KINGSTON GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
A Solar Drift into Lenape Lifeways aboard Solaris
A 1 hour 15 minute guided cruise from the Hudson River Maritime Museum that pairs an ethnoecological narrative of historic Lenape lifeways with a quiet, 100% solar-powered boat ride.
A Solar Drift into Lenape Lifeways aboard Solaris.
On the Hudson at Kingston, a short, quiet cruise aboard Solaris — the Hudson River Maritime Museum’s locally built, solar-powered launch — becomes both classroom and corridor to the past. Ethnoecologist Justin Wexler guides passengers through the riverine world that sustained the Lenape, tracing day‑to‑day lifeways along the estuary as the museum and river roll by.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Solaris — the Hudson’s solar launch
Built and operated by the Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston, Solaris is a quiet, 100% solar‑powered vessel in regular operation on the Hudson River.
Lenape lifeways along the estuary
For countless generations the Lenape relied on the Hudson and its tributaries; this guided tour drifts into that past, focusing on the day‑to‑day practices of local native peoples from roughly five centuries ago.
Justin Wexler — ethnographer and interpreter
Justin Wexler of Wild Hudson Valley is an independent scholar who has studied Hudson Valley Indigenous culture, languages, and history for more than twenty years and regularly works with members of displaced, federally‑recognized communities to connect past and present.
What the day feels like
What the outing feels like
Guests board Solaris for a focused 1 hour and 15 minute tour that pairs close‑in views of the Hudson with narrative interpretation; as the boat moves gently along the estuary, Justin Wexler situates the river’s tides, resources and shorelines within historic Lenape daily life. Tickets include the boat ride plus general admission to the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should plan around the boarding requirements.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The experience runs 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Meet at 50 Rondout Landing for boarding at the Hudson River Maritime Museum docks in Kingston.
Bring curiosity and a drink and/or a snack. Do not bring large coolers, luggage, strollers, or very large bags.
To access Solaris you must navigate a gravel path to the docks, use elevated gangways (which may sway or be wet), and climb three steps to board. For detailed accessibility information contact 845-338-0071 or [email protected].
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The guided cruise lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Where do we meet for the tour?
Meet at 50 Rondout Landing for boarding at the Hudson River Maritime Museum docks.
Is Solaris really solar‑powered?
Yes — Solaris is a 100% solar‑powered boat built and operated by the Hudson River Maritime Museum.
Who leads the interpretation?
The tour is led by ethnoecologist Justin Wexler of Wild Hudson Valley, an independent scholar with over twenty years of study in Hudson Valley Indigenous culture, languages and history.
What should I bring and are strollers allowed?
Bring curiosity and a drink or snack. Strollers are not allowed; other items not permitted include large coolers, luggage and very large bags.
Does the ticket include museum admission?
Yes — all tickets include the boat ride and general admission to the Hudson River Maritime Museum.