The Cole Center, which serves as the visitor center, is open Saturday and Sunday from 10:45 am to 4 pm. Entry is always free.
Adults $20, seniors and military $18, students and youths $5. Free for children under 13, site members, and SNAP/EBT cardholders. No annual or per person fees listed.
From Albany, take I-87 South to NY-23 West, then follow signs to Catskill. Arrive at 218 Spring Street, nestled between the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. Immersive artistic and natural beauty awaits.
Parking is available in the shared lot on Spring Street with Temple Israel, and additional spots along Hudson Avenue, Gardiner Street, and High Street. The lot has accessible spaces but no overnight parking. No specific RV size restrictions mentioned. Motorcycles welcome. No parking fees.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Partial
Tucked away in the village of Catskill, New York, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, known as Cedar Grove, is a haven for art lovers and nature enthusiasts. This National Historic Landmark is the former home and studio of Thomas Cole, the visionary founder of the Hudson River School of American landscape painting. Located at 218 Spring Street, this historic site is a testament to the intersection of art and nature.
As you step onto the grounds, you are greeted by the 1815 Main House, its porch offering an unparalleled view of the Catskill Mountain range, a vista that inspired many of Cole’s most famous works. The property includes the 1839 Storehouse Studio and the reconstructed 1846 New Studio, designed by Cole himself. The gardens, once a muse for Cole’s daughter Emily, a professional artist in her own right, still bloom with the same flora that she meticulously painted on porcelain and paper.
Guided and self-guided tours of the house and studios are available from May through October, allowing visitors to delve into the world of Hudson River School painting. The historic grounds, open daily from dawn to dusk, invite exploration and contemplation. The site is also the starting point for the Hudson River Art Trail, which spans over 20 sites across New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Wyoming, featuring breathtaking vistas captured by Hudson River School painters.
Nearby, the village of Catskill offers a tapestry of artisan shops and local eateries. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area boasts numerous hiking trails, including those leading to Kaaterskill Falls, the highest cascading waterfall in New York State. As the seasons change, the landscape transforms: spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer offers warm days perfect for hiking, autumn paints the mountains with vibrant hues, and winter presents a serene, snow-clad tranquility.
Special events and exhibitions at the site include summer concerts, film screenings about Cole’s life, and exhibitions of Hudson River School paintings. The Visitors Center provides a comprehensive introduction to Cole’s influence on conservation and the Catskills. For a truly immersive experience, visit during one of the seasonal festivals or join a ranger-led tour to fully appreciate the enduring legacy of Thomas Cole and the natural beauty that inspired him. Whether you are an art aficionado, a nature lover, or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site is a must-visit destination that will leave you enchanted and inspired.
- Area (mi²)
- 0.1
- Annual visitors
- 20 000
- Established year
- 1999
Top 3 Facts about Thomas Cole National Historic Site
The site, located at 218 Spring Street, Catskill, NY, includes a Federal-style main house surrounded by six acres of woodland that inspired many of Cole’s paintings, and it was purchased by the Greene County Historical Society in 1988. The grounds remain open daily from dawn until dusk. Guided tours are offered from June to October, Tuesday through Sunday, and on select weekend days during winter months. The property was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965 and designated a National Historic Site in 1999.
This historic estate, once the home of Thomas Cole, boasts a diverse landscape where native plants thrive. Here, you can spot the same flowers Emily Cole painted in the 19th century, alongside honey-locust trees that date back to 1817. The grounds are a haven for local biodiversity, with manually managed invasive species and infrequent mowing to support ecological health. Visit to see the serene interplay of gardens, fields, streams, and forests that inspired Cole’s artistic genius.
Surrounded by the majestic Catskill Mountains, which rise to over 4,000 feet, this scenic haven boasts the Hudson River’s crystalline waters, reflecting the vibrant hues of the landscape. Hike to vistas that inspired Thomas Cole’s masterpieces, where waterfalls cascade through lush forests and unique rock formations stand testament to nature’s artistry.
Family programs
- Self-guided Tours
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Arts & Crafts
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan a autumn visit to coincide with the Hudson River School art exhibition. Allow a full day for guided tours and trails. Arrive early, park on site, and start at the visitors center. Wear comfortable shoes for uneven terrain and pack a lunch, with dinner at local eateries afterward.
Pack Appropriately
Pack layers for changing weather, sturdy hiking boots, and a waterproof jacket. Bring a daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit. For longer stays, include camping gear such as a tent, sleeping bag, and headlamp. Check the season for specific needs.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, stay on designated trails to avoid disturbing habitats, and keep noise levels down to minimize stress on local flora and fauna. Respect the natural balance and leave the area as you found it.
Stay Informed
Stay on marked trails, avoid ledges and water, and check weather conditions. Follow park signs and rules. For emergencies, call 911 or park authorities at 518-943-7465. Stay informed to ensure a safe adventure.
Seasons
In spring, as temperatures rise to the 60s and 70s, vibrant blooms and mild weather make for an ideal visit. Join the Arbor Day and Earth Day Celebration in April, featuring local vendors and a guided garden tour. Immersive events and stunning natural beauty await.
Visit in summer for warm days (70s-80s°F) and vibrant events. Attend the Summer Party in June, featuring cocktails and a seated dinner amidst historic gardens. Enjoy botanical painting and natural dye workshops amidst blooming flora. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and art lovers.
Experience the vibrant autumn hues of the Catskill Mountains from September to November, with mild temperatures (50s-60s°F) and crisp air. Enjoy the annual ‘Frederic Edwin Church’s Olana and Thomas Cole Site’ joint event, showcasing Hudson River School masterpieces. Ideal for a scenic and culturally rich visit.
Visit from December to February when temperatures range from 20°F to 40°F. Crisp winter landscapes, snow-covered grounds, and select weekend guided tours make for a serene and immersive experience, despite the cold. Ideal for those seeking a tranquil, artistic retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Thomas Cole National Historic Site has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to the Thomas Cole National Historic Site is Catskill, New York, where the site is located at 218 Spring Street. Catskill is situated near the western entrance to the Rip Van Winkle Bridge and the Catskill Mountains.
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Dogs are allowed on the grounds if they are leashed and under the owner’s control. Service dogs are permitted in all public areas, but other dogs are not allowed inside the buildings or on the porch of the Main House. Owners must clean up after their dogs and keep them with them at all times.
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Parking is not explicitly stated as free, but additional parking is available along nearby streets. The site’s parking lot, which it shares with Temple Israel, includes accessible spaces. There is no mention of specific regulations for RVs or other large vehicles.
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You can take a 50-minute guided tour of Thomas Cole’s house, Cedar Grove, and his studios, including the 1815 Main House, the 1839 Storehouse Studio, and the reconstructed 1846 New Studio. The site also offers special exhibitions of Hudson River School paintings and a short film about Thomas Cole’s life. Visitors can explore the gardens and grounds, which are open free from dawn to dusk, and enjoy views of the Catskill Mountains that inspired many of Cole’s paintings.