Rondout Lighthouse

The historic lighthouse standing at the Roundout port of the Hudson River marks the endpoint of the D & H canal. The Rondout Lighthouse attracts many visitors every year.

The current lighthouse standing at Rondout was not the first one constructed. In 1837, the first lighthouse, constructed out of wood, was quickly damaged by ice and wind. The second lighthouse, constructed in 1867, was constructed of bluestone on a solid base. The construction of the current lighthouse began in 1913 and finished in 1915. It stands away from the shore much farther than the first two did. The original base to the second lighthouse is still visible near the Rondout Lighthouse.

Tourists can visit the lighthouse by taking a boat from the Hudson River Maritime Museum. The lighthouse displays historic furnishings, the history of the lighthouse, and biographies of the lighthouse Keepers and their families. Visitors can also climb the tower and view the Hudson River from the walkout balcony atop the tower. The lighthouse opens for tours from May through October on the first Saturday of every month at 2:00 p.m. with advanced reservation.

The Hudson River Maritime Museum is located in the Rondout section of Kingston, NY, which is about 60 miles south of Albany, NY.