Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
Congress in 1872 allocated $35,000 for the construction of the Hudson City Lighthouse, now known as the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. In 1873, construction began and by 1874, the light was lit. Built to help bats avoid the Middle Ground Flats, this lighthouse is located off shore between the cities of Hudson and Athens, hence the hyphenated name! Until 1946, the lighthouse had civilian lightkeepers, the last being EMil J. Brunner who lived there along with his family. Appliances from the Brunner family’s home are still preserved in the Lighthouse today.
This brick lighthouse, also called the Hudson City Light, marks a sandy ridge in the Hudson River known as Middle Ground Flats, which makes navigation of the Hudson River risky. Still operational, the lighthouse continues to serve as a navigational marker on the river.
In February 1984, a landmark lease was signed between the Lighthouse Society and the U.S. Coast Guard. It was the first lease signed with a government agency and a private group for a Hudson River Lighthouse. In the year 2000, the U.S. Coast Guard transferred the deed over to the Lighthouse Society, making it the sole owner of the lease. The goal of the Lighthouse Society is to maintain the lighthouse museum and to preserve the integrity of the Hudson Athens Lighthouse, which has become a historic landmark of the Hudson Valley.
Tours of the Hudson-Athens lighthouse are available on select Saturdays starting in July and running through October. Thie lighthouse is only accessible by boat, so a tour must be booked. Tours last approximately one hour and are $25 for adults and $15 for youths (ages 3-11).
“Really cool lighthouse right in the middle of the Hudson river.”
—David S., Google
Take Amtrak to Hudson-Athens Lighthouse
Experience this unforgettable attraction via Amtrak to Hudson Station in Hudson Valley—Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount!
Where to Stay in the Hudson Valley
Looking for a getaway opportunity? Spend the night and experience all the Hudson Valley has to offer. Take a look at these great hotel options—some offering exclusive New York By Rail discounts!
