Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow
Now just a few feet from land, this light was once a half-mile off shore!
The Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow (also known as the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse, Tarrytown Lighthouse, and Kingsland Point Lighthouse) once stood a half-mile off shore, warning Hudson River shipping away from dangerous shoals on the river’s east side. It was built in 1883 in response to pleas from local steamship companies for help navigating those waters. Years of landfill by a now-demolished General Motors factory gradually moved the shoreline to within a few feet of the light.
The lighthouse is a cast iron “sparkplug” lighthouse, its superstructure resting on a concrete-and-metal caisson. It is the only conical steel structure in Westchester County built to include living quarters for its keepers — eight keepers and their families occupied the five-story tower over its years of operation.
Once the Tappan Zee Bridge was built, its navigation lights rendered the lighthouse obsolete, and it was taken out of service in 1961. In the 1970s, Westchester County acquired the decommissioned structure from the federal government. The Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In May 2024, Westchester County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony unveiling a $3.4 million renovation and restoration of the light’s interior and exterior — a capital project that returned the lighthouse to its most authentic appearance, reflecting the 1937–1976 period. The event coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Village of Sleepy Hollow.
County Executive George Latimer said: “The Tarrytown Lighthouse is one of the most well-known landmarks in Westchester County. This capital project is another example of an existing destination that the County is restoring and refurbishing so that it can be enjoyed again by current and future residents. Having the Lighthouse completed in time to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Sleepy Hollow is a great way to mark this historic occasion.”
Seeing the lighthouse
From land, the best views are from the Westchester RiverWalk at Edge-on-Hudson. Start either inside Kingsland Point Park or from the RiverWalk entrance at the foot of Beekman Avenue.
Tours
Take a 45-minute interpreter-led tour of the Tarrytown Lighthouse in Sleepy Hollow to learn about its history, its significance, and what daily life was like for its keepers.
- Reservations are required. Tours are booked through Eventbrite when available.
- The tour is free; parking fees may apply.
- The lighthouse is reached by a 10-minute walk south along the RiverWalk from Kingsland Point Park.
- The five-story structure includes four narrow stairways. There are no restrooms in the lighthouse — restrooms are available at Kingsland Point Park.
- The front gate locks 15 minutes after the tour start time.
- Tours run rain or shine.
Book tours through Westchester County Parks on Eventbrite.
Accessibility
The five-story structure is accessed by four stairways. Service animal access is limited to the first floor.
Visitor information
Kingsland Point Park: 299 Palmer Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
Parking: There are multiple parking lots inside Kingsland Point Park. Parking is $5 with a County park pass or for Sleepy Hollow residents, and $10 without a pass. Metered street parking is also available on Beekman Avenue.
For more information on visiting the lighthouse, contact Westchester County Parks at (914) 862-5297.