Here’s why Bannerman Castle is one of the best day trips from New York.

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by david randoseru

A completely isolated 6.5 acre private island in the middle of the Hudson River – enjoy spectacular water and mountain views from your own historic castle. Convenient to Midtown via Metro North. Bring your contractor.

That’s right, perhaps one of the best-located properties within commuting distance of New York City is not for sale. Don’t bring in contractors and upset local residents who don’t like the development. You can always visit and admire Bannerman Castle, a jewel in New York’s Hudson Highlands region.

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

Metro-North’s Hudson Line provides year-round access to the heart of the Big Apple, with boat shuttles departing from a pier near Beacon Station. This unusual structure has been around for more than a century and remains the center of most people’s lives. Many years have passed since then on Pollepel Island.

For such a small country, Pollepel boasts a diverse and colorful history, making a name for itself as a strategic outpost that held off British forces (at least temporarily) during the War of Independence. . In more modern times, it became a warehouse for a British Isles immigrant named Francis Bannerman, a Brooklyn-based munitions dealer.

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

And while those riding the trains that pass just a stone’s throw away on the east bank of the Hudson River may not know it, this island is much more than a crumbling ruin.

This little paradise has gardens, charming nature trails, and picturesque observation decks where you can take photos and videos. The island hosts year-round tours on foot, boat, and even kayak, as well as a variety of cultural events.

Essentially left to rot until the late 20th century, the island is now managed by the Bannerman Castle Trust, which has partnered with the state of New York to continue investing in the site. New funding has just been announced for additional improvements. before the summer season.

Access is easy. Take the Hudson Line train from Grand Central Terminal to Beacon. Depending on the time of day, the trip can take anywhere from a little over an hour to about 90 minutes.

Once you arrive at Beacon, the island’s trusted estuary management boat will take you the rest of the way. Her scenic 30-minute boat ride to Storm King Mountain. There, the river shrinks and truly earns its title as the only recognized fjord in the eastern United States. state.

What should I do once I get there? read:

Things to do at Bannerman Castle

• Bannerman Island Cruise & Walking Tour Take a classic island tour, available as a package with a boat ride departing from Beacon. After a 30-minute boat ride, take his 45-minute guided tour of the island, including the castle ruins and gardens.
• Kayak or canoe to Bannerman Island Outdoor types prefer this DIY approach. For more information on how-tos and where to start, see here. The launch site is about a 30-minute row from the island.
• 2024 Bannerman Island Theater From June to September, hop on a boat to the island and enjoy a night of theater under the stars. The 2024 schedule includes “Driving Miss Daisy” and “Always, Patsy Cline.”
• Movie Night at Bannerman Castle There will be a movie night and then a summer movie night will be held on the island. Expect a little bit of everything this year, from North by Northwest and Casablanca to Jurassic Park and Hocus Pocus.

For more information, visit bannermancastle.org.