Thomas Cole National Historic Site
Thomas Cole National Historic Site things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is a great place to visit! Thomas Cole was the founder of the Hudson River School of Art. He was one of America's first great artists. The house is historically restored and displays artifacts that Cole and/or his family used. Most of the paintings displayed in the house are re-creations of Cole's works. The views of the Catskill mountains are very nice. The tour was very good and the guide knew a great deal about the house and Thomas Cole. The movie at the beginning of the tour was a nice touch. We were also allowed to explore and look around on the tour, after the guide explained each part of the house. The tour was about an hour. The Cole House also serves as a small art museum. If you go to Thomas Cole's studio, you can see works from other artists. The house itself also displayed some contemporary works, that were mixed in with Cole's works. The contemporary work was good, but some of it didn't really fit the historical theme of the house. You get a lot for your ticket here. A house tour, Thomas Cole's works, contemporary artworks, and a small gallery of art exhibitions. You can also walk to the nearby Hudson River Skywalk and Rip Van Winkle bridge. Olana state historic site is also only three miles away. The gift shop offered much at reasonable prices. This place is definitely worth a look.
Ryan MazierskiRyan Mazierski
00
The evening was surprisingly magical. Whether a lover of art or the Catskill mountains visiting the Thomas Cole House on any occasion is an experience that should not be missed. Thomas Cole has been deemed the father of 'The Hudson River School" painters, and although that description goes a long way in describing how he painted a visit to Cedar Grove, his home, defines why he painted. The columns from his verandah frames his beloved Catskills the way his artful depiction has framed numerous works of the same. This alone would have made a visit to Cedar Grove at dusk a moving experience, but add to it the art of Brian Kenny, and illuminated orbs set to the surrounding sound scape music and the evening becomes magical and almost spiritual. This event, Spring Lights, only runs for a short time during the Spring months so don't miss this experience.
Tori MC125Tori MC125
00
Why would somebody visit the home of a repressed, scold who was so in love with nature he wanted the Catskills for himself. He wasn't trying to ban carbon footprints, he was against all human footprints, except his of course, because only he appreciated natural beauty. He rose to some fame with a few scenic paintings - none of which are here. Feel pity for the site overseers who have historic but somewhat boring buildings to show so they try to build Cole up as a naturalist, but he comes across as a moralizing celebrity who only exists to moralize. The staff, who are probably students looking for school credits, have no real information and basically treat each day as Casual Friday. The whole place gives the feel of being kept on life support until the insurance runs out. Officials know they have a dog on their hands and to try and justify the big ticket price they push a second visit to the Olana Historical Site across the river that is bigger and better. That costs more and be warned: you would be committing to a six-mile jaunt. So skip this place and go to Olana.
Bob PlunkettBob Plunkett
00
I really enjoyed visiting this historic site. At first I was unfamiliar with Thomas Cole and his work, but after visiting his studios and home I learned so much about him and his life. You feel like you’re transported back in time when you’re walking along the path of the property and I really appreciated the interactive elements that the site included for visitors. It’s also just a really beautifully designed place, and it was surreal to be on the porch that Thomas referenced for his paintings of the mountains. Even though we didn’t sign up for the tour, there was still plenty that I learned from interacting with the exhibits. I would recommend purchasing tickets online if you want to be on the tour since it sold out the day we planned to visit.
JasmineJasmine
00
We went to MASS MoCA and saw the exhibit of beautiful art by Marc Swanson so that was our introduction to Thomas Cole. Honestly hasn’t heard of either artists but so glad we looked up Thomas Cole and came to the house mainly to see Marc Swanson. Very interesting life that was very short. The tour was lovely but I would have loved hearing a more solid connection and background about why it makes sense to have Marc Swanson at Thomas Cole - in case you don’t get it yourself, my understanding is that both artists are keenly aware of the influence humans are having on the landscape. Nicely interactive display with letters you can read. Overall brought the whole house to life.
Zachary StaffordZachary Stafford
00
The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is a small grounds with a few buildings, one of which you can get a detailed tour of. They appeared to have some more things in the works. The tour is worthwhile, though our tour guide sounded very scripted and wasnt the most knowledgeable beyond the main material of the tour. Its well set up with video sections and exhibits. We very luckily came 2 minutes before the tour started, but try to plan to come on the hour if they are doing tours then When we visited, we could tour the house and go in the gift shop area but not any other buildings. Hopefully they sometimes open a few more things on the site to visitors
Jun SimonsJun Simons
00
Nearby Attractions Of Thomas Cole National Historic Site
Kirwan's Game Store - Catskill
Rip Van Winkle Bridge
Community Theatre
Catskill Chocolate Co.
Spike's Record Rack
Foreland
Catskill Bicycle Supply Co.
Rip Van Winkle Bridge Authority Park
Catskill Cryo - Whole Body Cryotherapy, infrared sauna, IV therapy
Cat on the Corner
Kirwan's Game Store - Catskill
4.6
(193)
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Rip Van Winkle Bridge
4.5
(103)
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Community Theatre
4.5
(77)
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Catskill Chocolate Co.
4.8
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Nearby Restaurants Of Thomas Cole National Historic Site
J&J Smokehouse BBQ
Village Pizza II
Willa's
La Conca D'oro
La Casa Latina Mexican and Latin Restaurant
Angel’s Latin Restaurant
Wasana's
A&G Texas Weiners
Left Bank Ciders
Citiot
J&J Smokehouse BBQ
4.6
(283)
Click for details
Village Pizza II
4.4
(277)
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Willa's
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(188)
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La Conca D'oro
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
218 Spring St, Catskill, NY 12414
Map
Phone
(518) 943-7465
Call
Website
thomascole.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.5
(199 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
Description
The Thomas Cole National Historic Site, also known as Cedar Grove, is a National Historic Landmark that includes the home and the studio of painter Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of American painting. It is located at 218 Spring Street, Catskill, NY, United States.
attractions: Kirwan's Game Store - Catskill, Rip Van Winkle Bridge, Community Theatre, Catskill Chocolate Co., Spike's Record Rack, Foreland, Catskill Bicycle Supply Co., Rip Van Winkle Bridge Authority Park, Catskill Cryo - Whole Body Cryotherapy, infrared sauna, IV therapy, Cat on the Corner, restaurants: J&J Smokehouse BBQ, Village Pizza II, Willa's, La Conca D'oro, La Casa Latina Mexican and Latin Restaurant, Angel’s Latin Restaurant, Wasana's, A&G Texas Weiners, Left Bank Ciders, Citiot
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