LOWER HUDSON

Manitoga/ The Russel Wright Design Center

https://www.visitmanitoga.org/

584 Route 9D PO Box 249

Garrison, NY 10524

Hours: Mid-May to Mid-November, Thursday-Sunday and select Mondays. Please review the visitor information section of their website when planning your visit. Manitoga trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.

Admission: Visit website for rates and tickets.

Phone: 845-424-3812, Guide House/Weekend Tours Phone: 845-228-8381 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

 

Historical Description:

"In the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s Wright was one of the best known designers in the U.S. At the apex of his career, Wright left New York City and moved his base of operations to Garrison. It was here that he created a unique home and designed landscape. He named it Manitoga, meaning Place of the Great Spirit in Algonquin. Wright shared the Native Americans' respect for the earth."

 

The Site:

"Wright purchased Manitoga in 1942 and once it became his permanent residence he came to know the plants, rocks, soils, water, climate, and creatures comprising the site, and the successional process that would ensue. It was these that he manipulated, perhaps edited. Some species, exotic and invasive, he removed; others he managed for light and shade. Certain species he introduced, notably wildflowers; others, ferns and mosses, he cultivated.

In this process, RW identified certain locations that offered dramatic experiences or views. They in turn were linked by the pathway system, which did much to demonstrate the richness and natural history of the site."