Bannerman Castle on the Hudson: What to Know About New York’s Abandoned Island Fortress

Bannerman Castle sits on Pollepel Island in New York’s Hudson River, where a striking piece of history is slowly deteriorating. Built in the early 20th century, it served as a weapons fortress for Scottish arms trader Francis Bannerman. A gunpowder explosion damaged the castle in 1920, and it was abandoned about 30 years later.

Restoration efforts began in the early 1990s, led by the Bannerman Castle Trust, with the goal of making the structure and island safer for public visitation. The island has been accessible since 2004 and open for tours since 2020. Today, visitors can reserve tours through the Bannerman Castle website, according to the article.

Pollepel Island is only accessible by boat, which is central to the experience. The castle is about 60 miles north of New York City and is visible from Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson line. In the reported visit, the route included a train from Grand Central Terminal to Manitou, a cab to Donahue Memorial Park in Cornwall, New York, and then a boat ride to the island.

The castle may look sturdy from some angles, but visitors are not allowed inside because it is not safe. The article notes that the castle’s towers are supported by external beams braced with steel, yet there is still a risk that walls could fall. Visitors must stay at least 100 feet away, with observation decks positioned around the castle for views.