-
Where is Beacon located?
- Beacon is a city located in Dutchess County, New York, in the heart of the lush Hudson Valley.
-
How has Beacon transformed over the years?
- Once a declining industrial town, Beacon has transformed into an up-and-coming artist community with many galleries lining the thriving Main Street.
-
What is Dia: Beacon?
- Dia: Beacon is a museum showcasing the Dia Art Foundation's collection of art from the 1960s to the present.
-
What is Maria Lago Studio 502?
- Maria Lago Studio 502 is a stunning 1000-square-foot gallery and studio overlooking magnificent views of Mt. Beacon Falls, where artist Maria Lago creates and exhibits her art.
-
What is the Madam Brett Homestead?
- The Madam Brett Homestead is a historic 1709 Dutch-style home and the oldest standing building in Dutchess County.
-
What is the Beacon Historical Society?
- The Beacon Historical Society, established in 1976, works to discover, preserve, and showcase the heritage and history of Beacon, New York.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Dia:Beacon
Dia:Beacon, Riggio Galleries is the museum that opened in 2003 in Beacon, New York, on the banks of the Hudson River. Dia: Beacon was established for the Dia Art Foundation's collection of art created from the 1960s to the present. The museum occupies a 160,000-square foot former Nabisco box-printing facility renovated by the artist Robert Irwin and architects Alan Koch, Lyn Rice, Galia Solomonoff, and Linda Taalman. Besides Dia's permanent collection, Dia:Beacon also shows temporary exhibitions and presents public programs that complement the collection and exhibitions. They include Merce Cunningham Dance Company Events, monthly Gallery Talks, Community Free Days for neighboring counties, and an education program for area students.It is one of the country’s biggest exhibition spaces showing modern and contemporary art.
3 Beekman St, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-440-0100
2. Denning's Point Distillery
Located in Beacon, New York, in a historic downtown 19th century building, Denning's Point Distillery crafts the finest artisanal spirits using only the highest quality grains from local farms. Following the rich tradition of the Hudson Valley, the award-winning distillery strives to create classic spirits with unique depth and character. They offer a tour every Saturday at 2:30pm. Tours are informal and last about 25 minutes. Their rustic industrial tasting room is connected to their production space, which is known for great cocktails made with their own craft spirits and live music every second and fourth Saturday. The Beacon Bourbon is the winner of the "Best Spirit", 2016 Hudson Valley Wine & Spirits Competition.
10 N Chestnut St, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-476-8413
3. Madam Brett Homestead
The Madam Brett Homestead is a historic 1709 home located in Beacon, New York. It is the oldest standing building in Dutchess County and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is on the NYS Independence Trail. The Dutch-style home was built for Roger and Catheryne Brett and their children and stayed in the family until 1954. It is today managed by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The house has original scalloped shingles, a number of Dutch doors and sloping dormers. The interior is decorated with the family’s original Georgian, Empire, and Victorian furniture. The home has a collection of 18th-century Chinese porcelain, several silver tea sets, an early doll collection, rich textiles, various tools and much more. The house is surrounded by five acres of perennial gardens.-***
50 Van Nydeck Ave, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-831-6533
4. Beacon Historical Society
The Beacon Historical Society was established in 1976 to discover, preserve and showcase the heritage and history of Beacon, New York. The Society’s collections include more than 2000 books, prints, photographs, documents, postcards, paintings, artifacts and maps . Its headquarters is located in the former rectory of St Andrew’s Church. The Society has an active calendar of events and programs, holds monthly presentations on local history and and publishes an informative newsletter. Their office, exhibition galleries and research library are open to the public, with volunteers available to assist with research about Beacon’s history.
61 Leonard Street Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-831-0514
5. Church of St. Joachim
The Church of St. Joachim and St. John the Evangelist is a Roman Catholic parish church in Beacon, New York, under the authority of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York. The church was established after a merger of the Church of St. Joachim and St. John the Evangelist. The merged parishes now share a pastor, clergy and administrative staff. The two church buildings both continued to be used for worship. The history of St. Joachim – St. John the Evangelist Parish started in the Village of Matteawan in 1853. The church opened in 1861. The parish included the Village of Fishkill Landing. The two villages merged into the City of Beacon in 1913.
31 Willow St, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-838-0915
6. Mount Beacon
Mount Beacon, locally known as Mount Beacon, located behind the City of Beacon, New York, is the highest peak of Hudson Highlands,. Its two summits tower above the Hudson River and can be seen from across the river and other places in the region. The northern peak, at 1,531 feet, has a number of radio antennas on its summit. The less accessible 1,610-foot southern summit has a fire lookout tower. Both summits offer breathtaking views and on clear days New York City is visible from the fire tower. The easiest way up the mountain is a dirt road used by reservoir maintenance workers, but it is closed to public vehicular use. There is a number of popular hiking trails going up the mountain, starting at different points in the city.
Beacon, New York
7. Maria Lago Studio 502
Maria Lago Studio 502 is a beautiful 1000-square foot gallery space in Beacon, New York, overlooking magnificent views of Mt. Beacon Falls. The studio is owned by the artist Maria Lago. María uses the space as a work studio and a permanent exhibition space for her artworks. The studio is open at regular hours and can also be visited by appointment for private exhibitions. The gallery offers a great selection of Maria’s paintings, sculptures, engravings and drawings made during the last seven years. Maria Lago is a renowned artist whose artwork is part of many private collections, museums and galleries in Europe and the United States. Originally from Asturias, Northern Spain, Maria is long-time New York resident. .
502 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 914-844-8739
8. Yankee Clipper Diner
Yankee Clipper Diner is a family-owned Beacon, New York fixture serving neighborhood families since 1946. Nor much has changed since – formica tables and red leatherette chairs and cozy private booths give it a retro nostalgic flair. The waiters have been serving regular customers for decades and everyone feels like a part of the family. The diner is named by a famous American airplane and looks like it from outside, with glossy aluminum siding. The menu is huge and has something for everyone, including Greek traditional dishes, healthy food, burgers, salads, sandwiches and much more. They have a small selection of local and imported beers and wines.
397 Main St, Beacon, NY 12508, Phone: 845-440-0021
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
The Roundhouse – A stylish hotel with scenic waterfall views.
Explore Mount Beacon – Hike to the summit for breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor exploration.
Beacon Bed & Breakfast – A charming and cozy stay in the heart of town.
Visit Dia:Beacon – Discover world-class contemporary art in a unique museum setting.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, vibrant fall foliage, and scenic beauty.
The Beacon Hotel – A boutique hotel near the historic Main Street.
Take a Hudson River cruise – Enjoy stunning autumn colors from the water.
Winter (December-February) – Quiet and cozy with festive holiday charm.
The Dutchess Inn & Spa – A luxurious retreat with spa services.
Explore Beacon’s local breweries and coffee shops – Warm up with craft beer or artisanal coffee on Main Street.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: