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New York (NY)
Hudson
Things to Do in Hudson
Olana State Historic Site
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Olana State Historic Site

See all things to do
See all things to do
Olana State Historic Site
4.5
808
#1 of 22 things to do in Hudson
Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Hudson River School painter Frederic E. Church designed Olana, his family home, studio, and estate, as an integrated environment embracing architecture, art, and landscape. Olana, a National Historic Landmark, is an icon of naturalistic landscape design, with five miles of carriage roads and a Persian-inspired house at its summit, embracing unrivaled panoramic views of the vast Hudson River Valley. The 250-acre artist-designed landscape is open from 8 AM to Sunset. Tours of the historic landscape and interior of Frederic Church's home run Tuesday - Sunday, 10 AM - 4 PM. Visitors can also participate in various educational programs in the Wagon House Education Center, including a free backpack program that includes a variety of projects for children.
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
808 reviews
Excellent
546
Very good
199
Average
45
Poor
9
Terrible
9
TravelOwlz123
8 contributions
Must-see historic site if interested in Frederic Church and the Hudson River School of American landscape artists
Exceptionally well maintained and remarkably beautiful grounds, carriage roads, gardens and home of 19th century landscape artist Frederic Church. We toured the artist's home (floor one) with Steve, a very personable and extremely knowledgeable guide. We highly recommend visiting Olana as well as taking this tour. Also plan to set aside a bit of time to walk and enjoy the carriage roads and the stunning views they offer.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Olana State Historic Site
Hi! Thank you for your review and mentioning our Interpreter Steve. He is a wealth of knowledge (as you know) and is such a great member of the team here. We will give your feedback to our New York State Parks crew as well. They do an amazing job keeping the grounds preserved and beautiful for all of us to enjoy.
Written July 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN2,583 contributions
Stunning architecture & decor
Solo
Very unique spot. The original owner, artist Frederic Church, packed this home full of artifacts from all over the world, from many cultures. Asian, Arabic, English influence. Rich fabrics. Colorful paint and patterns along the walls and woodwork. Gorgeous views of the Hudson.

This estate is about 90 percent intact, and was sold the to foundation as a complete lot, including many of Church’s original works. Many people will enjoy the art, and Church was a pioneer of landscape art, but the star for me was the architecture.

Could make a nice day out of this and the Albany state capitol.
Written March 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Olana State Historic Site
Hi! Thank you so much for your review! It's nice to know that you got so much out of your tour and loved the unique architecture.
Written April 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Shawn H
Washington DC, DC300 contributions
Beautiful Hill-top Artist's Residence
This beautiful hill-top artist's residence is well-preserved and gorgeous. We had a wonderful tour of the interior and wish we had more time to enjoy the grounds. I would recommend spending an afternoon here for the natural beauty, architecture, and education about the artists who cemented this region in the country's imagination.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Olana State Historic Site
Hello Shawn, Thank you for coming up, taking a house tour and submitting a review. If you are ever in the area again, be sure to pack a lunch and explore the landscape!
Written August 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tony R
New York City, NY4 contributions
Must See if you Visit Hudson
Absolutely worth a visit if you care anything about the Hudson School of Painting. We took the tour through the grounds and of the first floor. Both are an hour and were both interesting. The guides were good. Not TMI or too little. The views were spectacular. Frederic Church indeed was a talent, but his ability to capture the setting was striking. What's most interesting is that the landscape and views of the mountains are unerupted by development.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JPatti1
Chicago, IL171 contributions
Interesting Eclecticism
A home of a couple who were clearly a bit different than most - Disneyesque version of Middle Eastern architecture, eclectic decorations, plentiful (and generally dour) paintings, incredible views, lovely grounds and isolation from society. While I don't know enough about the man to say this in any definitive manner, a fair guess would be that he was something of a recluse who preferred the company of canvas and nature than of society.

The exterior of the house has much to look at, with an eccentric style that somehow works. The interior, on the other hand, is dark, unwelcoming and replete with articles that bemuse as much as they amuse.

Our tour guide Betsy was very well prepared and informative and was generous with her time - we went about 1:15 instead of the allotted hour.
Written October 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Olana State Historic Site
Hello, thank you for visiting Olana! We are glad that you enjoyed your tour with Betsy. Our guides take a lot of pride in what they do. Please come and visit again, maybe in another season when the beautiful views and landscape change!
Written November 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
George R
1 contribution
Very Interesting Tour
Family
We took a tour of the main living area in late afternoon. We were the only ones taking the tour so we had the fully attention of the guide who was really knowledgeable. She presented the history of the artist and house very well. If I were to repeat this tour I would recommend a mid day tour as the lighting was poor in some of the rooms and it was difficult to see the artwork . We plan to return in the summer to tour the grounds and learn more about the design and architecture of the building. We combined the trip with a visit to Art OMG which worked out nicely.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Olana State Historic Site
Hello, thank you for visiting Olana! We appreciate your recommendation and great review. We're happy to hear you enjoyed your tour. Hope you come back soon to take an all-new Olana Outdoor Tour!
Written August 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lea S
38 contributions
Extraordinary estate, art, and breathtaking views
Visiting Olana was one of the reasons for our trip. We love the Hudson River School of Painting, and Olana is artist Frederic Church's work of art and his home. Our tour guide, Dave, was incredibly knowledgable and seemed to know about every single painting and piece as well as the family's history. The house is beautiful, and we love that it has been kept just as the Church family left it - so rare, so unique. Of course, the painting collection is expansive and extraordinary, as are the views of the Hudson River and surrounding countryside. Definitely worth the trip.
Written October 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Olana State Historic Site
Thank you for visiting Olana! We are pleased that you enjoyed your experience taking in all the artwork and of course the views! We take immense pride in our guides and it's wonderful to know you had a pleasant time with David. We hope to see again soon!
Written November 17, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claire M
Charlottesville, VA237 contributions
A Must See Gem
Couples
I had been to only maybe thirty years ago, and had enjoyed it. My husband and I were recently heading thru the Hudson River Valley and stopped for a visit. At this point, timed tickets are required. The house tour was self-guided, and the docents in the rooms can tell you about the room, furnishings and paintings if you ask. The Victorian estate was the home of Frederick Church, landscape painter of the Hudson River School. Built between 1870-76, the commanding house is of a Persian style and has a fantastic view of the Hudson River. Church and his wife traveled extensively, especially in the Middle East and came back with crates of finds which are displayed in the house. There are changing art exhibits a couple of times a year. We especially enjoyed the Cross Pollinator exhibit currently on view. There are a few nice walks around the property.
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Olana State Historic Site
Hello, thank you for visiting Olana! We are so glad you enjoyed your time in the Hudson River Valley and enjoyed your tour to not only see the Church estate, but Cross Pollination as well. Please do visit us again if you find yourself in the area!
Written November 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tara S
9 contributions
Hudson Valley Gem
The site is really beautiful in the Fall. You can hike the trails, go on a guided- tour (there are several), and bring a picnic lunch to eat by the lake. The parking is limited and people park on the side of the entrance road. Definitely start by going to the visitor center to see what options may work best for you.
Written October 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Olana State Historic Site
Hello, thank you for visiting Olana! We appreciate your recommendations to other visitors and are so glad you enjoyed your time. The Fall season color is stunning here. Please do visit us again!
Written November 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wesley C
Tucson, AZ8,988 contributions
Beautiful Inside and Out
Beautiful hilltop mansion of Frederick Church, one of the founders of the Hudson River School of art. Completed in 1872, Olana covers 250 acres overlooking the Hudson River Valley. The colorful mansion exterior is a mix of Persian, Moorish and Victorian styles. The interior is beautifully furnished with objects from Church's global travels and has colorful stenciled walls. Put Olana on your "must see" list.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Olana State Historic Site
Hi Wesley, Sounds like you had a great tour here at Olana! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We hope you will come back and see us again.
Written August 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Olana State Historic Site (Hudson) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Olana State Historic Site
Olana State Historic Site is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM