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Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

Step aboard a historic lighthouse in the middle of the Hudson River and discover more than 150 years of maritime history between Hudson and Athens.

About this Attraction
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    A Hudson River Landmark

    The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse offers visitors a unique chance to explore one of the Hudson River’s historic lighthouses by boat. Located between the City of Hudson and the Village of Athens, the lighthouse continues to serve as a navigational aid while also offering guided tours that highlight its history, architecture and former keepers.

    A small brick lighthouse stands on a stone base in the middle of a calm body of water, with trees and a cloudy sky in the background—a tranquil scene reminiscent of the peaceful ambiance found at Journey Inn Bed & Breakfast.

    History

    The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse was built in 1874 to guide boats around Middle Ground Flats, a submerged sandy ridge that made navigation along the Hudson River dangerous. Construction began in 1873 after Congress appropriated $35,000 for the project.

    The lighthouse was staffed by civilian keepers for decades, with the final keeper, Emil J. Brunner, living there with his family. The light was automated in 1950. In 1982, the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society was formed to protect the structure, eventually becoming its owner in 2000. Today, the lighthouse remains an active navigational aid and historic museum.

    A glass display case with photos, documents, and objects inside a room with wooden floors and light-yellow walls. A framed Hudson-Athens Lighthouse photo hangs above the case, and a window with sheer curtains is on the left.

    Tours & Events

    The lighthouse is open to visitors through guided boat tours on select dates throughout the year. Because it sits in the middle of the Hudson River, it is only accessible by boat and reservations are recommended.

    Public tours are offered on select Saturdays through October. For the remainder of the 2026 season, tours are scheduled for September 12, September 26, October 10 and October 24. Departure locations vary between Hudson and Athens depending on the date.

    Tours last approximately one hour and include a boat ride to the lighthouse, where visitors can explore the historic structure and learn about its keepers and role in Hudson River navigation.

     

    A lighthouse with a glowing green light stands on calm water at dusk, surrounded by hills and mountains under a deep blue sky—a tranquil scene reminiscent of the historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse.

    Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

    Hudson River, between Hudson and Athens, NY
    Directions

    Take Amtrak to the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

    Take Amtrak to Hudson Station (HUD), located in Hudson, NY. The station is served by Amtrak trains traveling through the Hudson Valley. From the station, visitors can continue to the Hudson waterfront and the designated tour departure point. Be sure to check the departure location when booking your lighthouse tour, as some tours leave from Athens instead.

    Don’t forget to use Amtrak’s See New York and Save 15% discount!

    Get 15% Off
    A small brick lighthouse, known as the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, decorated with string lights sits on a stone base surrounded by water at sunset, with a colorful sky and trees in the background.