Guide to visiting Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands Region is dotted with elaborate mansions and storybook castles along the St. Lawrence River. One in particular is Boldt Castle, which is located on Heart Island.
This Castle in the 1000 islands is absolutely beautiful, and is so worth the visit if you ever plan an Upstate New York trip.
On the blog, I will share our guide to visiting Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands, and how to make the most of your visit.
*Read the Top things to do in the Thousand Islands New York here. I share all the best places to explore in the 1000 islands.
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Guide to visiting Boldt Castle in the Thousand Islands
History of Boldt Castle
George C. Boldt, who was the proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, built this castle for his beloved wife, Louise.
Construction began in 1900, but ended a few years later when tragedy struck the family. His wife had died unexpectedly and he commanded the workers to stop all construction.
Heartbroken, Boldt never returned to the island, and the castle remained vacant for 73 years. Since 1977, millions of dollars have been invested in the restoration of the Castle and the Yacht House.
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How to get to Boldt Castle
Uncle Sam Boat Tours
Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island, and is only accessible by boat. One of the best boat tours we have used is the Uncle Sam Boat Tours from Alexandria Bay.
The Uncle Sam Boat tour lasts about a couple of hours, which takes you on a tour of the Thousands Islands, and ends with a visit to Heart Island, where you can explore Boldt Castle for a few hours and take the boat tour back to Alexandria Bay.
There are a few Uncle Sam Boat tour ticket options, with the American Narrows Tour being the most popular ticket.
This international tour takes you on a 22-mile journey through what is considered the heart of the Thousand Islands and into American and Canadian waters.
You can also book a Thousand Islands dining cruise, where you can have an unforgettable meal as you cruise along the Thousand Islands.
Another ticket option is a boat tour with admission to Singer Castle, which is another castle you can visit in the thousand Islands.
*There are some refreshments for sale on board, as well as some snacks. I suggest packing some food and snacks as well, especially when visiting Boldt Castle with kids.
Where to get tickets to Boldt Castle
When planning your visit to Boldt Castle, you can purchase your tickets onsite, but I suggest purchasing tickets online to avoid the lines.
Boldt castles hours are usually from about 10 AM – 6:30 PM, there are days when the castle closes at a specific time, visit the website for more info.
Boldt Castle ticket prices
Boldt Castle tickets only-Adults (13+ years)– $10.00 Children (5-12 years)– $7.00, and kids (4 years and under) are Free.
Tickets for both Boldt Castle and the Yacht House– Adult (13+ years) – $13.00, Children (5-12 years)– $7.50 , kids (4 years and under) are Free.
How to spend the day on Boldt Castle
On your visit to Heart Island, go on a self-guided tour of Boldt Castle. Make sure to download the Boldt Castle app for more information on the history of Boldt Castle.
You should also spend some time exploring the grounds of Boldt Castle. There are six impressive structures to explore on Heart Island. There is also the Power House, the Alster Tower, the Hennery, the Arch, and a stone Gazebo.
This five-acre island is fully handicapped accessible, with public restroom facilities, several picnic areas, a gift shop, and a food and beverage concession stand.
Boldt Castle tour
As you make your way into the castle, the first thing you will see is the grand staircase.
The first level of the Castle has been turned into a museum, filled with exhibits dedicated to the lives of the Boldt Family.
There are 120 rooms in this mansion and was built to replicate the Rhineland castles of Germany.
The Power House is Boldt Castle’s most photographed structures on Heart Island. This structure used to house two generators that would supply electricity to the entire island.
Today, you can visit the Power house where there are photos and displays depicting the lifestyle of the people in the 1000 Islands at the turn-of-the-century.
The Alster Tower was referred to a playhouse, because this is where the family entertained guests when visiting the island. The basement housed a bowling alley and plans for the upper floors contained a billiard room, library, bedrooms, cafe, grill and kitchen.
The Hennery was the first structure built on the island. The tower once housed an elevated water tank which supplied water to the island structures. It was topped with a dove house where they collected fancy fowl.
The Arch was modeled after Roman monuments and was used as the formal entry for launches, delivering guests from larger yachts anchored in the deep water.
The Stone Gazebo was our little ones favorite spot on Heart Island. There is a hotdog stand nearby where you can have a picnic underneath this beautiful gazebo.
Boldt Castle Yacht House
There are a few ticket options when visiting Boldt Castle. You can either purchase just a visit to the castle itself, or with a visit to the Boldt Castle Yacht House as well.
You can take the free shuttle from Heart Island to the Yacht house, and explore where the Boldt’s family yachts and enormous houseboat were housed.
Inside the Yacht House, you will find a collection of antique wooden boats on display.
*Boldt Yacht House Shuttle Begins running at 10:30am, and is open from 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM, May 9 – September 20.
Where to eat on Heart Island
When visiting Heart Island, you will find food and beverage concessions on the island. They sell things like ice cream, drinks, snacks, and coffee, as well as hotdogs and sandwiches.
You can also pack a lunch and have a picnic on the lawn overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
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