RoadRangeROADRANGE
A three story house with large porch across the front and flight of steps leading to the ground.
NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

Thomas Cole National Historic Site

In 1825, America was still a new nation, just forming its own unique identity and traditions.

Photo: Photo by Escape Brooklyn / NPS

NY
state
6
things to do
6
parks within a day
OVERVIEW

About Thomas Cole National Historic Site

In 1825, America was still a new nation, just forming its own unique identity and traditions. Thomas Cole invented a new style of art, one that Americans could call their own. His landscape paintings launched the art movement known as the Hudson River School. His groundbreaking achievements took place here in Catskill, New York -- in the "peaceful shades" of his beloved home, Cedar Grove.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range
Lindenwald, a yellow, 3 story mansion, is surrounded by trees.
NY
Thomas Cole National Historic Site◆◆this park
National Historic Site · New York
Martin Van Buren National Historic Site
0h 24m
one-way
drive time
Distance
16 mi
Round trip
0h 48m
Verdict
Easy day trip
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A stucco and fieldstone house with white trim and circular portico.
NY
Thomas Cole National Historic Site◆◆this park
National Historic Site · New York
Home Of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site
0h 52m
one-way
drive time
Distance
36 mi
Round trip
1h 44m
Verdict
Easy day trip
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Misty April Morning
NY
Thomas Cole National Historic Site◆◆this park
National Historic Site · New York
Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site
0h 52m
one-way
drive time
Distance
34 mi
Round trip
1h 45m
Verdict
Easy day trip
View park→
Val-Kill Cottage in the Summer
NY
Thomas Cole National Historic Site◆◆this park
National Historic Site · New York
Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site
0h 57m
one-way
drive time
Distance
36 mi
Round trip
1h 55m
Verdict
Easy day trip
View park→
Blue dome atop a large factory behind a river
CT
Thomas Cole National Historic Site◆◆this park
National Historical Park · Connecticut
Coltsville National Historical Park
1h 8m
one-way
drive time
Distance
45 mi
Round trip
2h 16m
Verdict
Easy day trip
View park→
A man wearing 18th-century clothing carrying a musket and a farmhouse are silhouetted by sunrise.
NY
Thomas Cole National Historic Site◆◆this park
National Historical Park · New York
Saratoga National Historical Park
1h 27m
one-way
drive time
Distance
73 mi
Round trip
2h 54m
Verdict
Easy day trip
View park→

Driving times from Thomas Cole National Historic Site, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

Thomas Cole National Historic Site

Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day
THINGS TO DO

Activities

Arts and CultureBirdwatchingGuided ToursMuseum ExhibitsSelf-Guided Tours - WalkingWildlife Watching
PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

For details and information, visit, http://www.thomascole.org/.

Directions →Official NPS page →

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do at Thomas Cole National Historic Site?
Popular activities include Arts and Culture, Birdwatching, Guided Tours, Museum Exhibits, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Wildlife Watching.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Thomas Cole National Historic Site?
Within about a day's drive you can reach Martin Van Buren National Historic Site (24 min), Home Of Franklin D Roosevelt National Historic Site (52 min), Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site (52 min), Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (57 min), Coltsville National Historical Park (1 h 8 min), Saratoga National Historical Park (1 h 27 min).