Thomas Cole is regarded as the founder of America’s first major art movement, known as the Hudson River School, and created pristine landscape paintings unlike any yet seen. His vision of wild and untouched scenery with majestic mountains and tangled forests stood in stark contrast to the gentle landscape images that had come before. He found a permanent home at Cedar Grove in 1836 when he married Maria Bartow. The Federal-style main house, which stands today, is surrounded by six acres of woodland that inspired many of Cole's paintings. Purchased by the Greene County Historical Society in 1988 and declared a National Historic Site the following year, the site underwent restoration and opened to the public in 2001 on the 200th birthday of Thomas Cole.

Thomas Cole Historic Site is also a member of the Historic Artists' Homes & Studios program.

June through October, guided tours are offered Tuesday–Sunday. During the winter months, select weekend days offer guided tours and special programs.

The grounds remain open daily, from dawn until dusk.