Bannerman Island – Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve

October 5, 2025 – Beacon, NY

Issue: Simple

Parking: 2 Pink Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY 12508

Admission to the island for the Cruise & Strolling Tour is $45 per grownup.

The Cruise & Strolling Tour is obtainable on Saturdays and Sundays, with occasional Friday night departures as nicely, in the course of the Could–October season.

Overview:

Pollepel Island, extra generally often known as Bannerman Island, is a small, rocky isle situated within the Hudson River close to Beacon, New York.

Bannerman Island as considered from Storm King Mountain

Steeped in historical past and legend, the island has lengthy captured the creativeness of locals and guests alike. Its most iconic function is the dramatic ruins of Bannerman Fort, a castle-like arsenal constructed within the early 1900’s by Francis Bannerman VI to retailer surplus army items. The putting construction, designed to resemble a Scottish citadel, stands as a romantic and haunting reminder of the island’s industrial previous.

Bannerman Island 1926

Along with the citadel ruins, the island incorporates a former household residence, formal gardens, and numerous assist buildings—all set towards the rugged pure great thing about the Hudson Highlands. Panoramic views from the island showcase the encompassing mountains, together with Breakneck Ridge and Storm King Mountain, in addition to sweeping vistas north towards the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.

Bannerman Island

Wanting north – Bannerman Island

Right now, Pollepel Island is a part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Protect, with entry managed by the Bannerman Fort Belief, which gives excursions, occasions, and preservation applications that assist hold the island’s distinctive historical past alive.

Excursions Of The Island:

Excursions of Bannerman Island provide a uncommon and charming alternative to discover one of many Hudson River’s most intriguing historic landmarks. Accessible solely by boat, the island is residence to the putting ruins of Bannerman’s Fort—an early Twentieth-century arsenal constructed by army surplus supplier Francis Bannerman—in addition to Crag Inch Lodge, the Bannerman household’s summer season residence.

Bannerman Island Excursions

As well as, the Bannerman Fort Belief additionally gives specialty experiences, equivalent to self-guided excursions with dwell music, kayak journeys, and theatrical performances in the course of the summer season season. All excursions require average bodily means—guests should climb 72 steps from the dock and navigate uneven trails. Whereas the island’s rugged magnificence and dramatic ruins make for a memorable go to, the excursions are as a lot about storytelling as sightseeing, bringing to life the legacy of Francis Bannerman, the rise and fall of his “citadel,” and the thriller that also clings to this tiny, storied island within the Hudson.

Cruise & Strolling Tour:

The preferred tour departs from the Beacon waterfront aboard the Estuary Steward. This 30-minute cruise gives beautiful views of the Hudson River and the island’s iconic citadel ruins.

East Hudson Highlands

Bannerman Island Arsenal

Alongside the best way, guests study in regards to the island’s army, architectural, and private histories, in addition to ongoing preservation efforts.

As soon as ashore, visitors embark on a guided strolling tour by way of the citadel grounds, gardens, and the partially restored residence. that lasts about 45 minutes, exploring the island’s key websites—together with the dramatic stays of the Bannerman arsenal, the Bannerman household’s summer season residence (Crag Inch Lodge), terraced gardens, and restored pathways. Alongside the best way, educated guides share tales of Francis Bannerman’s eccentric life, the army surplus empire he constructed, and the citadel’s mysterious decline. The tour combines historical past, structure, and pure magnificence into an unforgettable expertise, good for day-trippers, historical past buffs, and curious explorers alike.

After the guided strolling tour, guests have about 45 minutes to discover the island on their very own—arguably the most effective a part of the expertise. With round 43 individuals on the tour, it was a welcome reduction to interrupt away from the group and wander the rocky terrain alone, taking images with out interruption.

Parking:

Parking close to Pink Flynn Drive in Beacon, NY, is conveniently situated for these attending the Bannerman Island Cruise & Strolling Tour. The first docking level for the tour is at 2 Pink Flynn Drive, immediately throughout from the Metro-North Prepare Station. Guests can park alongside Pink Flynn Drive or make the most of the close by Metro-North Prepare Station car parking zone, which gives free parking on weekends

Pink Flynn Drive – Beacon, NY

Pink Flynn Drive – Beacon, NY

For these arriving by automotive, it’s advisable to reach at the least half-hour previous to the scheduled departure time to make sure ample time for parking and boarding. The dock is located on the Hudson River, offering a scenic and handy place to begin for the tour.

Beacon Dock

Historic Marker – Beacon Dock

The surroundings round Beacon Dock is a stupendous mix of pure and concrete allure. Nestled alongside the Hudson River, the dock gives beautiful panoramic views of the river and the Hudson Highlands, with rolling hills and luxurious forests framing the water.

Beacon Harbor

The Sloop Woody Guthrie is a historically rigged picket sailboat operated by the Beacon Sloop Membership, providing free public sails on the Hudson River to advertise environmental consciousness and river stewardship. Named after the legendary people singer and activist, the boat is commonly seen docked close to Beacon’s waterfront.

The Sloop Woody Guthrie – Beacon Harbor

Cormorants are giant, darkish waterbirds generally seen alongside the Hudson River, typically perched with their wings outstretched to dry.

Cormorant – Beacon Harbor

The mixture of serene waterfront views and the colourful city environment makes the realm across the dock each stress-free and picturesque, a super place to begin for a cruise to Bannerman Island.

The Boat Experience:

The departure for the Bannerman Island Cruise & Strolling Tour begins on the Beacon dock, situated simply steps from the Beacon Metro-North practice station, making it simply accessible by automotive or public transit.

Guests board the Estuary Steward, a cushty passenger boat operated by the Bannerman Fort Belief, for a 30-minute scenic cruise alongside the Hudson River.

Estuary Steward

Because the boat heads south towards Pollepel Island, passengers are handled to panoramic views of the Hudson Highlands, with forested cliffs, winding shorelines, and glimpses of historic landmarks alongside the best way.

East Hudson Highlands

From the Hudson River, the view of North and South Beacon Mountains is breathtaking. The dual peaks rising steeply from the river’s edge, their forested slopes shifting in colour with the seasons and topped by the historic Mount Beacon hearth tower, which stands like a sentinel over the valley beneath.

North & South Beacon Mountains

Through the experience, guides typically present background on the area’s pure and cultural historical past, providing perception into the strategic significance of the river and the mysterious attract of Bannerman Island.

Bannerman Island

Because the boat nears the island, the citadel’s crumbling turrets and stone partitions come into sight, rising dramatically above the bushes—an unforgettable sight that units the tone for the tour forward. The experience is easy and stress-free, making it a becoming prelude to the extra adventurous strolling portion of the go to.

Bannerman Island Arsenal

Facilities on Bannerman Island:

General, the island is geared towards brief, daytime visits, emphasizing historical past, nature, and preservation over consolation or commercialism. Guests are inspired to deliver necessities like water, sunscreen, and durable strolling footwear. There isn’t a potable water on the island, so plan accordingly.

Bannerman Island is provided with composting bathrooms, an eco-friendly different to conventional restrooms that displays the island’s dedication to sustainability and minimal environmental affect. These dry bathrooms function with out water or plumbing, utilizing pure decomposition and air flow techniques to soundly break down waste over time. Housed in a small picket outbuilding, they’re clear, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed to mix into the pure environment. Observe that there is no such thing as a working water on the island.

Restrooms – Bannerman Island

The deck close to the dock on Bannerman Island serves as the first arrival and gathering spot for guests stepping off the boat. This modest however useful picket platform offers a spot to orient visitors earlier than excursions start. The decks are constructed with picket planks and bordered with easy railings, designed to mix into the panorama with out detracting from the historic environment. Benches and resting spots are positioned at intervals, particularly close to scenic viewpoints just like the patio decks.

picket deck – Bannerman Island

On Bannerman Island, a number of of the principle walkways are paved paths with picket railings, thoughtfully designed to supply protected and accessible routes by way of uneven or elevated terrain. Different paths are extra rustic, winding by way of wooded areas and open areas, with occasional roots, rocks, and uneven surfaces—so sturdy footwear is really helpful.

Walkway – Bannerman Island

Marked trails lead guests by way of the island’s key websites, together with the citadel ruins, gardens, scenic overlooks, and Crag Inch Lodge. Some areas could also be roped off or fenced as a consequence of structural instability or restoration work.

Path Marker – Bannerman Island

Bannerman Island:

Upon arrival at Bannerman Island, the boat docks at a small touchdown on the island’s northern shore, the place guests disembark to start the land portion of the tour.

Bannerman Island

From the dock, visitors climb a picket staircase of 72 steps to succeed in the principle trailhead main into the guts of the island, the place they’re greeted by two brick and stucco columns—remnants of the unique formal entrance to the property. Constructed within the early 1900’s, these weathered pillars as soon as supported an iron gate and served as a symbolic welcome to the Bannerman household’s summer season retreat. Their design echoes the island’s distinctive architectural fashion, providing a primary glimpse into the mix of operate and fantasy that defines Bannerman’s legacy.

Bannerman Island

As you attain the highest, the primary clear view of the citadel ruins seems—weathered, towering, and partly hidden among the many bushes.

Bannerman Island Arsenal

A information then leads the group alongside gravel and dust paths, weaving by way of historic buildings, terraced gardens, and scenic overlooks. Alongside the best way, guests hear tales of the Bannerman household’s life on the island, the development and tragic decline of the arsenal, and the continuing efforts to protect this uncommon piece of Hudson River historical past. The expertise is immersive and atmospheric, with every flip revealing new views of each nature and structure.

Bannerman Island

Bannerman Island Arsenal

Bannerman Island

Crag Inch Lodge is perched close to the southern finish of Bannerman Island, providing sweeping views of the encompassing Highlands. Constructed within the early Twentieth century by Francis Bannerman VI, the lodge served as a modest but charming residence, in distinction to the imposing, armory-style citadel constructed to retailer surplus army items. Impressed by Scottish baronial structure, Crag Inch Lodge displays the Bannerman household’s heritage. Its title—“Crag Inch”—is a nod to Bannerman’s Scottish roots, with “crag” which means rocky cliff and “inch” which means island.

Crag Inch Lodge

Right now, Crag Inch Lodge stands as one of many final remaining liveable buildings on Bannerman Island, its weathered stucco partitions bearing witness to greater than a century of historical past. From its patio, guests can look south by way of the Wey-Gat—the slender, dramatic passage between Breakneck Ridge and Storm King Mountain—as soon as thought-about a pure gateway to New York’s inside. Greater than only a relic of the Bannerman period, the lodge gives a uncommon and putting vantage level to expertise the Hudson River’s pure magnificence and historic significance.

Crag Inch Lodge

From the patio of Crag Inch Lodge, the view to the south reveals a large, glimmering expanse of the Hudson River, framed by forested hills that fade into the space. This stretch of river, nestled between Breakneck Ridge and Storm King Mountain, is called Wey-Gat—Dutch for “Wind Gate.” The title refers back to the northern narrows of the Hudson Highlands, the place the 2 mountains kind a dramatic gateway by way of which the river flows.

View south from Crag Inch Lodge

The principle dwelling space included a hearth for heat on cooler evenings, with home windows strategically positioned to border views of the Hudson River and surrounding Highlands. Furnishings have been modest and sensible, according to the Bannerman household’s utilitarian wants whereas staying on the island. Over time, the lodge weathered publicity to the weather, and whereas a lot of the unique inside element has worn away, some historic options stay, equivalent to fragments of the unique plasterwork, wooden framing, and traces of the unique fireside.

Crag Inch Lodge

The inside of Crag Inch Lodge displays the country allure and modest magnificence of an early Twentieth-century island retreat. Initially designed as a summer season residence for the Bannerman household, the lodge featured easy but sturdy development, in step with the rugged setting of Bannerman Island. The structure was compact however useful, with cozy rooms completed in wooden and stone, designed extra for consolation than opulence.

Crag Inch Lodge

Right now, Crag Inch Lodge is just not totally restored however serves as a preserved construction that gives a glimpse into the home aspect of life on Bannerman Island—far faraway from the grandeur of the citadel armory. Efforts by the Bannerman Fort Belief have helped stabilize and defend the constructing, making it a significant cease on guided excursions of the island.

Crag Inch Lodge

Inside, you’ll discover interpretive shows, images, and historic info that supply perception into the Bannerman household’s life on the island. It features as a casual museum—extra of a historic web site with curated reveals than a full-scale museum.

Crag Inch Lodge

As soon as the guided portion of the tour ends, you’re given about 45 minutes to discover the island by yourself. I discovered this a part of the go to essentially the most pleasant. I spent the time strolling the marked trails, a few of which have been roped off in locations as a consequence of structural instability or restoration work. Nonetheless, I used to be in a position to attain a few of the extra distant and quiet corners of the island.

Bannerman Island

Wanting north from Bannerman Island, the Hudson River winds gracefully between forested shores and historic rail strains, framed on either side by the majestic Hudson Highlands.

Wanting north – Bannerman Island

As you make your option to the very best level on the island, you’ll come throughout a triangulation station marker set in the course of the path. A triangulation station marker (or “trig level”) is a completely positioned survey mark used to determine a exact horizontal place for map-making and land surveys, sometimes marked by a disk with a small triangle. These markers kind networks for correct geodetic management and are sometimes accompanied by reference marks—disks with arrows pointing to the principle station—to assist re-establish the station’s place if it’s disturbed or misplaced.

Bannerman Island

The U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names at present record Pollepel Island as the popular title, with “Polypus Island” as a historic or variant title.

triangulation station marker – Bannerman Island

Wanting south from Bannerman Island, the Hudson River winds between the dramatic cliffs of Breakneck Ridge and the forested slopes of Storm King Mountain, creating one of the breathtaking vistas within the Hudson Highlands.

View south – Bannerman Island

A number of the rougher paths are outfitted with metal railings to assist guests navigate the rocky terrain extra safely.

Path – Bannerman Island

The dust trails on Bannerman Island are slender, rustic paths that wind by way of the island’s rugged terrain, connecting key factors of curiosity just like the citadel ruins, gardens, and scenic overlooks. These trails observe the island’s pure topography, typically passing by way of rocky outcrops, shaded groves, and areas with sweeping views of the Hudson River and surrounding Highlands.

Path – Bannerman Island

The breakwater ruins at Bannerman Island are the remnants of a protecting barrier constructed to defend the island’s harbor from sturdy currents and ice flows on the Hudson River. Initially constructed within the early 1900’s as a part of the island’s use as a army surplus storage facility, the breakwater was fabricated from stone and concrete, designed to create a peaceful docking space for transporting items to and from the island.

Right now, what’s left of the breakwater can nonetheless be seen jutting out from the shoreline — a skeletal, partially submerged construction that hints on the island’s industrial previous. Although weathered by time and river situations, the ruins stay a putting function of the island’s waterfront, including to its sense of thriller and historic decay.

Breakwater – Bannerman Island

Wanting up at Crag Inch Lodge from the south aspect of Bannerman Island, just under the grotto, you’re greeted by a putting view of the lodge’s façade rising above the rocky shoreline. From this vantage level, the lodge seems perched like a sentinel overlooking the Hudson River. The encompassing pure panorama—jagged rocks, dense bushes, and the light curve of the island’s contours—frames the constructing, highlighting its secluded and virtually castle-like presence amid the rugged terrain.

South aspect of Bannerman Island

The grotto on the south aspect of Bannerman Island is a captivating and considerably hidden pure function that provides to the island’s mysterious and romantic environment. Nestled alongside the rocky shoreline, the grotto is a small, sheltered cave-like recess shaped by the rugged cliffs and rock formations that line the southern fringe of the island.

Grotto – Bannerman Island

Touring Bannerman Island is a memorable expertise—half historical past lesson, half scenic journey. As you discover the citadel ruins, quiet trails, and riverfront views, the island unfolds like a forgotten chapter of the Hudson Valley, stuffed with thriller, magnificence, and sudden allure.