Boldt Castle Tour – A Historic Mansion on Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, New York
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Explore the Magnificence of Boldt Castle: A Tour of Heart Island Alexandria Bay, Upstate New York
Boldt Castle is a grand historic mansion situated on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay, New York, in the Thousand Island region. Take a quick look inside Boldt Castle below and with our video above.
Boldt Castle then and now
Construction began in 1900 by George Boldt, a wealthy hotelier, as a symbol of his love for his wife Louise. The castle was intended to be a full-scale replica of a Rhineland castle with ornate gardens, a drawbridge, and a powerhouse.
However, the construction was abruptly stopped in 1904, after Louise Boldt passed away suddenly. Construction never continued, leaving the castle abandoned for more than 70 years.
Boldt Castle has been through several restoration projects over the years to preserve it for future generations. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the castle in 1977 and embarked on a multi-million dollar restoration project to restore it to its former glory.
Today, Boldt Castle is open to the public. It is now a museum and event venue. You can even have your wedding at Boldt Castle (Get Wedding Info). Visitors come from all over to see its grand Victorian and Medieval architecture and learn about its fascinating history.
The castle has over 120 rooms, including a grand ballroom, a formal dining room, and a billiards room. Also featured are formal gardens, a large pond, and a children’s playhouse. Both guided and self-tours of the castle are available. Visitors are able to explore the grounds, including the Alster Tower, Power House, Dovecotes, and Yacht House.
Additionally, the legend of the “Heart Island” is another attraction for visitors, which is believed to bring good luck to those who visit. The island features a heart-shaped pool built by George Boldt as a symbol of his love for Louise.
Boldt Castle Tours
This is a self-guided tour. Prices start at $9 for children. There are different packages available and some include your shuttle.
Group rates are available.
Getting to Boldt Castle
Boldt Castle is only accessible by water, and visitors can use a tour boat or personal craft to get there.
We used Uncle Sam Boat Tours to get to Boldt Castle. They offer shuttle service and a variety of scenic cruises. Shuttle service is available every day the castle is open. We went with the scenic cruise that also took us down the Thousand Islands to Singer Castle.
You can get tickets for the scenic cruise on their website. As of now, you can only get the shuttle tickets in person. There is another Boat Tour company right next to Uncle Sam and they share the same small parking lot.
Boldt Castle also recommends Clayton Island Tours. They too offer a variety of scenic cruises, one being the Rock Island Lighthouse Tour on a Glass Bottom Boat.
There are also Tour Boat options if you are coming from Canada, Rockport Cruises and Gananoque City Cruises.
Hours
The castle and yacht house are not open year round. They open from mid-May to mid-October, and the grounds are open from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. If you’re planning a visit, head to their website at BoldtCastle.com for up-to-date information on admission prices and hours. Especially around the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Boldt Castle is a must-see for anyone visiting the Alexandria Bay area of New York. It offers a glimpse into the past and a chance to experience the grandeur of a bygone era.
You can even download the Boldt Castle app so you can get deeper into the history of the castle. The app also includes helpful information about restroom locations, maps, picnic areas and more.
And…since the island is part of the 1000 islands, you can get authentic 1000 Island Dressing in the gift shop!
Other Near by Thousand Islands Attraction
Singer Castle
Dark Island
Chippewa Bay, NY 13623
www.singercastle.com
A 45-minute guided tour of the castle built by millionaire Frederick Gilbert Bourne of the Singer Sewing Machine Co.
Aro Adventures Whitewater Rafting
140 Newell St.
Watertown, NY 13601
www.aroadventures.com
Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts
43772 Rt. 12
Alexandria Bay, NY 13607
(315)482-2021
Call first to confirm hours, they do not have a website and can only be found a little on FaceBook. The reviews of this place are good and looks like a lot of fun for the family.
Antique Boat Museum
750 Mary St.
Clayton, NY 13624
www.abm.org
The Antique Boat Museum features the largest collection of antique and classic boats on display in North America!
Old McDonald’s Farm
14471 County Route 145
Sackets Harbor, NY 13685
oldmcdonaldhasafarm.com
Old McDonald’s Farm has over 200 farm animals, toys, hayrides, a Reindeer Christmas Village, putting holes and more.
Find more fun things to do at visit1000islands.com
Niagara Falls is just over 4 hours away if you are looking for a big attraction.
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Glad you are here, Thanks for reading!
References – www.boldtcastle.com and personal experience
