Pollepel Island

The building is falling apart despite conservation. They no longer allow people to get close to take pictures due to possible falling debris and possible collapse around the main building, but you can still go into the summer home, where the exhibit is. The $40 ticket is pricey but part of it goes into the impossible conservation here. Any instagrammable exhibit in NYC would've cost the same or more without the same historical importance and significance.

The island is small and the tour only leads you thru a small section of the island that is safe and tended to by the garden club, which is still unnecessarily far away from the main castle. If you want a really close shot and explore all the other buildings lingering around the island, kayak may be a better option, but you might miss out from the detailed historical tour. Not sure if kayaker can get ashore, as they reserve the pier for their tour ferry.

Other spots of the island, away from the main popular spots, are not rigorously maintained aside from having an obvious trail to walk on; dont expect pretty garden all over the island. That said, they do diversify to other theatrical activity on the island, such as Dracula show during Halloween season. Definitely a gem on the Hudson, not to be missed.

Oh, not wheel chair friendly, and dont eat there. Just eat and go to bathroom before the tour. Have a good time!

Good times. The boat trip is scenic. The captain is cool (though we will let him slide on his taste in music). First Mate was cool and knowledgeable. The island has beautiful views and quite a history. Highly recommended.

One of the most interesting ruins on this part of the Hudson. While it never was a historic site, it was a great looking castle built by an industrious man with a vision. It is too bad it was allowed to deteriorate, as it would have made a terrific tourist site had it been able to be developed. I always admire it while cruising by and wish we could visit when it was a stable building.

The island is small but full of history! The tour guides tell a great story about the island's history.
Tip: Don't bring any food or drink here since you're not allowed to walk and eat/drink while on the island.

My wife, my daughter and I took the boat ride and tour out of the Beacon waterfront. The island is beautiful and the history fascinating,and great photo ops. Staff at the dock, on the boat and on the island were all great - very friendly and knowledgeable. Ken (our island guide) shared personal photos and stories they had about the site.