New York is known for a lot of things, but one landmark not typically associated with the Empire State is castles. Many people who haven’t taken one of the Bannerman Castle tours don’t know that New York has a massive castle hiding in plain sight on Pollepel Island in Dutchess County.

Bannerman Castle was built in 1900 by Frank Bannerman, a military surplus dealer. After the Spanish-American War, Bannerman found himself with so much excess stock that he had to move out of his small Manhattan shop.
Bannerman Castle Trust/Facebook
Bannerman's company carried such a wide variety of weapons and ammunition that his mail-order catalog was over 300 pages! In 1900, Bannerman purchased the island and began constructing buildings to use as warehouses.
kenneily/Google Maps
He wanted to honor his Scottish heritage by building the warehouse in the form of a giant castle. This is why Bannerman Island is known as one of the best castles in New York, despite it not actually being a castle at all.
Garrett Ziegler/Flickr
The large castle on the property functioned as storage for Bannerman's arsenal, but he also built a smaller castle up on the hill. This was his home, and since it was visible from across the river, it also served as a massive billboard for his company.
Bannerman Castle/Google Maps
The side of his home said "Bannerman's Island Arsenal" in large letters that are still visible today when visiting Bannerman Castle.
In 1918, Bannerman passed away and construction on the massive castle stopped. It remained vacant and was damaged in a fire in 1920 when gunpowder exploded.
Cara MacDonald/Google Maps

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The state of New York purchased the island in 1967. Bannerman Castle tours were given for a few years, but unfortunately, much of the island was destroyed in a fire a few years later.
Jake Brenchley/Google Maps
The fire burned for three days until it finally burned itself out, but the entirety of the castle's interior was destroyed. What you see when visiting Bannerman Castle today is the result of this.
There are several tour options if you are interested in visiting Bannerman Castle.
Rachel Raimondi/Only in Your State
For my trip, we decided to take a boat ride to the castle from Beacon.
What's great about this is that not only are you able to walk the property outside the castle, but you can also walk the grounds.
Rachel Raimondi/Only in Your State
You'll see gorgeous gardens like this.
And also be able to get other points of view of the Hudson River and castle.
Rachel Raimondi/Only in Your State
I really loved this experience because you also get some history about the island and structures from knowledgeable guides. I'm fascinated by historical structures like this, so it was also great to be able to ask questions!
While the castle certainly no longer resembles its glory days of the early 1900s, its remnants are still an impressive feat of architectural design. Learn more about one of the most interesting castles in New York by booking a Bannerman Castle tour for yourself.
National Archives and Records Administration/Wikimedia Commons

Head to the Bannerman Castle Trust website to learn more and check out what activities are scheduled. I know I’m looking forward to movie nights!

Need some proper gear before you take your tour? Head to The North Face to see what they have to offer.

Have you ever taken a Bannerman Castle tour? What are your favorite castles in New York?

If you’re looking for somewhere to dine afterward, consider The Roundhouse.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Rachel Raimondi | September 15, 2023

Where can I take a boat tour in New York?

Looking for some more tours aside from Bannerman Castle tours? With bodies of water like the Hudson River and the Finger Lakes, there are many places where you can take a boat tour in New York:

  • Clearwater: Head to Beacon to take a cruise on the Hudson River aboard a replica 19th-century boat. The tour is geared toward teaching guests about the river’s environment and functions through the ecology and history of the river.
  • Lake George Steamboat Company: If you find yourself in the Adirondacks, be sure to book a ride on one of its three boats. While the Mohican and The Lac du Saint Sacrement are certainly grand choices, I recommend the fun-filled Minne-Ha-Ha, a paddle-wheeler.

 

Can I hike to ruins in New York State?

Being able to hike around while visiting Bannerman Castle is a real treat. And you’re in luck, as there are also a lot of other places to hike to ruins in New York:

  • Mount Beacon: Located in Dutchess, take the 4.4-mile roundtrip trail to reach the top of Mount Beacon. Formerly home to a casino, hotel, and incline railway, today you will find remains of the railway and its powerhouse as well as some old cottages. You can also extend your hike and climb the fire tower.
  • Overlook Mountain: A hike to Overlook Mountain in Woodstock will take you to yet another hotel ruin and fire tower in New York. But this 4.6-mile out-and-back hike differs in that the shell of the hotel is still intact and ready for exploration. There is also a fire tower here.

 

What are the oldest attractions in New York?

Want to see more historical spots in New York? Why not visit some of the oldest attractions in New York:

  • Niagara State Park: This 221-acre park in western New York is home to the hugely famous Niagara Falls. It can also brag that it is the oldest state park in New York. But wait, there’s more. Established in 1885 year, it’s also the oldest state park in the United States.
  • Hyde Hall Bridge: Located in Glimmerglass State Park in Cooperstown, this 53-foot-long bridge is one of more than two dozen covered bridges in the state. And built in 1825, this covered bridge is also the oldest in the state. Take in the rest of the park while you are it. I recommend the Sleeping Lion Trail.

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Bannerman Castle, Beacon, NY 12508, USA