See full version: Boldt Castle and Boldt Yacht House
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. here
Departing Boldt Castle we travel US waters and the St. Lawrence Seaway shipping channel with the possibility of viewing oceangoing vessels that travel from around the world to the Great Lakes of North America. Our small boats provide for a personal experience with our Captain and Crew. Each of our crew members have a unique, never recorded presentation, and a love of sharing the River with guests.
At Heart Island guests have the option to take a self guided tour of millionaire George Boldt’s Castle, built as a testament of love for his wife Louise, before tragedy struck in 1904. Marvel at life in the “Gilded Age” for the wealthy who built magnificent castles and summer homes on islands as we travel through “Millionaire’s Row.” [links]
Join us for the most unique and complete Boldt Castle tour experience. Enjoy an intimate boat tour as we travel over 25 unique miles among many of the 1000 Islands along the St. Lawrence River. Our professional local guides share rich history, legends and lore as we get closer to the islands than any other tour. View magnificent million-dollar homes, travel under the American span of the 1000 Island Bridge System, and pass Rock Island Lighthouse on Rock Island. [links]
Summer Schedule
June 19 through September 6 / 10:00am,,11:00am and 1:30pm daily [links]
The Yacht House also features a 1892 Steam Yacht. In the late 1800’s just before the dawn of the gasoline era many private steam yachts plied the waters of the St. Lawrence and Hudson Rivers, Long Island Sound and many large lakes in the region, including the Great Lakes.
The steam yacht Kestrel is representative of the period and vessels owned and operated by George Boldt. [links]
Her interior has been completely redesigned and painted white. She has sixteen “Wylie” ports with decorative wedges, ten 22-inch deck cleats, and a compound curved sliding hatch on the forward deck. Her outward appearance shows a semi-permanent canvas awning with roll-down protective panels around her fantail stern. Her new five foot stacks displays Mr. Luhr’s private signal and brass decorative dolphins adorn her railends. Her capstan is original, while her galley has all modern conveniences and the head has a very unique brass faucet with shower attachment. During a period of five years Mr. Luhrs completed her final restoration at St. Augustine Marine Center in Florida. [links]
After purchasing the Kestrel in 1988, the owner chose to have the steam engine completely repaired by the renowned Conrad Milster at his boiler room at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. In 1990, she was taken to Kettle Creek Yacht Services at Tom’s River for final finishing. Some of the individual items that were salvaged and could be reused were her 1967 boiler and cylinder blocks, part of the engine shaft and assorted hardware. She now has four pineapple finials atop her compound engine. [links]
The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority (TIBA) welcomes you to tour Boldt Castle to explore and experience an attraction like no other. Construction began on Boldt Castle in 1900 at the bidding of millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt as a tribute to his beloved wife Louise. Boldt Castle was designed as their summer dream home. A castle rivaling those of Europe, built on the St. Lawrence River, in the heart of the 1000 Islands. However it was not to be, Mrs. Boldt passed away suddenly just months before the completion of the castle. Mr. Boldt was inconsolable and immediately stopped all construction on Heart Island, leaving the property vacant for over seventy years… here
Boldt Castle, located on Heart Island in the St. Lawrence River’s 1000 Islands near Alexandria Bay, … Learn More. more
At the turn-of-the-century, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf … Learn More.
Getting to Boldt Castle: Boldt Castle is located on Heart Island, in the United States, and is only … Learn More.
Frederick Bourne was the fifth President of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, which is where the name “Singer Castle” came from. When the Bourne family summered there, it was called “The Towers” which comes from the inspiration that Ernest Flagg, the architect whom designed this structure, had after reading the book Woodstock by Sir Walter Scott. This castle is full of mystery which might also include… secrets and hauntings. It’s not called “Dark Island” for just any reason. here
Fairytale Adventure Day
Fairytale Princesses & Pirates will take over Heart Island. Visitors will be able to take advantage of free face paintings. Participants can also learn proper princess etiquette, dance in Boldt Castle’s Ballroom or cross swords with a real Pirate on the shores of the St. Lawrence River & more! more
Private Boaters & Charter Groups are welcome to dock for FREE at Singer Castle with an additional entrance fee. Call ahead or use marine radio channel 16.
Embark on an adventure to the historic Boldt Castle , one of northern New York’s most popular attractions. Only accessible by water, begin your journey to Heart Island by boat. Built by George C. Boldt to honor his wife, allow yourself to fall in love with the story behind the castle. Explore the mansion’s grounds, which include a stunning grand staircase, indoor pool, the Alster Tower, Yacht House and much more. Make plans to lock in your lovely journey to this breathtaking attraction!
Open May – October each year! Only accessible by Boat. here