Butterfly Day at Bannerman Island: Monarchs, a Cruise, and an Artist’s Vision

BEACON ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Butterfly Day at Bannerman Island: Monarchs, a Cruise, and an Artist’s Vision

A 2.5-hour eco‑tour in Beacon that pairs a monarch butterfly talk with a self-guided Bannerman Island walk, a cruise on the Estuary Steward, and a chance to meet artist Kathleen Griffin.

Check availabilitySee guide details

Butterfly Day at Bannerman Island: Monarchs, a Cruise, and an Artist’s Vision.

Duration
2.5 Hours
Location
Beacon
Operator
Bannerman Castle
Category
Eco Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Experience the enchanting journey of monarch butterflies at Bannerman Island with an engaging talk and a self-guided walking tour. Enjoy a scenic cruise on the Estuary Steward and meet artist Kathleen Griffin, who will share insights about her upcoming art installation, "The Butterflies of Memory," debuting in August 2025.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WILDLIFE

Monarchs on Bannerman Island

A focused talk addresses the monarch butterflies that visit Bannerman Island each year on their southbound journey, framing the island as a seasonal waypoint for the species.

THE ROUTE

Cruise aboard the Estuary Steward and island walk

The outing includes a cruise on the Estuary Steward and a self-guided walking tour of Bannerman Island, pairing a short boat passage with on‑island exploration.

THE ART

Meet Kathleen Griffin — The Butterflies of Memory

Participants will meet artist Kathleen Griffin to hear about her project "The Butterflies of Memory," an art installation slated to debut in August 2025 on Bannerman Island.

What the day feels like

What to expect

Over roughly 2.5 hours the program combines an interpretive talk about the monarchs that visit Bannerman Island, a cruise segment aboard the Estuary Steward, and a self-guided walking tour of the island — concluding with a presentation and conversation with artist Kathleen Griffin about her upcoming installation.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this experience suits

1
FamiliesListed as suitable for all ages, the program's mix of a short cruise and a self-guided island walk makes it a family-friendly outing.
2
Wildlife & nature observersThe event centers on the monarch butterflies that visit Bannerman Island, making it a direct match for travelers interested in seasonal butterfly migration and interpretation.
3
Art-minded travelersIncludes a meet-and-greet with artist Kathleen Griffin about her forthcoming installation, offering context for visitors who want an art component to their nature outing.
4
Casual day-trippersAt about 2.5 hours in length and described for all ages, the program fits travelers seeking a short, interpretive outing rather than an extended expedition.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What the supplied data includes

No specific gear requirements are provided in the supplied trip data.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

When is Butterfly Day scheduled?

Butterfly Day is scheduled for August 20, 2025.

How long is the program?

The program lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Where do participants meet?

Participants meet at the Beacon Sloop Club Floating Dock at the Beacon MTA Station (Riverside), Beacon, NY 12508.

What activities are included?

The outing includes a talk about monarch butterflies, a cruise aboard the Estuary Steward, a self-guided walking tour of Bannerman Island, and an opportunity to meet artist Kathleen Griffin.

Who operates this program?

The program is operated by Bannerman Castle.