The Ashokan Center is an independent music & nature nonprofit established in 2008. We welcome school groups for Educational Field Trips, host public community events including festivals and Music & Dance Camps, and rent our facility for private retreats, conferences, and weddings. Our site has been declared an Historic District on the National and State Registers of Historic Places. This land was a favored hunting and fishing ground for the Munsee Indians for generations, and became home to Americans of European descent in the 1730s. The first mill and blacksmith shop in Ulster County were built here by Lemuel Winchell who later constructed Winchellâs Inn, Ashokanâs historic centerpiece.
The Ashokan Staff are naturalists, cooks, musicians, administrators, stewards, organizers, problem-solvers, community-builders, and teachers.
We value the preservation of historic crafts and traditions while supporting lifelong experiential learning. Ashokan is a safe place to try new things, and learn old things, too!
Our composting initiative reduces food waste significantly, and teaches mindfulness and respect for our planet and those who grow and cook our food.
We are a welcoming community to all, valuing interactions across age groups and generations. All are welcome here!
Our new campus buildings were constructed for efficient energy use and we have receive 100% of our electricity from solar since 2018. We commit to a zero carbon footprint by 2030. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0JIF_2TW-E In 2018, 390 solar panels were installed to meet 100% of our facility’s electrical needsâplus a fun educational component for our visiting schools. Thank you […]
Our phone is answered Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. To ensure the privacy of school groups and private events, our site is closed to the public except during public events or on âDay Passâ days. Please call to schedule a visit or click here to book a Day Pass
Everything we do is made possible by you: our alumni, visitors, and generous supporters. Please stay connected via social media and by joining our email list below, and click here to learn how you can give back.
General Inquiries
office@ashokancenter.org
Music & Dance Camps
events@ashokancenter.org
Outdoor Education
education@ashokancenter.org
Weddings & Retreats
weddings@ashokancenter.org, retreats@ashokancenter.org
Giving
development@ashokancenter.org
Public Events
events@ashokancenter.org