Come and see why Mark Twain called Olana “an exalted hill of art.”
By Isabel Hochman
Olana, the former home of Hudson River School painter Frederic Church in Greenport, NY, is a New York State Historic Site and public park. Set on a breathtaking 250-acre estate, it reflects Church’s artistic vision, his deep love for the Hudson Valley and his fascination with travel and exploration across the globe.
A day trip to Olana should include a tour of both the grounds and the house, where Church lived with his wife, Isabel, and their four children. The home—designed by Church and built between 1860 and 1900 after his travels in the Middle East—blends Victorian architecture with Middle Eastern influences and sits atop a hill with sweeping views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains.
Knowledgeable, welcoming guides lead visitors from the base of the property up the winding carriage road to the main house. Along the way, they share thoughtful historical anecdotes and encourage questions, making the experience engaging, personal and connected. Inside, the tour continues to offer insight into how the artist’s family lived and worked, including a tour of Frederic’s studio and how his art was shaped by his adventures and hardships.
Having visited in summer and winter, Olana is stunning year-round—offering inspiration, history and beauty at every turn.
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