boldt yacht house

Unusual Places

Boldt Castle: Visit a Lavish Castle Steeped in Love

Near the end of the Gilded Age, the proprietor of the upscale Waldorf Astoria hotel began to build a lavish European-inspired castle on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay, New York. Boldt Castle—which was dotted with hearts—was designed to be a loving tribute to George C. Boldt’s wife Louise. When Louise died unexpectedly in 1904, George C. Boldt ordered all Boldt Castle construction abruptly to come to a halt. Boldt Castle languished until 1977 when the Thousand Island Bridge Authority purchased the property and spearheaded a massive renovation.

Boldt Castle tours —which allow visitors to explore the interior and exterior of the elegant estate for a small fee—are wildly popular. Since Boldt Castle is only accessible by water, several tour companies offer Boldt Castle boat tours that float past other 1000 Islands landmarks on the St. Lawrence River such as Rock Island Lighthouse. Clayton Island Tours offers a Boldt Castle boat tour that offers participants the opportunity to walk the grounds of Boldt Castle to explore the estate’s fancy fountains, ornate stonework, and opulent gardens.

City Experiences offers a 5-hour 1000 Islands Boldt Castle cruise that features a cash bar and snacks that are available for purchase. The 1000 Islands Boldt Castle cruise offers visitors a glimpse of the swanky houses of Millionaire’s Row, Zavikon Island, and the 1000 Islands Bridge. Admission to Boldt Castle is included in the price of the cruise.

For a modest additional fee, Boldt Castle visitors can take a shuttle to the Boldt Yacht House on Wellesley Island. The Boldt Yacht House showcases a collection of antique wooden boats and an 1892 Steam Yacht. The Kestrel—as the Steam Yacht is known—is very similar to a boat that was owned by George C. Boldt during the height of the opulent Gilded Age.

An elegant estate inspired by the enduring love of Louise and George C. Boldt is a gorgeous spot for a wedding. Boldt Castle is one of New York’s most popular wedding venues. The sparkling waters of the St. Lawrence River, a dainty gazebo, and a stately stone tower are a fairytale backdrop for your dream wedding.

If you love elegant buildings that are steeped in history, a trip to Boldt Castle is an absolute must. Boldt Castle showcases the refinement and beauty of the Gilded Age. An estate created to celebrate a treasured romance will warm your heart and remind you that true love leaves a lasting legacy.

Similar Posts

Discovering the Majestic Wilderness: A Guide to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

The Charms of Solvang: Why This Small Danish Town is So Attractive

Glass Beach: California’s Storied Trash to Treasure Beach

Cano’s Castle: Colorado’s Aluminum Castle

Just Enough Room Island

Capilano Suspension Bridge: British Columbia’s Death-Defying Bridge

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

We use cookies and related technologies to personalize and enhance your experience. By using this site you agree to the use of cookies and related tracking technologies.

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 & Yacht House

• Plan a Trip
• Itineraries
• Sign In Account

Report a photo

Please let us know why you want to report the photo from this user :

Thank you. Your report will be reviewed soon

• Reviews (0)
• Comments (0)

Visit this extraordinary castle built by George C. Boldt.

New York’s Thousand Isles once served as a playground for wealthy and famous families. Boldt saw it as the prime location for the castle he envisioned to build for his family. The project started in the 1900s with the help of thousands of workers, but he immediately suspended construction upon the death of his wife. It wasn’t until 70 years later that the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority bought out the property and restored it. The castle is located on Heart Island and includes 120 rooms, a drawbridge, tunnels, and the iconic Alster Tower (serving as a children’s playhouse). 

The Boldt Castle is only accessible by boat. You can book local tour boats or take a personal craft to dock near these sites. Both the castle and yacht house are open seasonally from early May to early October. Hours of operation are 10:30 am to 6:30 pm. Tickets are required to tour the Boldt castle and yacht house. This is a unique place that children and adults of all ages can enjoy.

There aren't any reviews for Boldt Castle & Yacht House yet.

Report a review

Please let us know why you want to report the review from this user :

Delete Review

There aren't any comments for Boldt Castle & Yacht House yet.

Report a comment

Please let us know why you want to report the comment from this user :

Questions and answers

Green Lakes State Park , NY

Green lakes state park.

Chittenango Falls State Park , NY

Chittenango falls state park.

Clark Reservation State Park , NY

Clark reservation state park.

Onondaga Lake Park , NY

Onondaga lake park.

Chenango Valley State Park , NY

Chenango valley state park.

Baltimore Woods Nature Center , NY

Baltimore woods nature center.

Phelps Mansion Museum , NY

Phelps mansion museum.

Beaver Lake Nature Center , NY

Beaver lake nature center.

Fillmore Glen State Park , NY

Fillmore glen state park.

Charlie C. Major Nature Trail , NY

Charlie c. major nature trail.

Cornell Botanic Gardens , NY

Cornell botanic gardens.

Frances Slocum State Park , PA

Pennsylvania

Frances Slocum State Park

Current conditions for Boldt Castle & Yacht House

Monthly averages:.

Suggest a Correction

Spot something wrong with our info about this place? Please let us know about it.

Thank you, your suggestion has been submitted

Ask a question.

Have a question about Boldt Castle & Yacht House? Ask our Go Wandering community for the answer.

We have posted your question to the Go Wandering community and will let you know when it gets answered.

ADD TO ITINERARY

This website uses cookies.

• Cookie Declaration
• About Cookies
• Strictly Necessary
• Performance

Strictly necessary cookies allow core website functionality such as user login and account management. The website cannot be used properly without strictly necessary cookies.

Performance cookies are used to see how visitors use the website, eg. analytics cookies. Those cookies cannot be used to directly identify a certain visitor.

Targeting cookies are used to identify visitors between different websites, eg. content partners, banner networks. Those cookies may be used by companies to build a profile of visitor interests or show relevant ads on other websites.

Cookies are small text files that are placed on your computer by websites that you visit. Websites use cookies to help users navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. Cookies that are required for the website to operate properly are allowed to be set without your permission. All other cookies need to be approved before they can be set in the browser. You can change your consent to cookie usage at any time

Traveler Lifes

Browse Traveler lifes Travel to get information about the world's most popular places, tourist Attraction, holiday destinations, vacation spot, historical places, where to go, places to visit, things to do, best places to stay, top hotel and restaurant, Activities, adventure, tourism information, travel tips and travel guide with expert advice...

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Exploring the boldt yacht house on wellesley island.

Nestled amidst the picturesque Thousand Islands archipelago, on the northeast shore of Wellesley Island, lies a testament to the opulent lifestyle of the Gilded Age: the Boldt Yacht House. Commissioned in 1903 by millionaire hotelier George C. Boldt , this grand structure served as a luxurious haven for his extensive fleet of watercraft, a stone's throw from his majestic Boldt Castle.

Boldt Yacht House 

A Masterpiece of Eclectic Design:

• A charming circular tower, adorned with intricate stonework, welcomes guests with an air of sophistication.
• Three central yacht bays provide ample space for showcasing vintage boats, offering a glimpse into Boldt's nautical passion.
• A spacious east bay accommodated larger vessels, hinting at the extravagance of Boldt's aquatic pursuits.
• A crenelated office and storage wing adds a touch of medieval whimsy, while ensuring efficient management of the yacht collection.
• A cozy caretaker's residence nestled within the structure ensured 24/7 vigilance over the prized fleet.

A Glimpse into the Grandiose Past

A treasure trove of antique boats, the crown jewel: the steam yacht kestrel, more than just a museum, additional information to enhance your visit:.

• Location : Wellesley Island, New York
• Season : Opens May 11th for the 2024 season and runs until October 14th.
• Hours : Open seasonally, with tours offered throughout the day. Check the official website for specific dates and times .
• Admission : Separate admission fee for the Yacht House. Combination tickets for Boldt Castle and the Yacht House are available.
• Getting There : Boat tours from both the U.S. and Canada stop at Heart Island. Extensive docking is available for private pleasure craft. A shuttle from Heart Island provides access to the Yacht House.
• Highlights : Antique wooden boat collection, Steam Yacht Kestrel, service bay, stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.

Tips for an Enriching Experience:

• Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as there is some walking involved.
• Bring your camera to capture the beauty of the Yacht House and the surrounding scenery.
• Ask questions and engage with the knowledgeable tour guides.
• Let your imagination run wild and transport yourself to the Gilded Age.

You might also like:

• Little Island - Man made island in nyc
• Districts of New York - the administrative divisions of the city
• What to see in New York in 5 days
• Things to do in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
• The High Line
• Madison Square Garden
• The Flatiron Building
• Little Island NYC

Thanks for reading Exploring the Boldt Yacht House on Wellesley Island

Boldt Castle

New York, US

Nestled amidst the picturesque Thousand Islands in the St. Lawrence River, Boldt Castle stands as a testament to love and architectural grandeur. Built on Heart Island by millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt, this castle was intended as a tribute to his beloved wife, Louise. Explore the rich history and captivating features that make Boldt Castle a must-visit destination.

Highlights to Enchant Your Visit:

• Boldt Yacht House : Begin your journey at the Boldt Yacht House, a marvel of nautical architecture. Discover an impressive collection of antique boats, providing a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Boldt family during the Gilded Age.
• Heart Island Power House : Marvel at the Heart Island Power House, an architectural gem that once supplied electricity to the entire island. Explore the machinery and learn about the innovative technologies of the early 20th century.
• Italian Gardens : Stroll through the meticulously landscaped Italian Gardens. Admire the intricate designs, fountains, and sculptures that contribute to the castle's romantic ambiance while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding river.
• Boldt Castle Interior: Step inside Boldt Castle to explore its lavishly decorated rooms and corridors. Be transported back in time as you discover the opulence and attention to detail that characterized the Gilded Age architectural style.
• Heart Island Alster Tower : Visit the Heart Island Alster Tower, a medieval-inspired structure with panoramic views of the river. Immerse yourself in the island's history and architectural diversity as you explore this unique and picturesque tower.

Boldt Castle promises a journey through time and romance, where the opulence of the Gilded Age converges with the natural beauty of the Thousand Islands.

Services & facilities

• Dog-friendly
• Picnic area

Subscribe to our newsletter

Living History Archive

Add a review

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

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

A traveler's guide to Novosibirsk, the unofficial capital of Siberia

Trans-Siberian heritage

Residents of Novosibirsk love trains and are proud of the fact that their city played a significant role in the history of the grand Trans-Siberian railway, which spans the breadth of Russia. The railway is such a part of Novosibirsk identity that it is even depicted on the city’s emblem, along with the bridge that crosses the Ob river and two Siberian sables standing on their hind legs.  

In the city, there are as many as five monuments to trains, and an open-air locomotive museum is located in the vicinity of the train station Seyatel’. The museum has more than 100 steam locomotives, diesel locomotives and carriages, reflecting the history of rail transportation in Russia from pre-revolutionary times to the present day. Wondering around the stationary trains and comparing your height with the diameter of the gigantic iron wheels of the first steam locomotives is all very well, but why not climb inside the carriages and see how the nobility once traveled across Russia in pre-revolutionary times? These tours will however need to be booked in advance. The museum opens from 11:00 until 17:00 every day except Mondays. 

Novosibirsk spans both sides of the river Ob. In the early twentieth century, the border of two different timezones passed right through the city which led to a strange situation- morning on the east bank started one hour earlier than on the west bank! The two-kilometer covered metro bridge that crosses the river is considered the longest in the world. Due to the fluctuations in temperature across the year (on average +30 °C to -30 °C), during the summer the metro bridge expands, and in the winter it contracts by half a meter. To counter these effects, the bridge’s supports are equipped with special rollers that allow it to move.   

The cultural center of Siberia

The repertoire of the theatre can be viewed on its official website . The theatre season runs from September to July, and comprises mainly classical performances, like the ballet “The Nutcracker” by Tchaikovsky, Borodin’s opera “Prince Igor” and Verdi’s “La Traviata”.  

The large Siberian sea and ligers

Weekends are best spent at the Novosibirsk zoo . The zoo is known for breeding big cats, although surrounded by controversy, hosts a successful crossing of a tiger and lion, which of course would not otherwise breed in wildlife. Ligers, or exotic cubs of an African lion and Bengal tigress, feel quite comfortable in the Siberian climate and even produce offspring. The zoo is open to visitors year-round, seven days a week, and even has its own free mobile app, Zoo Nsk .

Every year at the beginning of January, the festival of snow culture takes place bringing together artists from across Russia and around the world to participate in a snow sculpting competition. The tradition started in 2000 inspired by the snow festival in Sapporo, Novosibirsk’s twin-city.

Siberian Silicon Valley

Despite the fact that Akademgorodok was built half a century ago in the middle of the uninhabited Siberian taiga, architecturally it was ahead of its time. No trees were destroyed for its construction, and houses were built right in the middle of the forest. A man walking through the woods would seemingly stumble upon these structures. At that time, no one had built anything similar in the world and ecovillages only became fashionable much later.

For residents of the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok is a different world. When you step out the bus or car, you are immediately on one of the hiking paths through the forest, between the scientific buildings and clubs. On a walk through Akademgorodok, it is possible to unexpectedly encounter art-like objects handmade by residents of the city which have been erected as monuments and some monuments fixed up by city authorities. For example, the monument to the laboratory mice, which knits a strand of DNA on to some needles, can be found in the square alongside the Institute of Cytology and Genetics. In Akademgorodok there are many cafes and restaurants, in which it is possible to rest after a long walk. Grab a coffee and go to eat at Traveler’s Coffee , or eat lunch at the grille and bar People’s or Clover .

Winters in the Akademgorodok are slightly colder than in the city, so wrap up. Spring and summer are usually wetter, so waterproof boots are recommended. In the summer the Ob sea provides respite from the heat, so do not forget your swimsuit to go for a dip.

Memento Mori

Among the exhibits of the museum is one dedicated to world funeral culture — hearses, memorial jewellery from the hair of the deceased, samples from a specific photo-genre of  "post mortem", a collection of funeral wear from the Victorian era, deathmasks, statues and monuments. There’s also an impressive collection of coffins. One of them, resembling a fish, was manufactured on a special visit to Novosibirsk by a designer coffin-maker from Africa, Eric Adjetey Anang, who specializes in the production of unusual coffins.

Surprisingly, the crematorium itself does not look at all gloomy in appearance and definitely does not look like infernal scenes from movies, or like crematoriums of other cities that gravitate towards gloomy temple aesthetics. The Novosibirsk crematorium is decorated in “cheerful” orange tones and is surrounded by a park with a children’s playground nearby. A visit to the museum then leaves you with mixed feelings. 

Novosibirsk underground

Tourists from all over the world go down into the Moscow metro to take a ride and a few selfies in the most famous underground museum. The Novosibirsk metro is also quite a museum in itself — it has 13 stations, the most beautiful of which is Gagarinskaya, Sibirskaya and Rechnoy Vokzal.

The ultramodern Gagarinskaya station is like a real cosmos underground. Its technologically themed design includes marble walls with metallic elements, dark blue backlighting and portraits of Yuri Gagarin. The Sibirskaya station looks like an underground treasure trove, decorated by Altai masters craftsmen with mosaics of precious Siberian stones. The Rechnoy Vokzal station is framed with ten glowing stained glass windows depicting the largest cities of Siberia, including Novosibirsk itself, Omsk, Barnaul and others. The platform resembles a big ship sailing on the Ob, from which ancient Siberian cities are visible through its windows.  

How to get there

The easiest way to get to Novosibirsk is by plane with Aeroflot or Novosibirsk airline S7 with one-way tickets from Moscow costing from 200-250 USD. If you decide to take from the train from Moscow, you’ll have to travel approximately a third of the Trans-Siberian Railway. That’s 3,300 kilometers over almost a three-day journey. 

Where to stay

There are many great hotels in Novosibirsk. Amongst the best include a four-star Doubletree hotel by Hilton , which is located near Lenin Square (per room from $200). After renovations and repairs, the congress-hotel Novosibirsk has improved (per room from $100) and is located across from the train station. Less expensive but of a similar standard is the four-star River Park hotel near Rechnoy Vokzal metro station, which costs $80 per night.

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• Krasnoyarsk to Novosibirsk: A journey into Russia’s heartland
• Across Siberia on the cheap: 6 tips for travelers on a budget

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.