A History of Beacon's Visitors Center

The Visitors Center is the first official welcome station to greet visitors who come in by Metro-North train or from Route 9D. It was organized by Beacon's Chamber of Commerce during the presidency of Ron Iarossi, with the help of the City of Beacon and the BeaconArts organization with the then-President Linda Hubbard, an artist and longtime tourism advocate for the Hudson Valley. The Visitors Center was built as a work of art by artists and people with passion for the area. Linda is one of the co-owners of RiverWinds Gallery on Main Street, which has served as a tourism information center for Beacon since 2004, and continues to be a backup for the Visitors Center. 

Created and built by volunteers in years prior to 2010 (we are awaiting confirmation on the year of establishment), the Visitors Center continues to be staffed by volunteers. They are all organized by Carmen, who also serves as the weekday crossing guard at the intersection of Main Street and South Avenue. The Center began as a modular building, constructed by George Mansfield, longtime city councilman and owner of the popular bar/restaurant Dogwood. George is known to get involved in public works, including the "Welcome to Beacon" letter blocks at the top of the train station, the restorative painting of the Dummy Light, and many other projects. George enlisted many local artisans, including Niche Modern for lights, to fill out the project. Interior designer Bill Miller secured a donation of paint from Benjamin Moore.

The Visitors Center sees thousands of people through its doors each year. In 2015, it saw almost 4,000 people, and that only reflects those people who registered in the official book. Many people don't write in the book, volunteers note, so the number is surely higher. People do collect information about Beacon and the Hudson Valley from the rows of brochures made available to everyone. Businesses are encouraged to distribute their flyers or brochures in the Visitors Center at no cost. Destinations ranging from the Vanderbilt Mansion to Beacon-based businesses are on display there.

Today, maintenance and updates continue on the Visitors Center. Most recently, donated air conditioning units were installed. Windows were sealed with more insulation, filling gaps two fingers wide. The Visitors Center is not totally winterized, so any bit of insulation and sealing helps. Several resources take advantage of the Visitors Center's location, including The Cold Spring Trolley, which stops there to let visitors collect information. More information is on its way: A journal-brochure about Beacon will also be produced and be distributed to Hyatt House and various bed and breakfasts.

Where to Park

Check A Little Beacon Blog's Free Public Parking Guide for parking locations and cross streets, which is sponsored by Antalek and Moore's car insurance option. There is free parking in the City Hall building from 5pm to 11pm down the hill from the Visitors Center. You will also find a small but free public lot behind Hudson Beacon Glass, and another one near Beacon Bread Company. Additionally, you may find parking on Main Street.