boldt castle & boldt yacht house alexandria bay ny

Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House

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Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour (From ₹ 2,652.96)
• The Ultimate Heart of 1000 Islands Sightseeing Boat Tour (From ₹ 6,715.30)
• Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour (From ₹ 13,186.87)
• 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle (From ₹ 3,404.91)
• 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque (From ₹ 5,175.76)
• (0.05 km) Private Island Rental
• (0.87 km) The Ledges Resort & Marina
• (0.67 km) Capt. Thomson's Resort
• (0.83 km) Captain Visger House
• (0.78 km) Riveredge Resort
• (0.80 km) Riley's By The River
• (0.84 km) Lil' River Fudge Co.
• (0.73 km) Windows On The Bay
• (0.94 km) Cavallario's Steak and Seafood House
• (0.90 km) Josie's Pizza at the Bay
• (0.76 km) Uncle Sam Boat Tours
• (1.02 km) Heart Island
• (0.94 km) Scenic View Park
• (1.01 km) Dark Island Spirits Distillery
• (0.72 km) Cornwall Brothers Store Museum

Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour (From AU$48.49)
• The Ultimate Heart of 1000 Islands Sightseeing Boat Tour (From AU$122.73)
• Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour (From AU$241.01)
• 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle (From AU$62.23)
• 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque (From AU$94.60)
• (0.05 km) Private Island Rental
• (0.87 km) The Ledges Resort & Marina
• (0.67 km) Capt. Thomson's Resort
• (0.83 km) Captain Visger House
• (0.78 km) Riveredge Resort
• (0.80 km) Riley's By The River
• (0.84 km) Lil' River Fudge Co.
• (0.73 km) Windows On The Bay
• (0.94 km) Cavallario's Steak and Seafood House
• (0.90 km) Josie's Pizza at the Bay
• (0.76 km) Uncle Sam Boat Tours
• (1.02 km) Heart Island
• (0.94 km) Scenic View Park
• (1.01 km) Dark Island Spirits Distillery
• (0.72 km) Cornwall Brothers Store Museum

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Boldt Castle and Boldt Yacht House

Historic Sites

This 120-room Rhineland-style castle and yacht house built at the turn of the 20th century are the 1000 Islands region’s top attraction. Boldt Castle is home to one of the saddest love stories ever told. Wander the halls and imagine what could have been if tragedy had not struck. Boldt Castle is the story of one man’s devotion to his beloved wife and a dream that went unfulfilled.

Visitors to Boldt Castle return often to see rehabilitation work done on various island buildings and rooms within the castle. They admire the grandeur of the completed rooms while observing the toll that more than 70 unguarded years took on the upper floors.

The castle is accessible by tour boat, water taxi and private watercraft and handicap accessible. Boldt Castle is located in the U.S., so passengers arriving by boat from Canadian ports must provide proper identification for U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance.

Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

BOLDT CASTLE AND THE BOLDT YACHT HOUSE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Boldt Castle and 2 Nation Tour (From £25.30)
• The Ultimate Heart of 1000 Islands Sightseeing Boat Tour (From £64.04)
• Boldt Castle and Thousand Islands Helicopter Tour (From £125.75)
• 3-Hour 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque with views of Boldt Castle (From £32.47)
• 5-Hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle Stopover Cruise from Gananoque (From £49.36)
• (0.03 mi) Private Island Rental
• (0.54 mi) The Ledges Resort & Marina
• (0.42 mi) Capt. Thomson's Resort
• (0.52 mi) Captain Visger House
• (0.49 mi) Riveredge Resort
• (0.50 mi) Riley's By The River
• (0.53 mi) Lil' River Fudge Co.
• (0.46 mi) Windows On The Bay
• (0.59 mi) Cavallario's Steak and Seafood House
• (0.56 mi) Josie's Pizza at the Bay
• (0.47 mi) Uncle Sam Boat Tours
• (0.64 mi) Heart Island
• (0.59 mi) Scenic View Park
• (0.63 mi) Dark Island Spirits Distillery
• (0.45 mi) Cornwall Brothers Store Museum

Official Boldt Castle Website - Alexandria Bay NY in the Heart of the 1000 Islands

1000 Islands NY tour St. Lawrence River

The Castle Interior

The ballroom.

The ballroom is one of the most elaborate spaces in the castle, adorned with state of the art crowned molding and designed with dramatic lighting used to illuminate what should have been many evenings of entertainment on Heart Island. The architectural design of the room was intended to capture the acoustics of live music, a feature the Boldts never had a chance to enjoy.

The original plans for the ballroom called for an organ to be installed in the small landing. On display today is a donated Estey reed organ. The original cottage on the island housed a keyboard that connected to a switchboard in the Power House, capable of playing the chimes in the tower. It is likely that the castle’s organ would have been equipped to do the same.

The ballroom was restored to its present condition in 2005.

The Billiard Room

Billiards, politics, cigars and brandy were all key ingredients to an upper-class gentleman’s good time. As a hard working businessman, it is not surprising to see that George Boldt occasionally indulged in a bit of fun. It was traditional for men of that era to discuss potential business partnerships or transactions within a secluded, yet informal setting, such as a billiard room.

The billiard table on display accompanied by cue set are original Brunswick Company pieces that were restored by a Brunswick Company affiliate, who replaced the green felt and reconditioned the inlays and ornamentals on the table.

The original plaster ceiling was partially intact when the Bridge Authority received the property. The billiard room was completely restored in the early 1990’s.

George Boldt’s Suite

George Boldt’s suite is appropriately simplistic in its accommodations; as a man who would have spent most of his time entertaining guests, planning new architectural projects and boating on the St. Lawrence River. The occasional vacation spent on Heart Island would have rarely been secluded to the bedroom.

As master of the estate, George Boldt would have had a personal valet, whose duties included tending to George’s wardrobe, grooming needs and completing personal requests, such as delivering private messages or letters.

Each family suite was designed to include closets, a personal bath and a private entry onto the second floor balcony.

The Grand Hallway & Staircase

The rehabilitation efforts of the grand hall is one of the Bridge Authority’s greatest accomplishments. The area is completely unrecognizable today compared to when the property was first received in 1977.

The stained glass dome was only an empty steel frame, the Italian Carrara marble for the staircase and hall floors was never installed and the subfloor was covered in dirt. Fortunately, part of the original plaster ceiling was completed and somehow survived through the years of abandonment, allowing contractors in 1995 to cast replica molds demonstrating the authentic craftsmanship of the era.

In 1999, the grand staircase was completed, followed by the installation of the marble floor, oak millwork and completion of the stained glass dome in 2001. On display throughout the grand hall are several pieces of the reproduction art works, with the exception of two original water color paintings of the island by Philadelphia, Pennsylvania artist Frank H. Taylor. Frank Taylor was an illustrator and writer for Harper’s Weekly and likely knew George Boldt.

The Library

George Boldt was truly dedicated to a life of learning. He was also known to read books late into the evening in his study before retiring to bed. His Waldorf-Astoria office appeared to look more like a small library that a place of business. Close friends of George believed he could have easily been successful as an engineer, lawyer, artist or musician. Boldt was heavily involved in the architectural planning of both his hotels and construction of his homes. He would often attend meetings with his hired engineers. He even took up a study of French irregular verbs right before the time of his death.

Although George and Louise’s children were nearly adults upon construction of the castle, the atmosphere of the library cultivates a child-like creativity. It is likely that George Boldt had this area built with his future grandchildren in mind. Manifested in the original mahogany wainscoting are images of fairytales: a genie’s lamp, a pirate ship and even an image of Boldt Castle itself. It is believed that the detailed wood working on the American chestnut fireplace mantle tells the story of Hansel and Gretel, the Brothers Grimm fairytale originating from Germany. If you look closely, there is a young boy and girl on opposite sides of the fireplace and a haggardly woman with a very “witch-like” nose centered directly above the fireplace. As the old tale goes, Hansel and Gretel are lured into a home in the woods made of candy and sweets, only to discover that they are tricked by an evil witch who planned to eat them. The story ends with Hansel pushing the witch into the very oven she planned to cook the children in. It is not surprising that the story he likely heard as a child found its way into the theme of the library.

The books on display in the original bookcase were donated by the Flower Memorial Library of Watertown, NY and the Macsherry Library of Alexandria Bay, NY.

In 2014, the great-grandchildren of George and Louise Boldt also donated family owned books with individual family signatures on their collection of Charles Dickens novels and other classic literature, which is now available for display.

The library was completely restored and opened to the public in 2004.

The Reception Room

Had you been a guest on Heart Island, the reception room is where the Boldt family Butler would have cordially beckoned you into the the grand estate. All personal belongings would have been swiftly sent away with the footman directly to a freshly prepared guest bedroom suite. After being offered a series of refreshments, tea and coffee, Mr. and Mrs. Boldt would have arrived to formally welcome you into their home. The reception room provides just a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the Boldt’s. Originally completed in 1904, this room was restored and opened to the public in 1993.

Web site courtesy of the: Thousand Islands Bridge Authority / Boldt Castle PO Box 428, Collins Landing Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

In Season: 315-482-9724 Off Season: 315-482-2501

Coordinates: +44° 20' 40.29" N, -75° 55' 21.27" W

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Transport yourself to Europe at Ontario's Boldt Castle this spring

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For Canadians who dream of getting a taste of the fairy-tale life you might only find in Europe but prefer to stay closer to home, we have great news for you: you can visit a majestic castle near Ontario and get a small taste of Europe without leaving the country.

If you're ready for an Ontario adventure, a road trip to the Thousand Islands region is calling calling your name, with  Boldt Castle waiting to be discovered. 

Located near Alexandria Bay, NY in the famed Thousand Islands, Boldt Castle is preparing to open its doors for the 2024 on May 11th. From both Canada and the US, visitors may find transportation on either a tour boat or by personal pleasure craft.

On a warm sunny day, pack the car and head to the Thousand Islands, where you can catch a ferry to embark on an unforgettable adventure through the intricate network of islands. During your boat ride, you will pass a smaller land mass named Heart Island, which is home to Boldt Castle, a breathtaking full-scale Rhineland palace.

The history of Boldt Castle is both romantic and heartbreaking. Mr. George C. Boldt built the grandiose structure, which rivals those of Europe, built on the St. Lawrence River, in the 1900s as a display of his love for his wife, Louise and to serve as their dream summer home. However, in 1904 Louise passed away suddenly, and brokenhearted Boldt abandoned the construction of the castle and never returned to the island.

For years, the castle sat untouched until 1977 when the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property and preserved the castle for future generations. Today, visitors are invited to explore the opulent castle and the pristine grounds. So, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. The Thousand Islands region and Boldt Castle are calling your name.

Boldt Castle and the accompanying Boldt Yacht House open to the public on May 11th, 2024 through October 14th from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Passengers arriving from Canada must provide proper identification, such as a valid passport.

Boldt Castle:

• Adults:  $13 (13+ years)
• Children: $9 (5-12 years)
• Infants: Free (4 years and under)

Yacht House:

• Adults:  $7.50 (13+ years)
• Children: $5 (5-12 years)
• Infants: Free   (4 years and under) 
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Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

My 7 Favorite Stops On A 1000 Islands Road Trip

S tunning views of the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, and adjoining waterways beg you to sit, take a deep breath, and simply enjoy the scenery. The relaxed pace of a 1000 Islands road trip, motoring along scenic byways past snug harbors and charming villages, is a wonderful way to wind down and venture off the grid.

We anchored our trip to 1000 Islands in Clayton; it is central to the other stops along the 1000 Islands coastline, affording easy access to all the wonderful adventures along the route. From Clayton, it was easy to head south to Henderson Harbor, Sackets Harbor, and Cape Vincent. When we ventured north and east, we encountered Alexandria Bay.

My favorite stops along our 1000 Islands road trip are grouped together by town and are in no particular order.

Note: Some information in this piece was obtained during a sponsored press trip, but all recommendations are my own.

1. Antique Boat Museum

If you love boats and boating, you will be enchanted by the Antique Boat Museum . Its collection has amassed over 320 boats along with thousands of boating artifacts. You can visit multiple exhibits including the National Motor Boat Show displays. Showcasing the evolution of pleasure boating in North America, the exhibit is filled with historic runabouts, cruisers, and other beautiful boats you will want to own. You’ll be quipping “she’s yar” when you get a look at some of these antique gems.

When you are ready to hit the water, you can enjoy a sunset cruise on the famous country music star Alan Jackson’s 30-foot Chris Craft Cruiser, Flat Top . Bring a small cooler with snacks and your favorite beverage for 2 hours of on-the-water relaxation. Sit back, pretend you are the star of your New York road trip, and enjoy the ride. Other boat experiences include a 45-minute Ride The River trip in a 30-foot, triple cockpit Hacker Craft; a 20-minute ride on the Pardon Me, a 48-foot custom runabout; and assorted rowing and sailing experiences. Reservations are required to enjoy these boating adventures.

2. Thousand Islands Art Center

If you love creating, you will enjoy taking an art class at the Thousand Islands Art Center . Explore your creative side by taking a class on bookbinding, basic knitting, weaving, drawing, painting, and other hands-on crafting classes. The class on my list is Expressive Textiles: Painting and Printing on Fabric — right up my alley.

The center also has two galleries displaying stunning handwoven textiles, a variety of artisan exhibits, and curated shows.

Classes are open to non-members, so why not make your own 1000 Islands souvenir?

3. Southwick Beach State Park

Every vacation deserves a beach day and Southwick Beach State Park is ready for your blanket, picnic basket, and beach book. Like many wonderful state parks, Southwick offers a wide variety of services including campsites, cabins, pavilions, and bath facilities. In addition to swimming, you can enjoy fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

4. Westcott Beach State Park

Another great stop along Lake Ontario is Westcott Beach State Park . The park has a small beach, lots of green spaces, camping sites, pavilions, and bath facilities. A small boat marina adjacent to the beach is perfect for campers and day-trippers who want to put their boat in the water to drop a line and hook a black bass or two.

5. Sackets Harbor Battlefield

Sackets harbor.

Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site is a must-stop on your 1000 Islands road trip. The rolling green gives way to harbor views and imparts a peaceful stroll in the park. However, the battlefield history is quite different than what you experience today.

During the War of 1812, Sackets Harbor was the upper St. Lawrence River Valley and Lake Ontario center for U.S. military activity. It was a bustling community of militia, sailors, and shipbuilders constructing a large fleet to patrol the waterfront and prepare for the invasion of Canada.

Self-guided tours, with the help of strategic signage, impart the military history and battlefield maneuvers of this historic sight. In-season, guided tours are led by docents dressed in period military clothing to bring the area to life.

Sackets Harbor Battlefield is a picture-perfect spot to get out and walk, enjoy the pretty scenery, and learn a little history.

6. Tibbetts Point Lighthouse

Cape vincent.

Lighthouse hunters will love the charming Tibbetts Point Lighthouse . Built in 1827, Tibbetts Point Lighthouse is at the juncture of where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River. The lighthouse features an original Fresnel lens, one of approximately 75 still in use across U.S. coastlines today. Unfortunately, the active lighthouse is not accessible to visitors. However, guests are free to enjoy the grounds and scenic views.

When you need a coffee break, pop into Cup of Joy Cafe and grab one of their house lattes. Don’t forget to order a delicious pastry to go with it. My favorite latte, the Angel Rock, is made with white chocolate and raspberry — satisfying the sweet tooth hangries.

There is a lovely little park across the street where you can enjoy your pastry and coffee with a water view.

7. Boldt Castle

Alexandria bay.

Boldt Castle is one of the major attractions along the New York State 1000 Islands road trip. The castle, only accessible by boat, is situated on Heart Island. It was built as a summer home for George and Louise Boldt. Sadly, Louise passed before the castle was completed and the magnificent home sat empty and unfinished for over 70 years. Today, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority operates the beautifully appointed castle and accompanying Boldt Yacht House.

As soon as you enter, the foyer and grand staircase set the tone for the home’s elaborate décor and opulent furnishings. The library, billiard room, and ballroom will take your breath away with the beautiful craftsmanship. I find summer homes of bygone days, built to resemble European Castles, intriguing. They represent an affluence few of us will ever achieve.

After your visit to Boldt Castle, stop by Thousand Islands Winery for a tour and a taste of their exceptional New York wines. The beautiful farm, surrounded by lush grape vines, is a perfect backdrop to enjoy a glass of your new favorite wine.

Great Lakes Seaway Trail

The Great Lakes Seaway Trail offers road trippers four different segments to explore the shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and the Niagara River. If you have the time, explore all four sections; most of our trip was on the scenic 1000 Islands/St. Lawrence River section. Three other routes make up the entire trail: Lake Erie/Buffalo/Niagara Falls, Rochester/Central Lake Ontario, and Eastern Lake Ontario.

Boating The Thousand Islands Region

One of the main draws of 1000 Islands is boating. Whether you tow your own, rent, or hire, getting out on the water will enhance your visit.

The Antique Boat Museum offers several boat tour options. An extensive list of boat rentals and boat tours is available on the 1000 Islands website. No matter what town or village you find yourself in, there is most likely a marina, boat launch, or captain available for you to enjoy some time on the water.

1000 Islands Harbor Hotel

In the center of your 1000 Islands road trip is the town of Cayton, the perfect spot to anchor your adventures. The beautiful 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel , perched on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, offers easy access to everything you want to see and do.

We loved the balcony view while enjoying a cup of morning coffee. Every morning, on each floor, the staff sets up a coffee station with freshly brewed coffee and tea options. I appreciated not having to figure out yet another hotel room coffee maker that spits out a marginal morning beverage. Offering brewed coffee on each floor is genius! Grab one of the cozy hotel robes, pad down the hall, pour an exceptional cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy it on your deck with a view of the morning water activities. Every hotel should get on board with this trendsetting idea.

The Best 1000 Islands Road Trip

One of my favorite things about visiting 1000 Islands is the proliferation of benches. Pretty little parks pop up along the route offering beautiful views and spots to sit and take it all in.

Pro Tip: Many of the spots I’ve listed are open seasonally; be sure to check the locations’ websites for opening and closing dates.

Related Reading: 

• 7 Incredible Lake Placid Region Restaurants With A Water View
• 11 Incredible Outdoor Adventures In Stunning Saranac Lake, New York
• 22 Fantastic Things To Do On Long Island

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits