Laura F.
Yelp
I prefer Grounds for Sculpture over Storm King but it is still worth at least 1 visit.
My husband and I came here for the first time 8 years ago and wanted to try visiting again. I felt the same way about it today as I did 8 years ago. It's a beautiful outdoor space, calm surroundings, great for a picnic and walking but with pretty 'meh' sculpture/art pieces. I admit that on a first visit, the grandeur of the pieces are really something to see but, to me, there's not enough of it for the space and little diversity.
We were there for several hours and only made it halfway through the park before we got tired of walking. We made it to the nature center and contemplated going all the way to the back end but when we looked at the map, there just wasn't enough art pieces to make it worth it so we hung out where we were, relaxed, got some food, took photos and eventually headed back to the car.
Admission: I assume the price tag is mainly for maintenance of this massive park but I can't help but compare it to GFS which is 18$ a person and also has lots of upkeep to do, is more pleasant visually and has a beautiful restaurant. This was 23$ and is only worth it if you spend several hours or the day, here. Make it a picnic day, bring some music, lay out, walk some...then I can see it making more sense.
Parking: They tell you where to park so no real choice on lots. We wound up right near the portapotties and outdoor garden cafe. Was a good spot for us and easy to get in and out.
Bathrooms: we used the portapotty which is as expected and we also used the bathroom at the nature center which was well kept and much better. Water fountain and also water bottle station available here.
Artwork: Art is always subjective so I'm sure many people will love the artwork. I really like the scale of the pieces and love the bright red features but outside of that, I feel it's very redundant and not much diversity. Many things are steel or beams just put together to make a geometric shape. The colors are pretty dull or on the darker side. My husband and I actually started making a silly game out of it, guessing the name of the sculptures before we looked at the plaque. "Red steel" "circle on square" "iron" because much of the art isn't actually named anything worth anything. "Painted aluminum". Cooooll. I loved the mirror fence, the pond, the suspended piece in the main field, all the giant red pieces, and the pillars. We didn't make it all the way to the back this year mostly bc I recall the boat in the pond was legit a boat not even in the water. not worth seeing again.
Walking: there is alottttt of walking. We went towards the cafe first because there seemed to be so many installations in one spot but this path is very rocky and uneven. Wear sneakers and take your time especially if you are older or have small children. The other areas outside of this were more maintained and beautifully kept. There are many hills and things but they do have a golf cart and trams that can pick you up. We didn't try it though so I don't know where you even go to get on it
Outdoor garden cafe: I can't speak to much on all the food but we got the vegan hotdog and it was gross...not because it was vegan which I'm sure is your first guess haha but because everything was cold except the soda. That was warm. The bun, cold. Hot dog, ice cold. All condiments on the side and do it yourself. Maybe the other items would be better, not sure.
Museum store: cute little items and nice place to take a break. It's kind of the mid way point of the park. Few side rooms where there are art installations. Loved the day and night drawings from the children. Bathrooms available here and also a small snack cart.
Definite statement pieces & Dramatic scales. A lot of greenery and is peaceful.
Bottom line: worth at least 1 visit. If you like the concept, also try Grounds for sculpture.