Garrison is a hamlet in Putnam County, New York. It is part of Philipstown, on the east side of the Hudson River, across the river from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Garrison was selected by Hudson Valley Magazine as one of the ten best places to live in the Hudson Valley. A century ago, its beauty was immortalized by painters of the Hudson River School. Garrison is home of the Boscobel, a historic house museum built for States Dyckman and his family in the early 19th century. Located south of Garrison, a short distance from the Bear Mountain Bridge, Manitoga was the estate and home of industrial designer Russel Wright. Graymoor is the headquarters of the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Atonement. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary is a tidal marsh, that serves as crucial natural habitat in the Hudson River Estuary.
1. Boscobel House and Gardens
Boscobel is a historic house museum located in Garrison, New York, on the banks of the Hudson River. The house was built for States Dyckman and his family in the early 19th century . The beautiful house is considered fine example of the Federal style of American architecture, decorated by period furniture and art from Dyckman's extensive collection. The house was moved from its original location in the village of Montrose to its current site 15 miles upriver during its restoration in the mid-20th century. Next to the house is a sculpture garden with ten bronze busts of renowned Hudson River School artists. The house was converted into a museum and opened to the public in 1961.
1601 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524, Phone: 845-265-3638
2. Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center
Located south of Garrison, New York, a short distance from the Bear Mountain Bridge, Manitoga was the estate and home of industrial designer Russel Wright. The home, studio and surrounding garden show Wright's ideas about what is good design and living in harmony with nature. Wright and his wife Mary bought the 75-acre property in 1942 and designed it with sustainability in mind, at the time a new concept. Wright redirected a mountain stream and designed a multi-level 30-foot waterfall and a swimming pond in an abandoned quarry pit. His woodland landscape design incorporated trees, streams, boulders, moss, native plants, stone steps, terraces and bridges. Manitoga includes four miles of walking trails. Guided tours of the house and landscape are offered May through early November.
584 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524, Phone: 845-424-3812
3. Graymoor, The Holy Mountain
Graymoor, today the headquarters of the Franciscan Friars and Sisters of the Atonement, was originally a mission church called St. John In the Wilderness, erected in 1875 in the hills of the Hudson River by the rector of the Episcopal Church in Garrison, New York. The church was later abandoned and deteriorated. In 1893 three Anglican ladies restored it and named it Graymoor. In 1898, Mother Lurana White and Fr. Paul Wattson applied for Graymoor to become the foundation of their newly founded Society of the Atonement. Graymoor’s shrines, chapels and picturesque grounds are open for the public and people of all faiths to enjoy.
Garrison, NY 10524
4. Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary
Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary is a tidal marsh in Putnam County, New York, that serves as crucial natural habitat in the Hudson River Estuary. It is located on the east shore of the Hudson River, south of the village of Cold Spring. The marsh is part of Hudson Highlands State Park and is one of five major tidal marshes along the Hudson River. The marsh is a New York State Bird Conservation Area, an Audubon New York Important Bird Area and a Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. Audubon Center organizes nature education programs for visiting groups, researchers doing bird studies, habitat restoration efforts and invasive species management. There are hiking trails that lead to a 700-foot boardwalk that runs through the marsh.
127 Warren Landing Rd, Garrison, NY 10524, Phone: 845-265-2601
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5. Garrison Art Center
Garrison Art Center in Garrison, New York was created to promote the creation, showing and enjoyment of art. The center was established in 1964, after a group of local community arts enthusiasts organized a fundraising show of local artwork at the Garrison School. Since then the Art Center has grown from serving only Garrison residents to serving the entire Hudson Valley. In 2012, Hudson Valley Magazine named Garrison Art Center Best Community Art Center and 'one of the Valley's most active arts meccas.
23 Garrisons Landing, Garrison, NY 10524, Phone: 845-424-3960
6. Highlands Country Club, Garrison
Highlands Country Club, established in 1898, is one of the Hudson Valley’s oldest family recreation clubs and golf courses. Originally a private estate, Highlands Country Club grew into prominent social and recreational hub of the community activity. Besides providing access to the golf course, the club also offers heated swimming pool and tennis courts. The golf course is located across the river from West Point. This nine-hole course offers great views of the Hudson Highlands. The 4,600-yard course is equally suitable for beginners, seniors or walkers and sufficiently challenging for the experienced golfer. The Club also serves as a highly coveted wedding and special event venue, seamlessly blending old world style with a modern flair.
955 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524, Phone: 845-424-3254
7. The Philipstown Depot Theatre, Garrison, NY
The Philipstown Depot Theatre is a professionally run non-profit organization built on the legacy of their predecessor Hand to Mouth Players. Located in Garrison, New York, the theatre was founded in 1996 by a group of local residents who felt the need for the performing arts venue in their Hudson Valley community. The Depot produces a range of diverse shows throughout the year. It also organizes workshops and classes for local kids. The theatre occupies a historic 1893 train depot, a granite building with high ceilings, curved southern end and generous eaves. It is located on the eastern bank of the Hudson River, across from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
10 Garrisons Landing, Garrison, NY 10524, Phone: 845-424-3900
8. Garrison Restaurant & Pizzeria, Garrison, New York
Garrison Restaurant & Pizzeria is a small family-owned and run Italian restaurant and pizzeria on the Route 9 in Garrison, New York. Small, unpretentious counter serve spot is bright and clean and very popular for its huge menu of Italian traditional dishes, pizzas with a range of toppings, two dozen of pasta dishes, delicious desserts, as well as traditional American favorites such as burgers seafood, chicken entres and veal dishes. Garrison also delivers and caters small and big events. They also have a small nicely decorated room for private parties that sits 40. .
1135 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524, Phone: 845-424-6447
What is Garrison, New York known for? What to do. What are the top attractions to visit in Garrison, New York?
The top attractions to visit in Garrison, New York according to local experts are:
- Boscobel House and Gardens
- Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center
- Graymoor, The Holy Mountain
- Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary
- Garrison Art Center
- Highlands Country Club, Garrison
- The Philipstown Depot Theatre, Garrison, NY
- Garrison Restaurant & Pizzeria, Garrison, New York
Attraction Spotlight: Manitoga
Located in Philipstown, Manitoga was the home and studio of Russel Wright, a mid-century industrial designer. Today, Manitoga serves as a National Historic Landmark in the Hudson Valley and preserves Wright’s legacy.
In 1942, Russel and Mary Wright stumbled upon the Manitoga property. Although the property was 75 acres, it was in rough condition from logging. But, this was a common condition for land within the Hudson Highlands. Russel and Mary acquired the land, and began designing their magnificent property with the theme of sustainability. At the time, only a few people designed homes with the concept of sustainability.
Between Russel and Mary’s concept of sustainability and woodlands, Russel created many intricate designs into nature. He even created a multi-level waterfall to create a new swimming pond from an old pit. Mary passed away in 1952, and Russel continued to build the home. The result of Russel’s continuous additions was a home and studio that were located right on the ledge of the home’s surrounding quarry.
There are two main permanent attractions at Manitoga: hiking trails and the house, studio, and surrounding landscape.
The hiking trails at Manitoga are open all year long. While they are nearby the Manitoga house, studio, and gardens, the buildings at Manitoga cannot be seen from the hiking trails. Anyone can explore the hiking trails at Manitoga, and are not required to follow a tour guide. There are five main hiking trails at Manitoga:
· Boulders Osio is a short and easy path.
· Chestnut Oak Osio is another short and easy path.
· Wickopee Loop is a moderate trail that crosses the log bridge.
· White Pine Loop is a moderate trail that crosses a stepping stone stream.
· Lost Pond Loop is the hardest trail at Manitoga and requires enough endurance to cross rocky and steep sections.
Aside from the hiking trails at Manitoga, visitors can explore the house, studio, and surrounding landscape. It’s important to note visitors can only explore the actual buildings of Manitoga with a tour guide. A tour guide will take you and your group throughout Wright’s home, studio, and gardens. It also should be noted this tour requires a lot of walking and a moderate hike, so be sure to wear a comfy outfit and pair of shoes!
Art and objects related to Russel Wright’s life and profession are typically displayed within the house or studio at Manitoga. These special attractions occur occasionally, so it is important to regularly check Manitoga’s official website for an updated list of current special attractions.
Nature in Design is the only special attraction currently at Manitoga. Nature in Design is a collection of dinnerware items Russel Wright and other designers made using Manitoga as the main inspiration. Throughout the 1950s, Wright would press flowers, leaves, and other items from nature into ceramics to create prototypes. Manitoga has yet to release the ending display date for Nature in Design.
Since the required guided tour at Manitoga is basically a walking history lesson, there are only a few educational opportunities at Manitoga. One of the most popular educational opportunities at Manitoga is the two-week summer camp that occurs annually.
Every year, fifty students aged five to 12 attend Manitoga for an intensive two-week summer camp during the middle of July. Campers participate in various lessons and activities that expose them to cultural awareness, nature, art, and STEM topics. Although campers are divided among age and grade level, many activities integrate various ages and skill levels. Campers are led and taught by renowned educator, Melinda Franzese. In addition to Franzese, campers will interact with guest staff and educators.
For more information about the summer camp and other educational opportunities at Manitoga, check out their official website, or contact them during their hours of operation.
Manitoga regularly hosts public and private special events throughout the year. Like the special attractions at Manitoga, the special events are continuously changing. So, be sure to check Maintoga’s online events calendar for more details.
584 NY-9D, Garrison, NY 10524, Phone: 845-424-3812
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