Boldt Castle & Boldt Yacht House

Imagine a majestic castle in the style of a medieval European fortress, rising above the picturesque Heart Island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House are more than just architectural monuments; they are a grand symbol of love created in the heart of the Thousand Islands region in the USA.

This complex in Alexandria Bay includes a six-story mansion with 120 rooms, elegant Italian gardens, and the whimsical Alster Tower. Special attention should be paid to the Boldt Yacht House—a rare example of a wooden yacht club from the early 20th century, where unique antique vessels are still kept.

Today, the castle, restored almost from ruins, serves as a premier tourist gem of New York State. Guests can wander through luxurious halls with marble floors and admire the massive stained-glass dome that fills the central hall with soft light, creating an atmosphere of a genuine fairy tale come to life.

For more information before your visit or to book special tours, you can use the official communication channels. Please note that the castle administration is always ready to help guests plan the perfect visit to the island.

Begin your acquaintance with Boldt Castle with a walk through its grand halls: restored interiors with massive oak staircases, marble floors, and cozy living rooms await you. Don't forget to peek into the servants' kitchen and the butler's pantry to see how the life of the American elite was organized at the beginning of the last century.

The island's grounds are just as beautiful as the building itself. Take a stroll through the heart-shaped Italian gardens, cross the drawbridge, and be sure to look into the Alster Tower. This unusual building with slanting walls once housed a bowling alley and a stage; today, you can sip a cup of coffee here while enjoying the river view.

Be sure to take the shuttle to the Boldt Yacht House. This place is a true paradise for tech and history buffs, as it features an impressive collection of antique wooden boats. Exploring the massive boathouses and crew quarters will be the perfect end to your fascinating journey into the Gilded Age.

Since Boldt Castle is located on an island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River, it can only be reached by water. The main departure point is the town of Alexandria Bay. Tour boats and shuttles, such as Uncle Sam Boat Tours, run every 15–30 minutes during the peak season, providing a quick and comfortable crossing.

If you are traveling by car, it is most convenient to take I-81 to the Alexandria Bay exit. The drive from New York City takes about five hours. After leaving your car in one of the town's parking lots, you will take a short but scenic 10-minute boat ride to the Heart Island dock.

For those who wish to visit the Boldt Yacht House, a special water shuttle is provided from the main castle. Remember that transportation availability depends directly on weather conditions and the seasonal schedule, so it's worth checking the current navigation status before your trip.

The history of this place began in 1900 when George Boldt, the famous proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, decided to build a monument to his boundless love for his wife, Louise. Three hundred of the finest craftsmen worked on the creation of the six-story castle, embodying luxury and elegance in stone. It was meant to be a true embodiment of the American dream in the heart of the Thousand Islands.

These grand plans collapsed in January 1904 when Louise died suddenly. Heartbroken, Boldt immediately ordered all work to stop, and construction halted for 73 long years. The castle, which had seen an investment of 5 million dollars, remained unfinished and gradually fell into ruin under the influence of time and vandals, becoming a sad reminder of unfulfilled happiness.

A new life for the complex began in 1977 when the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority purchased the island for just 1 dollar with the commitment to restore it. Thanks to investments totaling over 50 million dollars, today visitors can see the castle as Boldt intended it over a century ago, including carefully restored interiors and gardens.

To take a leisurely tour of all the hidden corners of Heart Island, including the castle's 120 rooms and picturesque terraces, you will need about 3–5 hours. This time is enough to enjoy the architecture and soak up the romantic atmosphere of this place.

If you plan to include a visit to the unique Boldt Yacht House on neighboring Wellesley Island, add another 1–2 hours to your itinerary. Therefore, it is better to set aside a whole day for a full excursion so as not to miss the chance to see the antique boat collection and relax in the gardens by the water, making your visit as fulfilling as possible.

The attraction welcomes guests during the warm season, which typically lasts from mid-May to mid-October. During this period, Boldt Castle is open to visitors daily from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM. This convenient timing allows you to plan your visit to catch the beautiful evening light on the river.

Please note that operating hours may change slightly depending on holidays or weather conditions, so it is recommended to check the current schedule on the official website before heading to the island.

The surroundings of Heart Island offer many interesting locations to help you dive deeper into the region's atmosphere. Exploring these places will give you a complete picture of the history and natural beauty of the Thousand Islands archipelago.