Official Boldt Castle Website - Alexandria Bay NY in the Heart of the 1000 Islands

1000 Islands NY tour St. Lawrence River

  • Welcome
  • Visiting
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Rules Of Boldt Facilities
    • Hospitality
    • Photography
  • Virtual Tour
    • Download the Boldt Castle App
    • The Alster Tower
    • The Castle
    • The Castle Interior
    • The Dove-Cote
    • The Entry Arch
    • The Gardens & Grounds
    • The Gazebo
    • The Power House
    • Renovations
    • Kestrel 1892 Steam Yacht
  • Weddings
  • History
  • News & Events
    • Independence Day Fireworks
    • Economic Impact in Region
  • Yacht House
  • Downloads
    • Download the Boldt Castle App
    • Literature
    • Photo Gallery
    • Videos
    • Wallpapers
  • Employment

History

At the turn-of-the-century, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, set out to build a full size rhineland castle in Alexandria Bay, on picturesque Heart Island.  The grandiose structure was to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise.

Beginning in 1900, the Boldt family spent summers in the 1000 Islands at the Boldt Family’s Wellesley House near Mr. Boldt’s Wellesley Island Farms while 300 workers including stonemasons, carpenters, and artists fashioned the six story, 120 room castle, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge, alster tower (children’s playhouse) and a dove cote. Not a single detail or expense was spared.

In January 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegraphed the island and commanded the workers to immediately “stop all construction.” Louise had died suddenly. A broken hearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love.

For 73 years, the castle and various stone structures were left to the mercy of the wind, rain, ice, snow and vandals. When the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977, it was decided that through the use of all net revenues from the castle operation it would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations.

Since 1977, several million dollars have been applied to rehabilitating, restoring and improving the Heart Island structures.

2025 Dates & Hours of Operation:

    Boldt Castle & Boldt Yacht House

    • May 10 - October 13:

      10:30 AM - 6:30 PM

    • Admissions Booth closes 1 hour prior to Boldt Castle closing.

    Special Hours:

    Boldt Castle and Yacht House will remain open until 7:30pm on Independence Day Weekend on Friday, July 4th and Saturday, July 5th.

    For more info: 315.482.9724

    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 Boldt Castle Yacht House.

    Please Note: The Castle does not have climate control. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

    **We accept major credit cards and US cash.**

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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

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