18 Old Ruins to Explore in Dutchess County

Bannerman Castle is a unique ruin on the banks of the Hudson River. Built in 1901 by Francis Bannerman VI, the castle was originally an ammunition storage facility and operated until 1967. After the accidental explosion of powder stored in the castle in 1920, it fell into disrepair, and the remaining structure is now a popular tourist destination. The grounds are open to the public for guided tours, and visitors can explore the ruins, view exhibits, and learn about the castle's history.

Carnwath Farms Historic Site & Park in Dutchess County, New York is a scenic park located on the banks of the Hudson River. The park, which is on the site of a former Revolutionary War era farm, offers visitors a chance to view the area's rich historical past. In addition to the farmhouse and outbuildings, visitors can explore the old-growth forest and wetlands, catch a glimpse of bald eagles, hike the trails, and experience the tranquility of the Hudson Valley.

The Clinton House State Historic Site is a historic landmark located in Dutchess County, and was designated as a New York State Historic Site in 1975. It was the home of the first U.S. President, George Clinton, who served from 1809 to 1817. The Clinton House is also the birthplace of his granddaughter, Julia Clinton Jones. The home has been restored to its mid-19th century glory and the grounds feature a rose garden, an ice house, and a restored 19th century Cold Spring House.

Dover Stone Church is a historic church located in Dover Plains. The building was built in 1763 and is a one-story rectangular stone structure measuring approximately 50 feet by 40 feet. It is believed to have been built by the local Quaker community and is one of the oldest Quaker congregations in the country. Today, the church is a New York State Historic Site and is open to the public. The building has been well preserved and features a two-story bell tower, a simple interior, and a cemetery.

The Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (ERNHS) is located in Hyde Park, New York, and is the home where Eleanor Roosevelt lived and worked for more than 40 years. The National Park Service administers the site and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the life and legacy of the former first lady. Visitors can take part in a variety of interpretive programs, including guided tours, educational programs, and special events.

The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site preserves the home, library, and gardens of the 32nd President of the United States. Located in Hyde Park, New York, the site covers 80 acres and includes the Springwood estate, the Roosevelt family estate, and the Roosevelt Library and Museum. Visitors to the site can take guided tours of the home and gardens, listen to recordings of the president's speeches, and learn about the life and legacy of the Roosevelt family.

The Howland Cultural Center is located in Beacon, Dutchess County, New York and serves as a hub of artistic and cultural activity. It is a non-profit organization that offers year-round programming, including exhibitions, poetry slams, concerts, workshops, and theatrical performances. The Center houses a wide range of rotating exhibitions, ranging from fine art to photography, and is home to the Howland Artists Group, a collective of regional artists.

Hyde Park Station is a transit hub located in the town of Hyde Park in Dutchess County, New York. It is served by the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line and is located in the center of the town, providing connections to New York City and Poughkeepsie. The station has two tracks, two high-level side platforms and a large parking lot. It is fully accessible and also serves as a major transfer point for local bus lines, as well as a stop for intercity bus lines.

The Mills Mansion, located in Dutchess County, is a historic estate that is a unique embodiment of the Hudson River Valley's Gilded Age. Built in 1878 by the prominent lawyer Valentine Gill Thomas, the estate was originally intended to be a summer home for the wealthy Thomas family. The mansion features a unique blend of styles, combining elements of French Second Empire, Gothic Revival, and Queen Anne Victorian architecture.

The Montgomery Place Historic Estate is located on the Hudson River in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. The estate is considered to be one of the most intact historic Hudson River estates, as it features a sprawling landscape, a grand main house, and other preserved nineteenth-century structures. The estate was once a working farm managed by Edward and Susan Livingston and their descendants.

Mount Gulian Historic Site is a unique historic property in Dutchess County, New York. It was the home to the Verplanck family from the late 1700s until the early 2000s. The family played a major role in the history of the United States, especially during the American Revolution. The site was one of the first to be designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1969. The property includes the main house, barn, and outbuildings, along with the original historic gardens.

Ogden Mills and Ruth Livingston Mills State Park is a 2,200-acre park in Dutchess County, New York that was established in 1975. The park is a memorial to Ogden and Ruth Livingston Mills, both of whom were prominent members of New York society. The park features a variety of activities, including camping, hiking, fishing, boating, picnicking, swimming, and seasonal cross-country skiing. Visitors can also enjoy the park's scenic views, diverse wildlife, and historic structures.

Pollepel Island is a 6.5-acre island located in the Hudson River in Dutchess County, New York. It is best known as the home of Bannerman Castle, an abandoned military surplus warehouse built by businessman Francis Bannerman VI. The island, which is only accessible by boat, is now owned by Bannerman Castle Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the island’s natural beauty and historical significance.

Staatsburgh State Historic Site in Dutchess County is a majestic estate situated on the Hudson River. Built in 1895 by prominent New York City financier Ogden Mills and his wife Ruth Livingston Mills, the estate is a testament to the Gilded Age and the privileged lifestyles of the wealthy during this period. The luxurious estate includes a 38-room Greek Revival manor house with period furnishings and artwork, and a riverside Italianate garden.

Top Cottage is an iconic Gothic Revival summer home located in the historic hamlet of Hyde Park in Dutchess County, New York. Owned by Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, it served as the president's personal retreat during his time in office. With its picturesque setting and historic significance, Top Cottage is a favorite destination for visitors from around the world.

Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is a 20-room beaux-arts style mansion located on the Hudson River in Hyde Park, New York. Built by Frederick and Louise Vanderbilt in 1899, it is one of the oldest surviving examples of the beaux-arts style in the United States. The mansion and surrounding estate are owned by the National Park Service, and are open to the public as a museum and historical site.

The Wassaic Project is a non-profit arts organization located in the rural town of Wassaic. Established in 2011, the organization is dedicated to providing creative opportunities to the local community and beyond. Through their annual summer festival, they bring hundreds of national and international artists to Wassaic to exhibit and perform, while also hosting workshops, screenings, and other events throughout the year in their gallery, theater, and outdoor installations.

Wilderstein Historic Site is a 19th century estate located in the historic Hudson River Valley, Dutchess County, New York. The site includes the 1852 Victorian summer home of the Suckley family, formal gardens, carriage trails, and a network of walking paths through the surrounding woods and meadows. The estate is a record of 150 years of family history, and the three generations of Suckley women who lived there, left their mark on the grounds and home.