October 5, 2025 – Beacon, NY

Difficulty: Easy

Parking: 2 Red Flynn Drive, Beacon, NY 12508

Admission to the island for the Cruise & Walking Tour is $45 per adult.

The Cruise & Walking Tour is offered on Saturdays and Sundays, with occasional Friday evening departures as well, during the May–October season.

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Overview: 

Pollepel Island, more commonly known as Bannerman Island, is a small, rocky isle located in the Hudson River near Beacon, New York.

Steeped in history and legend, the island has long captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Its most iconic feature is the dramatic ruins of Bannerman Castle, a castle-like arsenal built in the early 1900’s by Francis Bannerman VI to store surplus military goods. The striking structure, designed to resemble a Scottish castle, stands as a romantic and haunting reminder of the island’s industrial past.

In addition to the castle ruins, the island features a former family residence, formal gardens, and various support buildings—all set against the rugged natural beauty of the Hudson Highlands. Panoramic views from the island showcase the surrounding mountains, including Breakneck Ridge and Storm King Mountain, as well as sweeping vistas north toward the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge.

Today, Pollepel Island is part of the Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, with access managed by the Bannerman Castle Trust, which offers tours, events, and preservation programs that help keep the island’s unique history alive.

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Tours Of The Island:

Tours of Bannerman Island offer a rare and captivating opportunity to explore one of the Hudson River’s most intriguing historic landmarks. Accessible only by boat, the island is home to the striking ruins of Bannerman’s Castle—an early 20th-century arsenal built by military surplus dealer Francis Bannerman—as well as Crag Inch Lodge, the Bannerman family’s summer residence.

In addition, the Bannerman Castle Trust also offers specialty experiences, such as self-guided tours with live music, kayak trips, and theatrical performances during the summer season. All tours require moderate physical ability—visitors must climb 72 steps from the dock and navigate uneven trails. While the island’s rugged beauty and dramatic ruins make for a memorable visit, the tours are as much about storytelling as sightseeing, bringing to life the legacy of Francis Bannerman, the rise and fall of his “castle,” and the mystery that still clings to this tiny, storied island in the Hudson.

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Cruise & Walking Tour:

The most popular tour departs from the Beacon waterfront aboard the Estuary Steward. This 30-minute cruise offers stunning views of the Hudson River and the island’s iconic castle ruins. 

Along the way, visitors learn about the island’s military, architectural, and personal histories, as well as ongoing preservation efforts. 

Once ashore, guests embark on a guided walking tour through the castle grounds, gardens, and the partially restored residence. that lasts about 45 minutes, exploring the island’s key sites—including the dramatic remains of the Bannerman arsenal, the Bannerman family’s summer residence (Crag Inch Lodge), terraced gardens, and restored pathways. Along the way, knowledgeable guides share stories of Francis Bannerman’s eccentric life, the military surplus empire he built, and the castle’s mysterious decline. The tour combines history, architecture, and natural beauty into an unforgettable experience, perfect for day-trippers, history buffs, and curious explorers alike.

After the guided walking tour, visitors have about 45 minutes to explore the island on their own—arguably the best part of the experience. With around 43 people on the tour, it was a welcome relief to break away from the group and wander the rocky terrain alone, taking photographs without interruption.

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Parking:

Parking near Red Flynn Drive in Beacon, NY, is conveniently located for those attending the Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour. The primary docking point for the tour is at 2 Red Flynn Drive, directly across from the Metro-North Train Station. Visitors can park along Red Flynn Drive or utilize the nearby Metro-North Train Station parking lot, which offers free parking on weekends

For those arriving by car, it’s advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure ample time for parking and boarding. The dock is situated on the Hudson River, providing a scenic and convenient starting point for the tour.

The scenery around Beacon Dock is a beautiful blend of natural and urban charm. Nestled along the Hudson River, the dock offers stunning panoramic views of the river and the Hudson Highlands, with rolling hills and lush forests framing the water.

The Sloop Woody Guthrie is a traditionally rigged wooden sailboat operated by the Beacon Sloop Club, offering free public sails on the Hudson River to promote environmental awareness and river stewardship. Named after the legendary folk singer and activist, the boat is often seen docked near Beacon’s waterfront.

Cormorants are large, dark waterbirds commonly seen along the Hudson River, often perched with their wings outstretched to dry.

The combination of serene waterfront views and the vibrant town atmosphere makes the area around the dock both relaxing and picturesque, an ideal starting point for a cruise to Bannerman Island.

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The Boat Ride:

The departure for the Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour begins at the Beacon dock, located just steps from the Beacon Metro-North train station, making it easily accessible by car or public transit.

Visitors board the Estuary Steward, a comfortable passenger boat operated by the Bannerman Castle Trust, for a 30-minute scenic cruise along the Hudson River.

As the boat heads south toward Pollepel Island, passengers are treated to panoramic views of the Hudson Highlands, with forested cliffs, winding shorelines, and glimpses of historic landmarks along the way.

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

During the ride, guides often provide background on the region’s natural and cultural history, offering insight into the strategic significance of the river and the mysterious allure of Bannerman Island.

As the boat nears the island, the castle’s crumbling turrets and stone walls come into view, rising dramatically above the trees—an unforgettable sight that sets the tone for the tour ahead. The ride is smooth and relaxing, making it a fitting prelude to the more adventurous walking portion of the visit.

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Amenities on Bannerman Island:

Overall, the island is geared toward short, daytime visits, emphasizing history, nature, and preservation over comfort or commercialism. Visitors are encouraged to bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes. There is no potable water on the island, so plan accordingly.

Bannerman Island is equipped with composting toilets, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional restrooms that reflects the island’s commitment to sustainability and minimal environmental impact. These dry toilets operate without water or plumbing, using natural decomposition and ventilation systems to safely break down waste over time. Housed in a small wooden outbuilding, they are clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed to blend into the natural surroundings. Note that there is no running water on the island.

The deck near the dock on Bannerman Island serves as the primary arrival and gathering spot for visitors stepping off the boat. This modest but functional wooden platform provides a place to orient guests before tours begin. The decks are constructed with wooden planks and bordered with simple railings, designed to blend into the landscape without detracting from the historic surroundings. Benches and resting spots are placed at intervals, especially near scenic viewpoints like the patio decks.

On Bannerman Island, several of the main walkways are paved paths with wooden railings, thoughtfully designed to provide safe and accessible routes through uneven or elevated terrain. Other paths are more rustic, winding through wooded areas and open spaces, with occasional roots, rocks, and uneven surfaces—so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Marked trails lead visitors through the island’s key sites, including the castle ruins, gardens, scenic overlooks, and Crag Inch Lodge. Some areas may be roped off or fenced due to structural instability or restoration work.

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Bannerman Island:

Upon arrival at Bannerman Island, the boat docks at a small landing on the island’s northern shore, where visitors disembark to begin the land portion of the tour.

From the dock, guests climb a wooden staircase of 72 steps to reach the main trailhead leading into the heart of the island, where they are greeted by two brick and stucco columns—remnants of the original formal entrance to the estate. Built in the early 1900’s, these weathered pillars once supported an iron gate and served as a symbolic welcome to the Bannerman family’s summer retreat. Their design echoes the island’s unique architectural style, offering a first glimpse into the blend of function and fantasy that defines Bannerman’s legacy.

As you reach the top, the first clear view of the castle ruins appears—weathered, towering, and partly hidden among the trees.

A guide then leads the group along gravel and dirt paths, weaving through historic structures, terraced gardens, and scenic overlooks. Along the way, visitors hear stories of the Bannerman family’s life on the island, the construction and tragic decline of the arsenal, and the ongoing efforts to preserve this unusual piece of Hudson River history. The experience is immersive and atmospheric, with each turn revealing new perspectives of both nature and architecture.

Crag Inch Lodge is perched near the southern end of Bannerman Island, offering sweeping views of the surrounding Highlands. Built in the early 20th century by Francis Bannerman VI, the lodge served as a modest yet charming residence, in contrast to the imposing, armory-style castle constructed to store surplus military goods. Inspired by Scottish baronial architecture, Crag Inch Lodge reflects the Bannerman family’s heritage. Its name—“Crag Inch”—is a nod to Bannerman’s Scottish roots, with “crag” meaning rocky cliff and “inch” meaning island.

Today, Crag Inch Lodge stands as one of the last remaining habitable structures on Bannerman Island, its weathered stucco walls bearing witness to more than a century of history. From its patio, visitors can look south through the Wey-Gat—the narrow, dramatic passage between Breakneck Ridge and Storm King Mountain—once considered a natural gateway to New York’s interior. More than just a relic of the Bannerman era, the lodge offers a rare and striking vantage point to experience the Hudson River’s natural beauty and historical significance.

From the patio of Crag Inch Lodge, the view to the south reveals a wide, glimmering expanse of the Hudson River, framed by forested hills that fade into the distance. This stretch of river, nestled between Breakneck Ridge and Storm King Mountain, is known as Wey-Gat—Dutch for “Wind Gate.” The name refers to the northern narrows of the Hudson Highlands, where the two mountains form a dramatic gateway through which the river flows.

The main living area included a fireplace for warmth on cooler evenings, with windows strategically placed to frame views of the Hudson River and surrounding Highlands. Furnishings were modest and practical, consistent with the Bannerman family’s utilitarian needs while staying on the island. Over time, the lodge weathered exposure to the elements, and while much of the original interior detail has worn away, some historic features remain, such as fragments of the original plasterwork, wood framing, and traces of the original hearth.

The interior of Crag Inch Lodge reflects the rustic charm and modest elegance of an early 20th-century island retreat. Originally designed as a summer residence for the Bannerman family, the lodge featured simple yet sturdy construction, in keeping with the rugged setting of Bannerman Island. The layout was compact but functional, with cozy rooms finished in wood and stone, designed more for comfort than opulence.

Today, Crag Inch Lodge is not fully restored but serves as a preserved structure that offers a glimpse into the domestic side of life on Bannerman Island—far removed from the grandeur of the castle armory. Efforts by the Bannerman Castle Trust have helped stabilize and protect the building, making it a meaningful stop on guided tours of the island.

Inside, you’ll find interpretive displays, photographs, and historical information that offer insight into the Bannerman family’s life on the island. It functions as an informal museum—more of a historic site with curated exhibits than a full-scale museum.

Once the guided portion of the tour ends, you’re given about 45 minutes to explore the island on your own. I found this part of the visit the most enjoyable. I spent the time walking the marked trails, some of which were roped off in places due to structural instability or restoration work. Still, I was able to reach some of the more remote and quiet corners of the island.

Looking north from Bannerman Island, the Hudson River winds gracefully between forested shores and historic rail lines, framed on both sides by the majestic Hudson Highlands.

As you make your way to the highest point on the island, you’ll come across a triangulation station marker set in the middle of the trail. A triangulation station marker (or “trig point”) is a permanently placed survey mark used to establish a precise horizontal position for map-making and land surveys, typically marked by a disk with a small triangle. These markers form networks for accurate geodetic control and are often accompanied by reference marks—disks with arrows pointing to the main station—to help re-establish the station’s position if it’s disturbed or lost. 

The U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names currently list Pollepel Island as the preferred name, with “Polypus Island” as a historical or variant name.

Looking 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 most breathtaking vistas in the Hudson Highlands.

Some of the rougher paths are equipped with steel railings to help visitors navigate the rocky terrain more safely.

The dirt trails on Bannerman Island are narrow, rustic paths that wind through the island’s rugged terrain, connecting key points of interest like the castle ruins, gardens, and scenic overlooks. These trails follow the island’s natural topography, often passing through rocky outcrops, shaded groves, and areas with sweeping views of the Hudson River and surrounding Highlands.

The breakwater ruins at Bannerman Island are the remnants of a protective barrier built to shield the island’s harbor from strong currents and ice flows on the Hudson River. Originally constructed in the early 1900’s as part of the island’s use as a military surplus storage facility, the breakwater was made of stone and concrete, designed to create a calm docking area for transporting goods to and from the island.

Today, what’s left of the breakwater can still be seen jutting out from the shoreline — a skeletal, partially submerged structure that hints at the island’s industrial past. Though weathered by time and river conditions, the ruins remain a striking feature of the island’s waterfront, adding to its sense of mystery and historic decay.

Looking up at Crag Inch Lodge from the south side of Bannerman Island, just below the grotto, you’re greeted by a striking view of the lodge’s façade rising above the rocky shoreline. From this vantage point, the lodge appears perched like a sentinel overlooking the Hudson River. The surrounding natural landscape—jagged rocks, dense trees, and the gentle curve of the island’s contours—frames the building, highlighting its secluded and almost castle-like presence amid the rugged terrain.

The grotto on the south side of Bannerman Island is a charming and somewhat hidden natural feature that adds to the island’s mysterious and romantic atmosphere. Nestled along the rocky shoreline, the grotto is a small, sheltered cave-like recess formed by the rugged cliffs and rock formations that line the southern edge of the island.

Touring Bannerman Island is a memorable experience—part history lesson, part scenic adventure. As you explore the castle ruins, quiet trails, and riverfront views, the island unfolds like a forgotten chapter of the Hudson Valley, full of mystery, beauty, and unexpected charm.

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I came for the crumbling castle, and stayed for the surprisingly enthusiastic history lesson.

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Sources:

• Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour (from Beacon)
• National Geodetic Survey Data Sheet
• National Geodetic Survey Map
• POLLEPEL – AN ISLAND STEEPED IN HISTORY

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