Olana State Historic Site

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An official Path Through History Site! Olana is the greatest masterpiece of Frederic Edwin Church, the preeminent American artist of the mid-19th century. It is considered the most important artist’s home, studio, and designed landscape in the US. Church designed Olana as a holistic environment integrating advanced ideas about art, architecture, landscape design, and environmental conservation. Olana’s 250-acre artist-designed landscape with five miles of carriage roads and a Persian-inspired house at its summit embraces unrivaled panoramic views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains. An array of Church`s art and collections are displayed and a gallery on the second floor features annual exhibitions. The house and landscape are open for guided touring, and reservations are highly recommended. The landscape is open daily 8 am to sunset. Hiking, picnicking, birding, snow-shoeing, and cross country skiing are available seasonally along with programs and special events. Recreational activities on the lake include fishing (with valid NYS fishing license and permit), kayaks, and non-motored boats. Permits for these activities are available from the Site Manager’s office.

Amenities