Kingston, New York – The Clever Boater

Location

Region: Hudson River
Latitude: 41.92704° N
Longitude: -73.99736° W
Waterway Guide: Kingston, NY

Destination: Kingston, New York

Nestled just down Rondout Creek off the Hudson River. Kingston is a small town for lovers of history! The turn is marked by the famous Rondout Lighthouse, a historic navigation marker on the Hudson River.

Entering Rondout Creek, you will pass a ship graveyard of sorts. Lining both banks are the remains of wooden barges, river cruise ships, goods barges, and military boats mixed in with tugs and barges being stored for the shipyard farther up the creek.

Barges Wrecks — Barges & Ships Waiting For Repair

Navy Pt Boat — Barges & Ships Waiting For Repair

Kingston, New York, boasts a rich tapestry of history woven from its early beginnings as a Dutch settlement in the mid-17th century. Originally known as “Esopus,” the settlement grew along the western banks of the Hudson River. Kingston soon became a vital trading hub strategically positioned between New York City and Albany. In 1777, the town was chosen as the first capital of New York State, highlighting its significance during the Revolutionary era. Unfortunately, it was also during this time that British forces set the city ablaze, leaving scars that Kingston would swiftly recover from as residents rebuilt with resilience and determination.

The town flourished into an industrial and transportation hub in the 19th century, highlighted by the arrival of the Delaware and Hudson Canal. Kingston’s charm today resides in its diverse architecture, featuring colonial-era stone houses and historic districts like the Stockade District, which is a tribute to its resilient past. With a blend of history, arts, and a friendly community, Kingston beautifully captures the essence of both past and present.

The Delaware and Hudson Canal, completed in the mid-19th century, played a vital role in Kingston’s growth as a transportation hub. The canal’s northern terminus was strategically located in Kingston, allowing for the efficient transport of coal, lumber, and other goods from the Pennsylvania coalfields to markets in New York City. This bustling waterway not only stimulated economic growth in the region but also fostered the rise of industries and trade. Today, remnants of the canal still showcase its historical importance, and the adjacent path has been transformed into a scenic recreational area, connecting residents and visitors to Kingston’s rich past and its picturesque waterfront. We recommend taking a short dinghy ride up Rondout Creek from the marinas and see the remains of the last lock as well as the historic Rondout Train Trestle, the remains of the Lime Kilns, Sugarbush Creek Bridge, and the Kingston Rondout Creek Dam.

On the way up the creek, you will pass The Thomas Feeney Shipyard, where they repair the tugboats you see pushing barges on the Hudson River on the north side of the creek and build the huge barges on the south side. It’s quite an impressive operation!

Historic Houses Hillside — Historic Houses On A Hill

Stone Architecture — Historic Houses On A Hill

Recently, Kingston, NY, has revitalized its maritime industry, focusing on ship repair activities. Taking advantage of its prime location along the Hudson River, the city has become a hub for maritime services, catering to both commercial and recreational vessels. Local shipyards provide maintenance and restoration services, creating jobs for skilled workers and contributing to the local economy. This resurgence not only highlights Kingston’s rich nautical heritage but also strengthens its modern industrial presence. Tourists and enthusiasts are drawn to the area, eager to explore its ongoing maritime legacy and contemporary achievements.

The waterfront area in Kingston features several museums, including the Hudson River Maritime Museum with the Cornell Tugboat and lots of historical artifacts from the hay-day of river traffic. The Maritime Museum is one of the docks you can stay at in Kingston. Next door is the Riverport Wooden Boat School, where you can see a variety of sail and rowing boats being built.

Across the street is the Trolley Museum of New York, where you can take a ride out to the lighthouse on a historic trolley. They have an extensive collection of US and International trolleys and subway cars. They have one of the subway cars extracted from under the World Trade Center after 9-11.

Across town, just a short bus or ride-share trip away is the Catskill Mountain Railway. This scenic journey along an old passenger line winds up the side of a hill, offering fantastic views. The railway volunteers restore about a mile of track each year. During our last visit in 2024, the ride was around 10 miles out and back. It makes for a great afternoon (and they give out free ice cream!). Additionally, there is a Hannaford Supermarket and a large Ace Hardware store just across the parking lot from the train station, so after your ride, you can re-supply.

The two most popular mooring spots in Kingston are the Maritime Museum and the nearby Kingston Town Docks. The Town Docks are adjacent to the town park and located next to the Rip Van Winkle Tour Boat. Additionally, there is a larger marina, Rondout Yacht Basin, about half a mile up the creek, which offers dockage, repairs, and fuel. However, it is situated on the opposite side of the creek from town, requiring a mile-long walk over a bridge.

We’ve visited Kingston twice and spent several days both times. It is one of our favorite stops.

Where To Eat

Near the Maritime Museum is Ole Savannah Southern Table, an excellent restaurant with a large bar overlooking the creek. Right next to the town dock is Mariner’s Harbor, with a nice deck that overlooks the park and creek. Along the main street are Ship To Shore, offering modern American cuisine; the Tortilla Taco Bar, offering Mexican food, Rosie General a combination bakery and deli, and Dolce a great breakfast place. There is also an ice cream shop that is part of Mariner’s Harbor.

A bit farther up the hill, but worth the walk, is Half Moon Rondout Cafe Coffee & Donuts. Especially on the weekends, there are frequently Food Trucks that are set up along the front of the park.

Shopping Therapy

Along the main street, walking up from the waterfront, are several boutique shops and antique stores. For provisioning and more extensive shopping, you will need to take either a bus or ride-share into downtown Kingston, about 2.5 miles away (uphill). There, you will find a Hannaford grocery store and an Ace Hardware.

Getting Around On Shore

Getting around the Waterfront area is easy, with nice sidewalks for walking or biking. Kingston is in foothills of the Catskill Mountains, and the main part of town is up a fairly large hill. There is fair coverage from Uber and Lyft in the area. However, you may have to wait a bit. The Ulster County Area Transit Service offers regular bus service Monday – Saturday that runs from the Waterfront area to Kingston Plaza, where the Hannaford, Ace, and Catskill Mountain Railway are located. Enterprise, Hertz, and Sensible Car Rental offer rental cars if you want to explore the area.

Keeping Entertained

Around the Waterfront, you will find:

Hudson River Maritime Museum has many displays on the history of river boating and the canals in the region.
Wooden Boat School with active wooden boat building.
The Trolley Museum of New York displays a collection of trolleys, street cars, and commuter cars. Also offers Trolley rides to the lighthouse.
Artport Kingston is a gallery featuring a variety of art mediums from local artists.
Art Society of Kingston shows a rotating display of art and sculpture.
Kingston Caves is just a short walk from the waterfront and is a 250,000 sq/ft cave complex created by the mining of Limestone in the cliffs above the Hudson River and more recently used for mushroom cultivation. Now a special event venue.
Rip Van Winkle tour boat takes you on a cruise up and down the Hudson River with a narrated tour giving the area’s history.
Rondout Lighthouse tours are available through the Maritime History Museum.

There are several attractions in Kingston proper near the Kingston Plaza (Hannaford and Catskill Railroad Station)

Catskill Mountain Railroad gives train rides through the scenic Catskill Mountains.
Senate House State Historic Site The historic state senate building when Kingston was the capital of NY.
Persen House is the cornerstone of the historic Stockade District, with buildings dating back to the Revolutionary War.
Fred J Johnston Museum features local history & heritage is the focus at this stately federal-style museum with period furnishings.

And a bit farther afield but an easy day trip from Kingston:

West Point Military Academy offers tours of the campus and is about 46 miles south.
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site is Fredrick Vanderbilt’s 54 room home and museum open for tours. 22 miles.
Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome airfield and museum featuring antique (1900-1935) airplanes. Check for airshows, car & motorcycle shows. 12 miles.
Wilderstein Historic Site offers tours of this ornate, 19th-century Queen Anne mansion on 40 acres with river views. 14 miles.
Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site was Franklin Roosevelt’s home and houses his Presidential Library. Open for tours. 22 miles.
The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) offers tours and dining at several student-run restaurants. 22 miles.

Getting There

Kingston is 90 miles north of New York City on the Hudson River. Common stops between New York City and Kingston are Half Moon Bay in Croton, 55 miles from Kingston, and Poughkeepsie, 16 miles from Kingston.

Heading north from Kingston, Donovan’s Shady Harbor Marina is 40 miles, Troy is 60 miles, and Waterford, the start of the Erie and Champlain Canals, is 65 miles.

Marinas and Anchorages

Hudson River Maritime Marina – Our first choice. Has showers and restrooms. No Fuel or pump-out. Phone: 845-706-8881
Kingston City Marina – Has showers and restrooms. No fuel or pump-out. It can be noisy as it’s right in the public park and under a road bridge. 845-331-6940
Hideaway Marina – Mostly smaller boats, but they advertise slips up to 55 ft. Pump-out service is available. If the water level is low, depth could be an issue. 845-331-4565
Rondout Yacht Basin – A large marina about 1/2 mile up the creek from the Kingston Waterfront. Access to town is about 1 mile over a bridge. They offer Dockage, Diesel, Gas, Pump-out, and Repairs. We usually stop there on our way into or out of Kingston to fuel up and pump-out. 845-331-7061