george c. boldt yacht house

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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

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.

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• Dog-friendly
• Picnic area

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Boldt Castle: A Captivating Gem on Heart Island

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Boldt Castle: The Architectural Marvel on Heart Island

Nestled amidst the breathtaking Thousand Islands region of New York State, Boldt Castle stands as a majestic and awe-inspiring landmark that captures the hearts of countless visitors each year. Set upon the beautiful Heart Island in the town of Alexandria Bay, this architectural gem graces the shimmering waters of the Saint Lawrence River, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of grandeur and opulence.

Boldt Castle opens its doors to guests from mid-May through mid-October. Stepping onto Heart Island following a short ferry ride, visitors are transported to a world steeped in history as they tour the castle full of captivating stories.

Step into History: Exploring the Timeless Beauty of Boldt Castle

Originally conceived as a private mansion and a testament to love, Boldt Castle was commissioned by the American millionaire, George Boldt. With its regal turrets and intricate stonework, the castle embodies the vision of a man whose affluence and passion were matched only by his unyielding devotion to his wife.

Today, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority meticulously maintains Boldt Castle as a tourist attraction. Visitors from near and far are invited to explore its grand halls, lush gardens, and hidden nooks, each filled with the echoes of a love story that transcends time. As the castle continues to captivate and inspire, it remains a cherished symbol of the Thousand Islands region’s rich history.

Building a Dream: The Extraordinary Construction of Boldt Castle

George Boldt, the general manager of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, along with his family, spent their summers at their expansive, charming frame cottage on Hart Island, the island’s original name. In the early 1900s, George Boldt embarked on an awe-inspiring construction endeavor to create one of the largest private homes in the United States – a monumental, six-story masonry castle that would stand as a testament to his devotion to his wife.

The esteemed architectural firm G. W. & W. D. Hewitt was enlisted for the construction of his vision, and hundreds of laborers set to work. Boldt Castle was accompanied by four other remarkable masonry structures on the island, each an architectural marvel. The opulence extended to neighboring Wellesley Island, where the Boldts owned a vast estate complete with another summer home, farms, canals, a golf course, tennis courts, stables, and a polo field. A large yacht house, a testament to the Boldts’ lavish lifestyle, also adorned the island.

Love, Loss, and Abandonment

However, tragedy struck in early 1904 with the untimely death of Boldt’s beloved wife, Louise Kehrer Boldt. Heartbroken, Boldt ceased construction of the castle and never returned to Heart Island, though he continued to spend summers in the Thousand Islands region until his death in 1916. For 73 years, Boldt Castle and the other magnificent stone structures lay abandoned, exposed to the ravages of harsh winter weather and the destruction of occasional vandals.

Preserving the Past

In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired Heart Island and the nearby yacht house for just one dollar. The agreement stipulated that all revenue generated from the castle’s operation would be directed towards restoration, preserving the island for future generations to cherish. Boldt Castle made its debut in 1979, serving as a backdrop for the movie Fear No Evil.

Over the next five decades, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority invested nearly $15 million in restoration and improvements, with work continuing annually. While the initial goal was to restore the island to its state at the time of construction’s halt, ongoing enhancements have surpassed that aim. The castle now boasts a restored stained glass dome, a marble floor, intricate grand staircase woodwork, a butler’s pantry, and opulent maid’s and servant’s dining rooms, as well as a fully restored kitchen. As of 2023, over $50 million has been dedicated to the meticulous restoration and rehabilitation of Boldt Castle and its surrounding structures, ensuring that the extraordinary structures continues to captivate the hearts and imaginations of visitors for generations to come.

A Gateway to Grandeur

Today, Boldt Castle welcomes visitors to embark on a journey across the tranquil waters of the Saint Lawrence River, accessible by ferry, private vessel, or one of the many tour boats operating from Alexandria Bay, New York, Clayton, New York, Gananoque, Ontario, Rockport, Ontario, and Ivy Lea, Ontario. A sense of wonder and anticipation fills the air as guests set foot on Heart Island, ready to explore the grandeur of the grounds and buildings.

Private boaters are granted the privilege of docking at Heart Island free of charge, while Boldt Castle further serves as a Port of Entry, complete with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection office on the island. Canadian visitors must present appropriate identification, as setting foot on Heart Island is considered entering the United States.

Step into Elegance: Exploring the Rooms of Boldt Castle

The meticulously restored and beautifully furnished rooms on the first and second floors of Boldt Castle provide a wonderful atmosphere for guests. The second floor is home to the gift store, where visitors can purchase souvenirs, as well as a theatre that showcases a 16-minute introductory video delving into the life of George Boldt and the remarkable history of Boldt Castle.

While the third and fourth floors remain largely unfurnished, they house interesting exhibits featuring photographs and original artifacts from the Gilded Age, offering visitors a glimpse into the Boldts’ lavish lifestyle in the Thousand Islands region. Several rooms have been intentionally left unfurnished, inviting guests to imagine the castle’s appearance prior to the restoration efforts undertaken by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority.

Boldt Castle’s basement remains largely unfinished, featuring a pool, numerous compartments, and a tunnel passage leading to the Power House. At the edge of the island, an imposing peristyle archway stands, envisioned as the original entrance for boats to Heart Island. The bridge connecting the two sides would have been designed to be raised and lowered as needed, further accentuating the castle’s unique design.

The Many Other Structures on Heart Island

Situated on the eastern edge of Heart Island, the Power House stands as a testament to early 20th-century ingenuity. This building was specifically designed to house a generator capable of supplying the entire island with power through a steam generation system. Exhibits within the Power House provide a fascinating insight into how electricity was harnessed in the early 1900s, while also showcasing a display of historic photographs depicting the construction of Boldt Castle and the surrounding Thousand Islands region. Though nearly destroyed by a devastating fire in the 1930s, the Power House was one of the first restoration projects undertaken by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority after acquiring the property in 1977.

Drawing inspiration from a Rhineland defense tower in Germany, the Alster Tower was purposefully crafted with slanting and uneven walls, ceilings, and roofs, lending it a striking, one-of-a-kind appearance. Situated on the island’s southern side, overlooking Alexandria Bay, this architectural marvel houses a two-lane bowling alley and a stage for performances.

On nearby Wellesley Island, the George C. Boldt Yacht House stands proudly as the sole remaining wooden yacht house structure of its kind. The interior boasts lavish living quarters and an impressive collection of antique and wooden boats. For an additional admission fee, visitors can journey via shuttle from Heart Island to the Yacht House on Wellesley Island to see these exhibits. In recognition of its historical significance, the Yacht House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The allure of Boldt Castle and the charm of Alexandria Bay have not gone unnoticed in popular culture. The 1969 children’s novel “Secret Castle” by Anne Colver masterfully weaves a tale centered around the enchanting castle and the picturesque bay, capturing the imagination of readers of all ages.

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Boldt Castle: Hours, admission, tours and more information on the Alexandria Bay landmark

• Updated: Apr. 26, 2024, 3:39 p.m.
• | Published: Apr. 22, 2015, 3:20 p.m.
• Mike Waters | [email protected]

Historic Boldt Castle has a story to match its beauty and grandeur.

The castle is situated on Heart Island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River's Thousand Islands region in Alexandria Bay .

George C. Boldt, a millionaire hotel magnate, began construction of the castle in 1900 as a tribute to his wife Louise. It was to be their summer home. But Mrs. Boldt passed away in 1904, just months before the completion of the castle. Her distraught husband immediately halted construction of the home.

The property remained vacant for over 70 years.

In 1977, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired Heart Island and the nearby yacht house. Boldt Castle has been and continues to be restored. Now, each year thousands of visitors stroll the grounds of Heart Island and the many rooms of Boldt Castle.

On a trip to Boldt Castle, visitors can see the grand staircase, George Boldt's bedroom, the indoor pool and more, but there is more to Boldt Castle than just the castle itself. In addition to the castle, there are five other structures on Heart Island, including Alster Tower (or The Playhouse), the Arch, the Hennery, the Gazebo and the Power House.

The grounds outside the castle are just as beautiful and impressive. Allow enough time to take it all in.

1 Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 Phone: (315) 482-9724

Boldt Castle: May 9th-June 26th: 10 AM - 6:30 PM June 27th-Aug 30th: 10 AM - 7:30 PM Aug 31st-Sept 27th: 10 AM - 6:30 PM Sept 28th-Oct 12th: 10 AM - 5:30 PM Oct 13th-Oct 18th: 11 AM - 5:00 PM

Special Hours: The Castle will remain open until 7:30 PM on May 23rd and 24th and September 5th and 6th. In addition the Castle will remain open until 6:30 PM on October 10th and 11th.

Boldt Castle Yacht House; May 9th - Sept 27th: 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM Sept 28th-Oct 12th: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM Oct 13th - Oct 18th: 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Visitors to Boldt Castle can tour the castle and its grounds. This is the castle's grand staircase.

Visitors can purchase tickets to see Boldt Castle, the Yacht House or both. Tickets are priced accordingly and can be purchased here.

Boldt Castle and Yacht House

Adult (13 and up) $11 Child (6-12) $7 Infant (Under 5) free

Boldt Castle only

Adult (13 and up) $8.50 Child (6-12) $6 Infant (Under 5) free

Yacht House only

Adult (13 and up) $5 Child (6-12) $3 Infant (Under 5) free

Parking is available at the locations of the various tour boat operators who provide transportation to Boldt Castle. For a complete list of tour boat operators, click here.

Family Fun Day Saturday, June 20th, 2015 10 AM to 3 PM

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George C. Boldt Yacht House

New York USA

• Independent

George C. Boldt Yacht House is an historic yacht house located on the northeast shore of Wellesley Island near Alexandria Bay in Jefferson County, New York. It was commissioned by George Boldt as a principal dependency of Boldt Castle. The yacht house was designed by the Philadelphia architects G. W. & W. D. Hewitt and built in 1903. It is a massive, eclectic, Shingle-style structure composed of five elements, which are: a circular tower containing reception rooms, a central group of three yacht bays, a large east yacht bay, a combination office and storage wing with a crenelated tower, and a large caretaker's residence. The yacht house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. On display in the yacht house is the steam yacht Kestrel, as well as various other vintage boats, a number of which are on loan from the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York. View of the yacht house

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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.

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George C. Boldt Yacht House (Q5537538)

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635th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment

635-й зенитно-ракетный полк

Military Unit: 86646

Activated 1953 in Stepanshchino, Moscow Oblast - initially as the 1945th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment for Special Use and from 1955 as the 635th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment for Special Use.

1953 to 1984 equipped with 60 S-25 (SA-1) launchers:

• Launch area: 55 15 43N, 38 32 13E (US designation: Moscow SAM site E14-1)
• Support area: 55 16 50N, 38 32 28E
• Guidance area: 55 16 31N, 38 30 38E

1984 converted to the S-300PT (SA-10) with three independent battalions:

• 1st independent Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion (Bessonovo, Moscow Oblast) - 55 09 34N, 38 22 26E
• 2nd independent Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion and HQ (Stepanshchino, Moscow Oblast) - 55 15 31N, 38 32 23E
• 3rd independent Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion (Shcherbovo, Moscow Oblast) - 55 22 32N, 38 43 33E

Disbanded 1.5.98.

Subordination:

• 1st Special Air Defence Corps , 1953 - 1.6.88
• 86th Air Defence Division , 1.6.88 - 1.10.94
• 86th Air Defence Brigade , 1.10.94 - 1.10.95
• 86th Air Defence Division , 1.10.95 - 1.5.98

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