Bannerman Island, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley. This place is so enchanting that it might make you believe you've stepped into a fairy tale. But don't worry, there are no dragons here, just a castle with a fascinating history and a breathtaking view.
Every day, thousands of passengers whizz past a majestic castle in the middle of the Hudson River on the MetroNorth's Hudson Line. It's like a scene straight out of a fantasy novel, and you can almost see the question marks popping up over the heads of first-time viewers. "What in the world is that castle doing there? Can I visit it?" The answers: that's Bannerman Castle, and yes, you absolutely can!
The castle's namesake, Francis Bannerman VI, was a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune buying surplus military equipment after the American Civil War. The business was so successful that it became a hazard storing all the explosives in Manhattan. So, in 1900, Bannerman bought Pollepel Island and built a castle to store his goods. Talk about an upgrade from a warehouse!
Over the years, the castle has seen its share of drama, including an explosion, a fire, and a period of abandonment. Today, the Bannerman Castle Trust is working hard to preserve this unique piece of history.
One of the latest additions to the island is artist Melissa McGill's art project "Constellation." As the sun sets, starry lights emerge from the darkness, hovering over and around the castle ruins. It's like the castle is wearing its own personal galaxy. You can witness this spectacle by taking a sunset tour of the island.
There are several ways to visit the island. The Bannerman Castle Trust offers boat tours that include a 2-hour walking tour of the island. For the more adventurous, Storm King Adventure Tours offers guided kayak tours both during the day and at night. Whichever way you choose to visit, you're in for a treat. The Hudson River, the mountains, and the castle combine to create a breathtaking panorama.
Getting to Bannerman Castle is part of the adventure. It's just an hour and a half from New York City, making it a perfect day trip. You can take the MetroNorth to Beacon, where the dock is just steps away from the train platform. If you're up for a kayak tour, you'll need to head to Storm King Adventure Centers in nearby Cornwall-on-Hudson.
Remember, tickets for tours and special events at Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island go fast and must be purchased in advance. So, don't miss out on this magical journey to a castle in the middle of the Hudson River. It's like a fairy tale, but without the scary witches or the talking animals. Unless you count the birds, of course. They're always chatting about something.
Now, let's sprinkle in some additional tips and interesting facts about Bannerman Island from our recent search:
The Bannerman Castle Trust offers various tours and special events on the island. You can book a guided tour or event online. (Source: Bannerman Castle Trust)
The island is officially known as Pollepel Island and spans six acres. (Source: Pollepel Island - Wikipedia)
The castle was abandoned after a fire in 1969 until 1992 when preservation efforts began. (Source: 6sqft)
Bannerman was fond of castles and started building one on Pollepel Island in 1901. (Source: Hudson Valley Magazine)
The only way to reach the island is by boat or kayak. (Source: Dutchess Tourism)
So, pack your sense of adventure and get ready to explore Bannerman Island. And remember, if you see a dragon, it's probably just a very large bird. Probably.
