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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
827 reviews
#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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See what other travelers are saying
  • George R
    Schenectady, New York1 contribution
    Very Interesting Tour
    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.
    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.
    Visited January 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written January 25, 2020
  • Juliefoe
    New York City, New York23 contributions
    Magnificent house with great river view and lovely garden
    The family home of Frederic Church, one of the Hudson River School of painters, is well worth a visit. The lovely grounds overlooking the river are wonderful to hike around even if you don't go for the house tour, which is definitely worth it, but you need to make a reservation. The mixed annual/perennial garden is lovely and was inundated with butterflies when we visited in September.
    Visited September 2019
    Written January 19, 2020
  • ccgmary
    New York City, New York23 contributions
    Bringing art alive
    This was the second time I'd visited Olana and really love it both the summer trip a few years ago and on this chilly past weekend. Frederic Church was one of the Hudson River school masters and a globe trotter / the Arab world. He worked from this house and it is chock full of his art, and souvenirs from world travels. The views from the house are spectacular and the guide was pretty good too. Spring summer fall are probably better because you can walk the surrounding park in addition to seeing the eclectic house.
    Olana State Historic Site
    Hello, thank you for visiting Olana! We appreciate your recommendation. Hope you come back soon to explore more of Olana!
    Written August 5, 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2020
    Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
827 reviews
Excellent
564
Very good
200
Average
45
Poor
9
Terrible
9
bitt
Miami Shores, FL53 contributions
Wonderful House Tour by Family Member
Jan 2020 • Friends
We visited Olana in early January 2020. So glad it was open on a Sunday. Our guide, “Ricky” is a Great Grandson of the sister of Frederick Church’s son’s wife, so we got an intimate perspective of the Estate and the personalities that lived in this wonderful Mansion. Although we were assigned a 40 minutes “glimpse” tour, Ricky spent a good hour and 10 minutes with our group. He loved discussing the details and history of each painting - and there were a lot of them! Our only disappointment was that our tour did not cover the 2nd floor bedrooms, attic, rooftop, or basement. Maybe these areas are open in the summer time. Thank you again, Ricky. We had a wonderful Sunday adventure.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JPatti1
Chicago, IL199 contributions
Interesting Eclecticism
Oct 2021
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
TravelOwlz123
11 contributions
Must-see historic site if interested in Frederic Church and the Hudson River School of American landscape artists
Jun 2022
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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, TN2,769 contributions
Stunning architecture & decor
Mar 2022 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Claire M
Charlottesville, VA248 contributions
A Must See Gem
Aug 2021 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Lea S
55 contributions
Extraordinary estate, art, and breathtaking views
Oct 2021
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
marcopolopaloalto
Palo Alto, CA1,101 contributions
A must when visiting Hudson Valley
Jul 2020
A stunning example of a Unique Hudson Valley mansion, “Persian Inspired style” that was built by Frederich Church, the most famous American landscape artist in the late 1800’s whose romantic large canvases reflected the optimistic spirit of the Manifest Destiny of the stunning Hudson Valley with its wide rivers and majestic mtns.
The grounds encompass about 18 plus acres and one may walk the grounds while the home and gift shop are not open to the public during the pandemic.
Church came from a wealthy family and that gave him the ability to travel and paint and sketch luscious landscapes such as Niagara , The Heart of the Andes, Petra, etc...

A good picnic spot and more spectacular than imagined
Written July 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olana State Historic Site
Hello, thank you for visiting Olana! We appreciate your recommendation and great review. We've now reopened the Museum Store and for Olana Outdoor Tours. The landscape of Olana State Historic Site is 250 acres and open daily, 8 AM to sunset. Hope you'll come back soon and explore more of Olana!
Written August 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SandF2012
Oradell, NJ382 contributions
Nice place to visit on a clear day
Oct 2019
We heard about the Olana State Historical House and decided to visit the site in early October. The site has a good view of the Hudson River; and IMO the most interesting part is the Frederic Church house done is a 'Moorish Style'. We arrived late in the morning mid week and had no problem getting tickets for early in the afternoon. If you have some time & the weather is nice please consider visiting the location. And please note it's in Hudson NY and about a 2 hour drive from Bergen County via the NYS Thruway
Written January 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara S
9 contributions
Hudson Valley Gem
Oct 2021
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Shawn H
Washington DC, DC393 contributions
Beautiful Hill-top Artist's Residence
May 2022
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
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Olana State Historic Site - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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

Olana State Historic Site Information

Excellent Reviews

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Very Good Reviews

200

Olana State Historic Site Photos

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