Thomas Cole National Historic Site

Things To Do Near Thomas Cole National Historic Site

If you appreciate classical art from one of the most influential American artists, you will enjoy the historic grounds, galleries, and studios at Thomas Cole National Historic Site. RV enthusiasts will find that there are multiple parks in the vicinity with suitable amenities to enhance visits. Furthermore, the area in and around the Thomas Cole Historic Site is filled with great shops, restaurants, natural landscapes, and sightseeing opportunities. 

Hiking Trails

• Hudson River School Art Trail

  This 26-mile trail connects different painting sites from Thomas Cole's home along a lengthy route that passes through inspiring terrain. Hikers can experience landscapes and views that Thomas Cole and students painted in their day. This trail is moderate and accessible through some of the public roads.

  Location

  Catskill, NY

  Length

  26 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

• Black Dome Range Trail

  This trail is available for hiking, walking, and nature trips year-round. You will find wildflowers blooming when in season on this challenging trail. There are stream crossings and steep ascents that are part of the Black Dome Range Trail.

  Location

  Maplecrest, NY

  Length

  11.4 miles

  Intensity

  Hard

• Kaaterskill Falls Trail

  The Kaaterskill Falls trail features the tallest waterfall in New York. This trail is short at 1 mile to the base of the waterfall, but it is moderately steep. It is not considered to be an extremely challenging spot to hike.

  Location

  Greene County

  Length

  1 mile to the base of falls

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Olana State Historic Site

  The Hudson River artist and student of Thomas Cole, Frederic E. Church, designed this estate. Olana, a Latin spelling of an ancient city in the Roman Empire that had fantastic views, offers 250 acres to wander around on. Views of the Hudson River and surrounding landscapes can be seen from the unique Persian-inspired home.

  Location

  5720 State Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534

• Overlook Mountain

  Overlook Mountain is a well-known destination that is a gateway to the Catskill Forest Preserve. The mountain is a sacred place for Native Americans as well as Tibetan Buddhists. The moderate hike up Overlook Mountain affords fantastic views of the surrounding Hudson Valley.

  Location

  Meads Mountain Road, Woodstock, NY 12498

• Hudson-Athens Lighthouse

  The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse was a functioning lighthouse until the 1960s. It was built in 1874 and can be seen from Riverfront Park in Hudson. Visitors will enjoy the architecture and significance of this historic lighthouse.

  Location

  Water Street, Hudson, NY 12534

Museums

• Zadock Pratt Museum

  The Zadock Pratt Museum offers unique interpretations of early 17th-century American life, including the rich history of its eponymous founder. The Northern Catskill Region is highlighted throughout exhibits. There's also a focus on the tanning industry and railroad expansion in the region. Visitors can also find Pratt Rock, which is a unique bas-relief mural and memorial that Pratt commissioned.

  Location

  NY-23, Prattsville, NY 12468

• Museum at Bethel Woods

  For those interested in the history of the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival, this is the place. Through exhibits, events, and personal stories, the historic concert event is explored in depth. The Museum at Bethel Woods makes an excellent stop for music aficionados and those interested in the late-1960s counterculture.

  Location

  200 Hurd Rd, Bethel, NY 12720

• Bronck Museum

  Originally established in 1663, the farmstead of Pieter Bronck is now a museum that lets visitors experience past agriculture and the rural American way of life. Eight generations of the Bronck family worked the farm on this beautiful estate from 1663 to 1738. An interesting barn can also be found that holds exhibits of various horse-drawn carriages.

  Location

  90 Co Hwy 42, Coxsackie, NY 12051

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• Garden Gate Cafe

  This is a low-key local restaurant serving recognizable popular breakfast and lunch dishes. Customers enjoy the small-town feel of the establishment and reliable service with delicious offerings. Menu items are priced fairly and cater to different tastes.

  Location

  Breakfast, American

• The Artisan Shop at Camphill Hudson

  A collection of unique items such as candles, pottery, and local greeting cards can be found at the Artisan Shop at Camphill Hudson. Camphill Communities supply the shop with unique handmade items. This is a good place to find gifts for friends and family.

  Location

  360 Warren St. #2419, Hudson, NY 12534

• Wasana's Thai Restaurant

  Customers will find their favorite Thai dishes like Pad Thai noodles and various curries at this local eatery. This makes a good stop for hungry RVers who appreciate getting to try local Thai food. It's a convenient stop located right in the heart of Catskill, NY.

  Location

  336 Main St. #1425, Catskill, NY 12414

How To Get To Thomas Cole National Historic Site

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is located in the small town of Catskill, NY, south of Albany, NY, at the foot of the Catskill Mountains. From Albany, travel south on I-87. Get off at exit 21 toward NY-23/Catskill/Cairo. Drive along NY-23 East, and make a right turn onto Spring Street. The site is on your left. The park grounds are free and open from sunrise to dusk year-round. The park closes for recognized holidays.

Address

218 Spring Street, Catskill, NY 12414

Fee: Entry fee (members) $0

Fee: Entry fee (adults) $12.0

Fee: Entry fee (seniors, 62+, and students) $11.0

Fee: Entry fee (NPS pass holders) $11.0

Fee: Entry fee (children under 16) $0

At the Thomas Cole National Historic Site, visitors will find evidence of a rich history of an early American art movement as well as many acres of grounds to explore in the beautiful Catskill Mountains. Through guided and self-guided tours at this impressive estate, visitors can experience the history of Thomas Cole and his influence on American art. This makes for an inspiring day trip for RV owners who are visiting the Catskill Mountains.