Pollepel Island

Great boat ride out to visit historic old buildings. Very cool place to spend the afternoon.

Beautiful hidden part of NY history

Marq J. Our guide, was fantastic, so much local knowledge of the Hudson valley and local places for food and hiking. It was a really great experience.

This was a wonderful experience especially for those interested in Hudson Valley history.

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!