Visit Sleepy Hollow

Where the Legend Lives

Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse

Now just a few feet from land, this light was once a half-mile off shore!

The Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse (aka Tarrytown Lighthouse and Kingsland Point Lighthouse) was once a half-mile off shore, warning ships away from dangerous shoals on the east side of the Hudson River. Years of landfill by a now-demolished General Motors factory moved the shoreline within a few feet of the light. The cast iron tower was installed in 1883. Over its 78 years of operation, 12 light keepers and their families occupied the five-story structure.

The light was automated in the mid 1950s, and operated until 1961 when navigation lights on the Tappan Zee Bridge rendered it obsolete. In the 1970s Westchester County acquired the decommissioned structure from the federal government. Tours of the light are offered by the village of Sleepy Hollow. From land, best views are from Westchester RiverWalk at Edge-on-Hudson.

Historic postcard showing the lighthouse at Tarrytown at night, with a passenger ship in background.

On July 1, 2022 the Village of Sleepy Hollow made the following announcement"

"A major renovation of the Sleepy Hollow Lighthouse will start after the 4th of July weekend in 2022. The project will restore the lighthouse, stabilize the structure and prevent further deterioration. Work consists of repairs and repainting to the exterior cast iron, replacement of windows and doors, repair of cracks in the cellar, cleaning and re-pointing of the foundation masonry, restoration of the interior plaster & painting finishes and repairs to and restoration of all the wood floors. The work will also include reconstruction of the intermediate landing between the bridge and gangway, a new security gate on the mainland and new electric and exterior lighting. The facility is expected to be closed for at least 10 months."

Although the lighthouse will be closed for visits, you may view it from shore. Start either inside Kingsland Point Park or from RiverWalk at the foot of Beekman Avenue.

Kingsland Point Park: 299 Palmer Avenue, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591. 914-366-5109. Info: Village of Sleepy Hollow Recreation Department, www.sleepyhollowny.gov, 914-366-5109.

Parking: There are multiple parking lots inside Kingsland Point Park. Parking fees may apply. Metered street parking is available on Beekman Avenue.