I've always wanted to visit Storm King but in the past scheduling hasn't worked out. One weekend morning, I made it to the street leading to the entrance but traffic was at a standstill so I turned around and went home. I was finally able to visit last week. After reopening during COVID, they started reservation-only visiting which worked exceptionally well. You go online and book an hour-window to arrive. You pay for the amount of people in your car...$20 for single...$30+ for two people...etc... They warn not to arrive before your alotted time. I arrived at 10:10 for my 10-11 AM Wednesday reservation. You first enter a smaller parking that loops you around to a staff member who scans your ticket through your window...then you are directed to the main lot. Masks are required anywhere you can't social distance and this place is huge so...its pretty impossible not to social distance. I think the liited reservation system helps greatly also. Kudos to the Art Center for implementing such a system. There are bathrooms near the parkng lots as well as some vending machines which sells drinks, snacks and even t shirts. There is hand sanitizer near all of the bathroom (port a potty) stations. The Art Center is massive with lots to see. There are sculptures of all types and sizes. Make sure you read each plaque, located near each sculpture to see the name of the sculpture, artist and other information. Be sure to take a map and plan out your path. I am a fairly fast walker and was able to see 90% of the sculptures in about 3 hours taking over 15,000 steps. The terrain there is a mixture of paved paths and grassy/dirt areas. You will need to venture onto the grass/dirt to see some of the sculptures. Some areas are very hilly so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Also, be mind ful of the bugs...though not overwhelming, they are noticeable, especially in the grassy/tree areas.There were a few benches near the parking lot but no other common areas where you can eat unless you pick a spot of the grass. There is a visitor's center that is currently closed due to COVID. I highly recommend this place to everyone. Lots to see and you can easily spend...
Read moreVisited Storm King today (a Thursday) with my 7 yo. We had been told by a friend that we could bring bikes, but apparently that was a Covid-only temporary rule. I had done some searching to check the rules ahead of time, but the “no personal bikes” rule is buried in small print under General Site Expectations, which makes it hard to find.
I’d recommend a “Bikes” section in bold on the visitor policy page that makes it clear — “Personal bikes and scooters are not permitted. Large sized bikes only are rented during the summer months for $30 / 2 hours.” Some of this info is also in the Rental Bikes section, but I wouldn’t go to that drop down if I wasn’t interested in paying for a bike.
As some people have specified in previous reviews — it seems discriminatory to families that can’t utilize large bikes and folks who don’t have $30-150 to rent bikes. If it’s a liability issue - why permit only some folks to rent them? The limited bike access seems to tilt more in the direction of enabling only some people to enjoy that privilege.
We enjoyed the beautiful grounds, and also utilized the trolley. You get some good views of some pieces from the trolley route, but need to do some walking to reach others.
The north grounds are under construction. The trolley was not traveling there (and it’s pretty far to walk for a kid), so we didn’t make it to that end. The outdoor cafe is also closed.
We grabbed a sandwich at the food truck for $14.50. The 5-6 options are all around this price range. $6.50 for pj & j. No customization or substitutions since they make all the food ahead of time. There were a few vegetarian options - a veggie chili and a moz/pesto sandwich that was pretty delicious.
The small store at the top of museum hill is lovely and has great options for adults and children. The staff person we encountered there was also kind and welcoming. There are bathrooms with plumbing in that area if portapotties are not your jam.
All in all, we’d love to visit again, but would probably wait until our children are able to cover more...
Read moreOur day at Storm King was nothing short of exceptional. As we strolled through the park, we were greeted by an awe-inspiring array of sculptures. From the colossal, abstract works that seemed to dominate the very landscape to the subtle elegance of the dry stone walls, every piece had a unique charm that captivated our gaze.
The park itself, nestled within stunning natural surroundings, added to the magic of the experience. We were fortunate to visit on a sunny, nearly cloudless day, with a brilliant blue sky providing the perfect backdrop. The sight of tall grasses swaying in the gentle breeze, accompanied by the chorus of crickets, created a tranquil atmosphere that made our visit truly memorable.
There were numerous highlights during our visit, but a few pieces stood out in particular. The ‘Storm King Wavefield’ seemed like a work of art and nature in perfect harmony, a testament to human creativity and the power of the natural world. The ‘Three-Legged Buddha’ brought a sense of serenity and contemplation, contrasting beautifully with the dynamic sculptures around it. And ‘For Paul’ left a lasting impression, resonating with emotions that words can hardly describe.
In conclusion, our visit to Storm King was a remarkable journey through the world of sculpture and nature’s beauty. From the grandeur of the sculptures to the serene park surroundings, it was a perfect day out. Each piece of art left us with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the artistic and natural wonders of the world. Storm King is not just an art park; it’s a transformative experience, and we highly...
Read more