Tours + Tickets

This guided, one mile-long walking tour provides an introduction to Olana’s naturalistic, designed landscape and to Frederic Church’s work as an artist, landscape designer, and environmental visionary. Remarkably intact, this National Historic Landmark is a 250-acre composition integrating architectural and landscape features, including a working farm, man-made lake, replanted native woodlands, and more than five miles of carriage roads. Experience Church’s living landscape masterwork against a backdrop of sublime and far-reaching views of the Hudson Valley. This fully-exterior tour covers approximately one mile over unpaved roads, and is not ADA accessible.

Explore 19th century rural life by taking a one-hour guided walk of the first piece of property that Frederic and Isabel Church purchased in 1860. Walking with your guide from the Frederic Church Visitor Center, you will discover the beauty of the Olana's man-made lake, view the remaining farm buildings and foundations, and learn how this fledgling family actively involved themselves in the surrounding landscape during their first decade at Olana. Examine the early development of Church’s interest in landscape design and agriculture, which shaped the family’s life at Olana for years to come. This fully-exterior tour covers approximately one mile over unpaved roads and is not ADA accessible.

Beginning in April! This guided driving tour along Frederic Church’s designed carriage roads provides a most comprehensive exploration of Olana as a 250-acre masterwork of American landscape design. Experience river and mountain views and enjoy sweeping vistas of the Church’s designed farm and park. Journey along the original historic approach road, taking in the exterior architecture of the Historic House just as guests of Frederic Church once did. PLEASE NOTE: Tour begins and ends at the Frederic Church Center. Please allow a 30 minute gap when scheduling additional tours as they begin in different locations. Ages 8 and above. Limit 5 passengers per vehicle.

Join us for a rare opportunity to enjoy a guided evening landscape walk at Olana! Spend one hour walking through Frederic Church’s designed landscape with a guide certified as both a volunteer master gardener and master forester. Dive into the flora and ecology and learn about how they informed Olana’s carefully composed views and its story as a living artwork. Next, enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience of a Hudson Valley evening with a glass of prosecco on the piazza of the historic house. Watch the sun begin to set behind the Catskill Mountains and see the views that inspired a great American artist. (non-alcoholic beverages also available) Saturday, July 26 & Saturday, August 23 5:30 PM (90 minutes) Walk covers approximately one mile over unpaved roads and is not ADA accessible.

This 45-minute guided tour provides an introduction to Frederic Church’s home at Olana. Approach and enter the historic House as guests of the Church family did, experiencing sweeping views of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains. Explore the art-filled, lavishly decorated public rooms of the first floor, including Church’s painting studio and learn about the work and life of America’s preeminent landscape artist. This tour is fully ADA accessible. For a complete Olana experience, pair this tour with a guided walking or electric vehicle tour of the artist-designed landscape at Olana. Be sure to leave at least 30 minutes in between tours.

The complete Olana touring experience in one package! This two-hour combination tour begins with a 60-minute guided landscape walk along Ridge Road, followed by a complete tour of the rich interiors of the historic house including both the main floor and the private family spaces. This tour involves uneven terrain and several flights of stairs, and requires the ability to walk and stand for a two-hour period.

This winter, harness your powers of observation and join a series of special ‘close looking’ conversations. During 45-minute guided dialogues, learn more about two to three works of art from Olana's collection through visual analysis, personal reflection, and historical information. Discover how slowing down and focusing attention can foster deep connections with works of art, artists, and ourselves. New works of art will be featured each month; no prior knowledge of art is required. Second floor galleries require several flights of stairs and are not ADA accessible. Seating will be provided.

Discover the treasures of Olana’s Main House interior at your own pace. This self-guided tour allows visitors full access to all the public rooms on the first and second floors of the Main House. A knowledgeable interpreter will be available in each room. Your timed ticket includes a guided walk to the Main House followed by self-guided exploration of the interior. Start time is listed on your ticket. Last ticket entry is 3:45pm. Olana’s Historic House closes promptly at 4:30pm.

May 23 -26 only. Gather with family and friends, and enjoy a stroll through the historic house at Olana. Discover the treasures of several of the interior rooms while taking in the view of Olana’s historic designed landscape. Start time is listed on your ticket. Last ticket entry is 3:30pm. Olana’s historic house closes promptly at 4:00pm.