A Day Trip Destination: Exploring Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse and Beyond

The Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse is one of this historic town's most famous NY tourist attractions. It can be an afternoon visit when staying in Sleepy Hollow or Tarrytown. When you booked your stay at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel, you are only two miles or a ten-minute drive away. It can also be the perfect day trip from New York City. Enjoy the area's natural beauty as you make your way to the lighthouse to admire the mesmerizing views from the top of the lighthouse. The Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse is sometimes called the Tarrytown Lighthouse or the Kingsland Point Lighthouse. 

History

Built in 1883, the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse has been home to 12 lighthouse keepers and their families. At the time of its building, the lighthouse was a half mile away from the shore so that it could warn ships of the dangerous sholes along the eastern coast of the Hudson River. 

Today, the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was added in 1979. You will also see that it is about 100 feet away from the shore. The lighthouse did not move from its original construction. Instead, the coastline extended out due to the demolition of the General Motors factory that once stood along the shore. Landfill from the demolition has filled in the gap, bringing the lighthouse closer to shore. It is one of seven still-standing lighthouses on the Hudson River from the 1800s. 

In 1947, the lighthouse was wired for electricity and modern sanitation. However, it was automated soon after, in 1955. Then, in 1961, the lighthouse was deactivated for operation. The lighthouse was no longer needed thanks to the lights on the Tappan Zee Bridge, now called the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. 

Lighthouse Construction 

The lighthouse is in a sparkplug style and has five floors. The first floor of the lighthouse houses the kitchen and living room area. The second and third floors have bedrooms. The fourth floor is a workshop. The top fifth floor is the watch room for the lighthouse keeper to do his job. On a clear day, you can stand on the fifth floor and see the Manhattan skyline and the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Looking at the lighthouse from the outside, you will see the bold red and white cast iron casing. When you venture inside, you will see the brick-lined walls. 

Kingsland Point Park

In addition to the lighthouse, you can explore the Kingsland Point Park. This is the park that you go through to get to the lighthouse. It’s an 18-acre park on the eastern shore of the Hudson River. It has an overlook area that is perfect for getting the best pictures of the lighthouse. In addition to the lighthouse, the park has areas where you can picnic along with playgrounds, ball fields, and hiking trails. You can also bring your fishing rod and go fishing. 

How to Visit

If you would like to visit the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, you need to plan in advance. Call (914) 366-5109 to find out the dates and times available to make a reservation. The times can vary based on the climate, season, weather, and demand. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children. Each tour is limited in size due to the size of the lighthouse. A guide will accompany you. If you want to see the lighthouse without going to it or inside, you can visit the park and view it from the shore. There is a gate that will prevent you from taking the walking path bridge over to the lighthouse. 

Book your stay at the Sleepy Hollow Hotel and be a less than 10-minute drive from the Sleepy Hollow Light and other historical sites.