Bannerman Island Reveals Stunning Grotto Restoration After Receiving State Grant

Bannerman Island Kicks Off 2026 With Sizable Grant

Back in January 2026, Bannerman Castle Trust announced on social media that they were one of many recipients of a sizable grant in New York State.

Bannerman was awarded a $27,450 matching grant from. The grant came from The Environmental Protection Fund's Parks and Trails Partnership Grants program.

Bannerman was one of 27 organizations to receive a portion of the $2.25 million in funding.

READ MORE: Bannerman Receives Grant to Improve Island Access and More

At the time Neil Caplan, the Executive Director of Bannerman Castle Trust, explained in the original statement that the grant would help make essential updates to the island and castle.

Said updates included a historic grotto.

The Grotto at Bannerman Island Gets a Facelift

According to the press release shared in January 2026, the money from the grant would go to 2 projects on the historic island.

The grant money would help to improve "visitor access to the Wee Bay area" which has incredible views looking towards West Point.

Bannerman Castle Trust explained  "The funding will support a transformative project on Pollepel Island, connecting the existing "Red Trail" to "The Grotto," a previously hidden architectural feature."

We visited the island right before the tourist season at Bannerman kicked off at the end of April and they were still putting the finishing touches on The Grotto.

Now, the project is finished and it looks incredible.

The Grotto Restoration Complete on Bannerman Island

Bannerman Castle Trust shared that The Grotto restoration project is complete!

Now that the project is complete there are a few new programs and events centered around The Grotto are on the schedule.

BCT will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 25th at 6 pm, that includes a tour!

Plus they will be doing special Grotto Tours Wednesday and Thursday nights during the summer.

Take a look at the restored Bannerman Island Grotto and learn more below:

You can book your tour of Bannerman Island for the season at BannermanCastle.org.