Attractions and Places To See around Bard College - Top 6

The area around Bard College is rich in history. You can explore the Clermont State Historic Site, which was the country seat of the Livingston family for generations and offers spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley. Additionally, the Bard College campus itself is a National Historic Landmark, featuring historic buildings like Blithewood Manor with its Italianate walled garden, and Montgomery Place Historic Estate, which includes a historic mansion, farm, and gardens.

Yes, Bard College is home to several architectural marvels. The most prominent is the Richard B. Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, designed by Frank Gehry, known for its distinctive 'fluttering steel' design. Other significant structures include Blithewood Manor, a Georgian revival mansion, and Stone Row, an example of Collegiate Gothic architecture. The Chapel of the Holy Innocents, built in 1857, also features a redesigned interior by Ralph Adams Cram.

Bard College's expansive campus includes the Bard Arboretum, spanning over 1,000 acres with forested bluffs, ravines, and various distinct gardens. You can find the Italianate walled garden at Blithewood Manor and the picturesque gardens at Montgomery Place Historic Estate. The campus also offers stunning views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains, with natural areas like Bartlett Field and Olin Pond, and many 200-year-old trees.

Beyond its historical architecture, Bard College offers significant cultural sites. The Center for Curatorial Studies (CCS Bard) and the Hessel Museum of Art feature contemporary art and curatorial practices. You can also experience 'Parliament of Reality,' a permanent sculptural environment by Olafur Eliasson. The college regularly hosts public lectures, film screenings, and performances at various campus venues.

Many attractions in the area are suitable for families. The Clermont State Historic Site is family-friendly, offering historical exploration in a scenic setting. The Waterfall at Falling Waters Preserve provides an easy walk to an overlook. Ferncliff Forest is another great option for families, featuring an observation tower and trails.

The region offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find miles of hiking trails on Bard's campus, including those within the Bard Arboretum and at Montgomery Place. For more structured routes, consider exploring options like the 'Clermont Historic Site Loop' or the 'Ferncliff Red Trail'. You can find detailed hiking guides for the area at Hiking around Bard College.

Yes, there are several cycling routes in the vicinity of Bard College. You can find routes that take you along quiet backroads with scenic views, such as the 'River Road - Fantastic Ride' loops. For longer and more challenging rides, options like the 'Ashokan Rail Trail Loop from Saugerties' are available. Explore more cycling guides at Cycling around Bard College.

The Saugerties Lighthouse is a historic man-made monument originally built in the 1860s to aid navigation on the Hudson River. It has been beautifully restored to maintain its historical appearance and now houses a gift shop and even a bed and breakfast, offering a unique experience with views of the river.

Yes, a notable natural attraction is the Waterfall at Falling Waters Preserve. This long, cascading waterfall is the main draw of the preserve, and there's an overlook area with benches where you can sit and enjoy the view.

Ferncliff Forest is a 200-acre old-growth forest known for housing Mount Rutsen and its observation tower. It's a great spot for hiking and enjoying nature. Visitors can climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The scenic views of the Hudson River Valley from places like Clermont State Historic Site are highly praised. The restored charm of the Saugerties Lighthouse and the tranquil beauty of the Waterfall at Falling Waters Preserve are also popular highlights.

Absolutely. The Bard College campus itself, including areas like Montgomery Place Historic Estate and Blithewood Manor, offers glorious views of the Hudson River and the Catskill Mountains. The Clermont State Historic Site is also renowned for providing one of the most spectacular views of the Hudson River Valley.