Castle by Tour Itinerary

To be honest, we are usually not huge fans of guided tours because we like to wander around at our own pace but the Bannerman Island tour was a big exception.

Not only did we like the fact that the tour was led by a Bannerman Castle Trust Historian who was extremely passionate about the rich history the Bannerman Castle has to offer. On top of that you also got the opportunity to walk the grounds on your own.

We would have loved to combine exploring Bannerman Castle with a fun kayak tour but unfortunately we don’t have our own small vessels yet, so we chose the less complicated way to visit Bannerman Island which already included the transportation from the mainland.

The Bannerman Castle tour departed from Beacon’s waterfront right next to the Beacon train station. The starting point is super easy to find due to the large sign saying ‘Bannerman Tours’. 

After getting checked in with the boat crew, the tour group will load the Estuary Steward for a 30 minute cruise on the Hudson River to Pollepel Island and Bannerman Castle.

While on the boat, the crew provides some fascinating historical information about the surrounding area, including the towns of Beacon and Newburgh, George Washington Headquarters, Denning’s Point, and other features along the route. 

As you approach the castle on a island, make sure to really take a look at Bannerman Castle from the water. It looks pretty incredible and definitely provides a unique perspective. 

Once you reach the island, the boat will dock and the tour group will make their way up to the tour starting point, the top of a short semi-steep 72-step climb up a metal staircase..

You will have 1.5 hours to get to know the island and the Bannerman Castle ruins. On top of walking the trails during the guided tour, you will also have some free time to scout out spots you didn’t see on the tour or even come back to favorite lookouts. 

Usually, the tour will split up into 2 smaller groups for the guided tour of Bannerman castle, where you learn about the history of the island and Francis Bannerman and his family. One group will start the tour immediately, whereas the other group will depart shortly after.

The guides were extremely knowledgeable and offered several visuals from different years of the island, Bannerman Castle, and the Bannerman military surplus store. 

Top Tip: We prefer joining the first tour group if possible. That gives you the chance to come back to locations you might have had to rush through before during the tour.

Since the Bannerman Arsenal has had quite a bit of damage done to it over the years, the ruins of Bannerman Castle are not accessible. Therefore, during the tour you will only be able to look at the structure from a safe distance. But even to look at the ancient castle is stunning itself. 

However, you will be able to walk around the grounds and inside parts of the Bannerman residence where you can find more information and pictures about Bannerman Island’s history.

As mentioned before, you will have some time before or after the guided tour to walk around the gardens and to the summit of the island at your own leisure. The island is pretty small with only 6.5 acres, so you will have plenty of time to explore the Bannermans Castle Trail and the other unnamed hiking path of the island. 

Besides enjoying incredible views of the architectural gems on Bannerman Island, you also get to see splendid views of the Hudson River. One of our highlights was the viewpoint in front of the Bannerman residency. Also make sure to cross the bridge behind the restroom which leads to the highest point of Pollepel Island.

At a certain time given to you upon arrival, the tour will meet again at the starting point at the top of the metal staircase before heading back down to the boat dock to return to Beacon. 

Do keep in mind that each tour will vary slightly since you will have a different tour guide on the island and different boat crew members. But one thing is for sure, you will learn a lot about the history of the Bannerman family, business, Pollepel Island, and of course the castle itself on the Bannerman Castle tour.

The Bannerman Island tour is a fun, quick, and interesting activity which is perfect for an evening in the Hudson Valley since it combines the best of the outdoors and history of the area. 

Tour Tips for Visiting Bannerman Castle

• Tours of Bannerman Castle are only offered seasonally.
• Terrain on the island is not conducive to strollers and wheelchairs. It is hilly and rocky. It is best to wear comfortable shoes.
• Parking for tours are at Beacon Train Station or Newburgh Ferry Landing depending on where you are starting from.
• There are special events which occur throughout the year at Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island, for example movie nights, farm-to-table dinners, and theatrical performances. Check the island’s website for upcoming events and make sure to book in advance.
• Arrive at the ferry dock at least 10 minutes before your tour time to check in.
• Be prepared for various weather conditions and dress accordingly. Tours happen rain or shine. 
• Tours tend to sell out, especially in the fall during the fall foliage, so make sure to book in advance.

What was the most stunning fact you learned on the Bannerman Castle tour? What is your favorite spot on Bannerman Island?

Let us know in the comments below!

Our Other Resources for Hudson Valley

• How to Hike the Mysterious Cornish Estate Trail
• Beautiful Anthony’s Nose Hike: All You Need to Know
• Hiking Breakneck Ridge: How Tough Actually is this Hike
• How to See the Picturesque Indian Brook Falls
• 33 Most Beautiful Trails for Hiking in Hudson Valley
• The Ultimate Guide to 11 Best Cold Spring Hiking Trails
• How to Hike the Indian Ladder Trail at Thacher State Park
• 25 Best Apple Picking in Hudson Valley Spots to Visit

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Ok, you information was good, but it didn’t tell me how to make reservations or how to get in contact with someone to take a tour on Bannerman Castle. There is no phone number. I’m coming from Mississippi. I would like some information on how to take a tour to see Bannerman Castle. Please send me the detailed information, I would appreciate it very much, thanks.

Thank you very much for your feedback. We appreciate it. We will make sure to add this information to our post as it is vital information for travelers. We will also send you a direct email with the information you are looking for to help with your traveling plans. Thank you again. You should receive an email shortly.

It’s a really cool place to visit, especially if you’re interested in history or architecture. The views from the island are amazing, and it’s a great place to take a hike or just relax.

Agreed! It is a fun activity to do in the Hudson Valley.

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Bannerman Island Walking Tour

Bannerman's island kayak and walking tour.

$120 per person

• Single Kayak: AGE 12+ | Two Seater: AGE 7+ with Adult

Step foot onto Pollepel Island to visit the famous Bannerman Castle! Begin your adventure by taking a leisurely paddle across the Hudson River before arriving at Wee-bay. We then make our way up from the shore on the walking trails. A Bannerman Castle Historian then directs a tour along the walkways of the island alongside the former arsenal and residence. This tour is best for those who enjoy learning about our local history. Light hiking and uneven ground are apart of this tour. Round trip paddling distance of approximately 2.5 miles. 

As part of our ongoing collaboration with the Bannerman Castle Trust, these tours help contribute to their preservation efforts of the site. Upon booking please review confirmation email for additional details.

We provide kayak, paddle and lifejacket as well as instruction before you hit the water. Our guides are available throughout the tour to help our participants. First time kayakers are encouraged to join. FAQ

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Iconic Hudson River Island Opens to the Public This Month

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The weather has finally turned which means spring and summer activities are on the rise across the Hudson Valley.

One of the more iconic locations on the Hudson River is opening up for the 2024 season.

Bannerman Island Opens for the 2024 Season

Tis the season! Bannerman Island is opening up for the season on the weekend of May 26th, 2024.

Opening weekend brings many fun outdoor activities to do on and around the island. The most popular activity, according to Bannerman's website, is of course the Bannerman Island Cruise and Walking Tour. Guests will embark on a 2.5-hour informational tour of the island that departs by boat from Beacon, New York.

Once on the island guests will explore the castle and the gardens on a guided 45-minute tour. Coming up on August 26th and September 30th the Island will host Eleanor Owen Seeland who will give a lecture about life on Bannerman Island. Seeland is the last inhabitant of Bannerman and lived on the island when she was growing up in the 1930s.

Tours can be booked on the Bannerman website.

Another way to explore Bannerman is by water. How does kayaking around the Island sound?

The Bannerman kayak tour not only includes the tour by water, but also a walking tour. On the Bannerman website, they explain that this tour option is 3 hours long and is suitable for guests 12 years old and older.

Movie Nights, Dinners, and More on Bannerman Island

Bannerman doesn't host just tours, but there are several shows and dinners scheduled for the 2024 season.

Several movie nights are scheduled on the island this year, including the first showing of the season of Casablanca on May 17th. Theatrical performances for 2024 include Driving Miss Daisy, Always...Patsy Cline and Dracula.

Every year Bannerman will host a farm-to-table dinner and a Titanic First Class Dinner recreated by a local chef.

Is Bannerman Island Actually Haunted?

Haunted tours of Bannerman Island aren't a thing, but they should be, as the Hudson River island is said to be haunted.

You know how it goes with haunted locations, usually local legends or lore get misconstrued throughout the years and take on a life of its own. We're not sure if that's the case with Bannerman, but legends state that back in the 1800s local Native Americans believed the island to be possessed.

READ MORE: Does Bannerman Island Have a Goblin Problem?

Another local legend speaks of goblins haunting the island and the water surrounding it. The stories have gained so much traction recently that Bannerman Island released the following statement on their Facebook page:

That sounds exactly what someone with a Goblin problem would say...just saying. Speaking of spooky, Bannerman Island will host several movie nights during the 2024 season including Jurassic Park in August and Hocus Pocus in October.

You can get the full listing of movies on the island at BannermanCastle.org. 

10 Places to Rent a Kayak and Cruise the Hudson River

Sneak peek: derek jeter sold stunning hudson valley lakeside castle for discounted price, tour bannerman island this year in the hudson valley.

Gallery Credit: J.Buono

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Arts & Entertainment

Mta offers 25 percent off for bannerman castle cruise, tour, the mta is offering a rail and admission package discount for the tour through halloween, according to the transit agency..

Naeisha Rose , Patch Staff

MID HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The MTA is offering 25 percent off its rail and admission ticket package for travelers going to the Bannerman Castle Cruise and Walking Tour through Oct. 31.

Bannerman Castle, a landmark on the Hudson River Island, looks like a medieval ruin from Europe, but the castle was used to store an inventory of surplus military equipment, said the MTA.

A fire destroyed the buildings two years later, but the ruins remain and offer a rich history and panoramic views of the Hudson Valley, according to the transit agency.

Find out what's happening in Mid Hudson Valley with free, real-time updates from Patch.

It was Francis “Frank” Bannerman VI, a Scottish merchant, who purchased the Hudson River’s Pollepel Island, according to his grand-daughter-in-law, Jane Bannerman on the website Bannermancastle.org.

The island, which was once attacked by the British during the American Revolution, was considered haunted by Native American tribes, according to Bannerman.

Now guests will get a chance to enjoy a scenic cruise along the Hudson aboard the Estuary Steward to learn more about the castle and its history in a 30-minute ride, which will take people from the ferry dock at Beacon station to Pollepel Island, where the guided tour of the island’s mysteries will commence, according to the MTA (For safety reasons, entrance to the castle is prohibited).

Tours depart from the dock, rain or shine, on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. There is a 72-step climb from the dock to the start of the tour and some rough terrain on the island, so comfortable shoes are suggested (there is a rest stop along the way). Strollers cannot be accommodated, added the travel agency.

How to Get Your Tickets

Customers must call Neil Caplan at (845) 831-6346 to confirm a reservation date and give a phone contact. A credit card is required to hold tour reservations. Seats are limited. Tours frequently sell out, if interested call at least 48 hours in advance. People interested in canceling must call Caplan at the aforementioned number by Wednesday the latest (EST) the week of tour reservation, otherwise a $30 per person fee will be charged for no-shows.

Once a date is confirmed, purchase a package from any Metro-North ticket office or full-service ticket vending machine (excluding Beacon station). Use OMNY or MetroCard for the subway or bus.

To learn more about Bannerman Castle visit bannermancastle.org/history/.

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• Self-guided tour

ARRIVE IN YOUR OWN KAYAK OR CANOE TOUR

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 hours
• Users Ages: All ages

Kayak to Bannerman Castle for a tour

Get yourself to Bannerman Island with your own kayak or canoe (YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR OWN KAYAK OR CANOE FOR THIS TRIP – WE DO NOT RENT OR PROVIDE A KAYAK OR CANOE FOR THIS TRIP) and enjoy a walking self-guided tour around the Bannerman Island historic trails.

A Bannerman Castle Trust Historian will be on hand to answer questions about Bannerman Island and will give two different 20-minute tours about the history of Bannerman Island for those who want to learn about Bannerman Island. These are exclusive tours and they are limited tickets available.

We will have bottled drinks for sale on the island as well as Bannerman books and t-shirts. Items for sale on the island require credit card purchase, no cash will be accepted.

Note, tickets are per-person, so even if you arrive in a canoe or a tandem kayak, each person must buy a ticket. Once you arrive, you will have 1.5 hours on the island. You can depart at any time up to that point.

Your chosen time slot is your ARRIVAL TIME AT THE BANNERMAN ISLAND DOCK. You are responsible for planning your paddle time to ensure an on-time arrival.

All boaters are personally responsible for the safety of themselves and their occupants, in addition to the safe operation of their craft.

What to bring:

Please dress appropriately!

Time on Bannerman Island:

• We ask that you arrive on time. You cannot come at a later time.
• We cannot accommodate dogs on the island for safety reasons.
• Bad river and weather conditions: If there is bad weather and the river is too dangerous to go out on we will allow you to reschedule one time.

Please note : In order to put on a show at Bannerman Island, we need to have 2 boat loads of 44 people. If you are on the first boat for the show at 6 pm, when you get to Bannerman Island, you will receive a guided tour of the island before the show. When the show is over, you will return to Beacon after the show is finished.

If you are on the second boat departing to Bannerman Island at 7 pm, you will be escorted to your seats for the show. After the show is over, you will be given a lecture of Bannerman Island, while you wait for the boat to return to pick you up. It takes about 50 minutes. We thank you for your cooperation.

GETTING TO BANNERMAN ISLAND ON YOUR SMALL VESSEL

It is up to you as a private boater to come to Bannerman Island’s Main dock from a departure location that you choose.

•  Donohue Park in Cornwall on Hudson is a half-hour paddle across the river to Bannerman Island. You need a parking pass from The Village of Cornwall to park. There is a sign at the park with info to get a day pass online.
•  Kowawese Unique Area at Plum Point is a half-hour paddle to Bannerman Island. The island is a little south of the park. You can park in the park.
•  Cold Spring  is about an hour and a half each way and could take more time depending on the paddler.
• Scenic Hudson’s Long Dock Park has a kayak launch. It takes an hour to an hour and a half each way to get to Bannerman Island.

Since you bring your own kayak or canoe ,  you are responsible for choosing where you will depart. The Bannerman Castle Tour Guides will not meet you at your departure point.

Arrival time to get to Bannerman Island  is the time on your ticket confirmation. Please give yourself the time needed to arrive on time as we have a dockmaster waiting for you to arrive on the main dock on Bannerman Island. The Main Dock is located on the side of the island.

Example:  If you are departing from Cold Spring it takes about an hour and a half to get to the island.  You need to depart from Cold Spring at 9:30 a.m. to arrive at the island at 11 a.m. Time on Bannerman Island:  You   will have one and a half hours to explore Bannerman Island and take your self-guided tour.

We ask that you arrive on time. You cannot come at a later time. If you have a problem, please call us at 845-831-6346 to let us know. 

We cannot accommodate dogs  on the island for safety reasons.

COVID-19:  Vaccination Cards and masks are currently not required at this time but could change depending on the severity at the time. Bannerman Island follows New York State COVID-19 regulations.

Gift Shop and Concession Stand  is located at the Bannerman residence. There is a 20 to 30-minute lecture for anyone who wants to learn more about Bannerman Island.

RELATED TOURS & THEATRICAL EVENTS

• Most Popular
• Users All ages
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour (from Beacon)

One of the best things to do along the Hudson River is visit Pollepel Island and Bannerman Castle, a tiny jewel in the setting of the Hudson Highlands.

Self Guided Tour with Live Music Beacon

In town for the 3rd Sunday of the month? Hop on board the Estuary Steward and ride over to Bannerman Island where you can enjoy a self-guided tour and a live music concert or performance.

• Users Ages 12+
• Hour Glass 4-5 hours

Movie Nights on Bannerman Island

What better way to spend an evening than watching a projected movie under the stars on Bannerman Island? Book your island movie night from Beacon with us now!