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Rondout Lighthouse, N.Y. Photography Location
Rising quietly from the Hudson River at the entrance to Rondout Creek, the Rondout Lighthouse has been a familiar Kingston landmark since 1915. Its warm brick, dark lantern, and open-water setting make it an especially beautiful subject for photography, where history and landscape come together in constantly changing light.
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Accessible solely by water, the Rondout Lighthouse awaits visitors aboard Solaris, the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s solar-powered vessel. Tours run Thursday through Sunday, Memorial Day weekend through late October. Good news!! We are going back to do the tour that goes inside the museum. When it is this good, we often go back.
On the tour museum guides recount the lighthouse’s storied past and the keepers who once called it home. Visitors can explore the interior quarters, then ascend to the observation deck for sweeping views of the Hudson River.
We boarded just moments before departure; an unexpected stroke of luck, as a tour was about to leave. That left us with no time to get our zoom lens. Instead, we photographed with our wide-angle lens and recorded 360-degree video footage. Later, we flew our drone to gain a bird’s-eye perspective of the iconic lighthouse and its picturesque setting.
WHEN SHOULD I GO?
Solaris River cruises operate May through October.
Guided Tours at 1:00 pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Multiple different boat tours are offered
Museum Summer Hours
Monday 11-5
Wednesday through Sunday 11-6
Closed Tuesday
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL GEAR I NEED TO BRING?
Wide-angle and a zoom lens for wildlife. Good shoes and organic bug spray.
WHERE IS IT LOCATED?
For your GPS: 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY, US 12401
ANY OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY SPOTS NEAR HERE?
There are several other lighthouses in the area. We will link them when the articles are finished. Kingston has several good locations to tour through, and we will have articles on other areas shortly.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Children under 8 years old are not permitted.
ARE THERE ANY MOBILITY ISSUES?
The lighthouse is not accessible for individuals with disabilities, as there are numerous stairs and steps for accessing the boat. For those with some mobility issues, you should look at the website details. Getting off the boat and going into the lighthouse takes more effort than just the boat tour that rides around it.
This is where you can BOOK YOUR SOLARIS BOAT TOUR.
HOTEL WHERE WE STAYED – KINGSTON REGENCY INN
KINGSTON REGENCY INN
Our room was spacious, impeccably clean, and exuded comfort. After a day filled with exploration and adventure, we sank into the plush mattress and fell into a deep sleep, rejuvenated for the next day’s activities. We will be going back to Kingston again. There is so much to explore, and we will gladly return here every time we are in the area.
The hotel itself was expansive, featuring a pool, a lively game room, and a well-equipped gym for those looking to stay active. At its heart, a grand dining area beckoned guests, complete with an inviting restaurant and a stylish bar that offered a selection of drinks. The lobby radiated an air of elegance, making it feel like a high-end destination.
We had an incredible conversation with Kevin at the front desk, diving deep into the hotel’s features and stories. His generosity in sharing insights with us made for a fantastic interview. We will bring you all the details soon.
ABOUT RONDOUT LIGHTHOUSE
In the 19th century, Rondout Creek emerged as a vital commercial port, particularly following the opening of the D&H Canal in 1828. The surge in coal and various goods flowing through the creek necessitated improved navigation aids for ships entering its waters and maneuvering through the shallow depths. In response, a wooden lighthouse was erected in 1837. However, after sustaining damage from a fierce storm, it was replaced by a sturdy stone lighthouse in 1867, remnants of which still mark the site today.
As the creek evolved, modifications rendered the original lighthouse less effective. Construction of a new brick lighthouse took place between 1913 and 1915, leading to the abandonment of the 1867 structure.
The 1915 lighthouse was automated in the 1950s, coinciding with the demolition of its predecessor. Over time, the newer lighthouse fell into neglect until the Hudson River Maritime Museum initiated preservation efforts in the 1980s. They did repairs and then opened the tours, breathing new life into this historic landmark.
In the late 1990s, the city of Kingston acquired the property from the Coast Guard, and the museum continues to collaborate with the city to ensure its preservation and interpretation for future generations.
RONDOUT LIGHTHOUSE & MUSEUM INFORMATION:
The Museum
Guided Museum Tours
Friday, Saturday & Sunday at 1 pm
Sponsored by Woodland Pond at New Paltz
Adults $15 / Seniors $12 / Children
Price includes general museum admission
845-338-0071
info@hrmm.org
HOTEL & RESTAURANTS
The Kingston Regency Inn – 503 Washington Ave, Kingston NY 12401
Information – 845-338-0400
frontdesk@sarashospitality.com
FOR THE LOWEST RATES – BOOK DIRECT
– High-speed Wi-Fi.
– Easily accessible business center.
– Cribs and Pack ‘n Plays.
– Connecting rooms available.
– Balcony rooms overlooking the courtyard.
– Inviting pool area.
– Non-smoking facility with designated smoking areas.
– Fitness center.
– 24-hour dedicated staff.
– Complimentary parking.
– Pet-friendly policy.
CAMPGROUNDS
Send us an email if you would like us to put your campground here.
WEATHER
Check the weather and manifest white puffy clouds.
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