Hudson-Athens Lighthouse stands on the Middle Ground Flats in the Hudson River between the cities of Hudson and Athens in New York‘s Columbia and Greene counties. Built in 1874, this Second Empire-style brick dwelling with its integral light tower served as both a family home for keepers and a navigational aid marking the treacherous shallow flats that divide the river channel.

The lighthouse is one of the finest examples of a Victorian-era residential lighthouse on the Hudson River, with its mansard roof, ornate bracketing, and symmetrical design reflecting the architectural tastes of the period. The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society has undertaken extensive restoration work and offers boat tours to the lighthouse during summer months, providing access to the interior and a firsthand look at the keeper’s life on the river.

The Middle Ground Flats where the lighthouse sits present a significant navigational hazard, where the deep river channel splits around a submerged sandbar. Before the lighthouse was built, groundings on the flats were frequent and occasionally resulted in the loss of vessels and cargo. The light continues to serve as an active aid to navigation.

Boat tours to the lighthouse typically operate from July through October, departing from the Hudson waterfront. The lighthouse is also visible from waterfront parks and the Rip Van Winkle Bridge in both communities. The surrounding Hudson Valley offers world-class dining, antique shopping, and art galleries, with the city of Hudson experiencing a notable cultural renaissance in recent decades.

Explore Nearby

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