Upstate New York | The Crumbling Castle on the Hudson River 🏰

Hidden away from the modern world, Bannerman Castle is a hauntingly beautiful ruin that feels like something out of a fairy tale—or a ghost story. Perched on Pollepel Island in the middle of the Hudson River, about 50 miles from New York City near the town of Newburgh, this castle is now just a shadow of its former self. Only three walls remain, propped up by steel beams, as if frozen in time, waiting for the day it might finally collapse into the river. Even in its decay, the castle is stunning. Crumbling bricks, deep cracks running through the walls, and an eerie silence make it feel like a place forgotten by history. Yet, there’s something undeniably magical about it—like stepping into a forgotten legend. If you want to visit, book a tour in advance through the official website! The experience includes a round-trip boat ride and a guided exploration of the island, lasting about 2.5 hours in total. The boat departs from across the Beacon Train Station. New Yorkers can either drive (there’s plenty of free weekend parking near the station) or take the Metro-North train directly to Beacon. Once you arrive on the island, a guide will share the wild and fascinating history of this place. For example: • The island’s former owner, Mary, bought it because she was fed up with people using it for drinking and illegal activities. When she sold it, her one condition was that alcohol should never be allowed on the island again. • The next owner, Francis Bannerman, was a famous arms dealer who turned the island into a weapons storage facility (oops!). The castle, inspired by Scottish fortresses, was meant to showcase his patriotism and business—until a mysterious explosion in 1920 left it in ruins. The surrounding gardens have been partially restored by dedicated volunteers, and they’re absolutely lovely! 🌸 Follow the island’s trail to a hilltop viewpoint where you can see the entire Hudson Valley. At the summit, there’s a peace pillar inscribed with “World Peace” in multiple languages—a solemn contrast against the decaying castle. The 360-degree views of the Hudson River are breathtaking, especially in fall, when the trees explode into fiery reds and golds. Pro tip: Wear sturdy shoes—the terrain is rough! And since autumn brings chilly winds, bundle up (we learned this the hard way—we froze our butts off! 🥶). After the boat ride back, explore nearby Newburgh! The town has Thomas Edison’s statue and lab, and we highly recommend grabbing a bite at Noches de Columbia, a Colombian restaurant. Their crispy fried pork belly is insanely good—it’ll transport you straight to foodie heaven! 🍖 Also, don’t miss their Pan de Queso (cheesy bread)—so gooey, so delicious, 10/10 recommend. #HistoricSites #FallFoliage #NYTravel #NewYork #TravelDiaries #UpstateNY #WeekendGetaway #NYWeekends #HudsonValley #AbandonedPlaces #Castles #ExploreNY