Ribbon-Cutting and Tour at the Restored Grotto at Bannerman Castle

Celebrate the grand opening of the restored turn-of-the-century grotto at Bannerman Castle on Pollepel Island!

The grotto is an architectural marvel, skillfully built into an ancient cave-like rock formation directly under the Bannerman stone residence and terrace in the early 1900s. Once used by the Bannerman family as a quiet place for contemplation and prayer, the grotto offers a majestic Hudson River view looking south to the Hudson Highlands and West Point. The grotto’s re-constructed stone terrace, which was in disrepair, overgrown with indigenous wild vegetation, is unbelievably beautiful, and visitors will be transported to another time taking in the view and the island’s gardens — now in full bloom. 

At 6 p.m., attendees will board the tour boat from the Beacon dock, located directly across from the Beacon Metro-North Train Station, and enjoy a 20-minute Hudson River cruise to the island for the festivities. An island tour of the grotto and other areas will follow upon arrival, and light refreshments will be served. The tour boat will return to Beacon by 9 p.m.  

Click here to purchase tickets.

Attached photo by L.A. Clark courtesy of The Bannerman Castle Trust