The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, owners of the historic Boldt Castle and Yacht House, invites you to explore these iconic 1000 Islands attractions. Both sites are filled with captivating stories, rich history, stunning architecture, scenic views, and beautifully maintained gardens and grounds.
Since acquiring Boldt Castle in 1977, the Bridge Authority has remained committed to its ongoing restoration and improvement. This page features the latest updates and events related to the preservation and enhancement of these landmarks, ensuring they remain a top destination for both new and returning visitors. We invite you to stay informed about the exciting developments as we continue to revitalize this cherished part of the Thousand Islands.
In 2016, the Italian Garden statuary and fountain were completed. This picturesque location features a beautiful flower garden and marble statuary representing the four seasons, with a stunning fountain centerpiece.
Following interior masonry work in Alster Tower, the Venetian Room was completed in 2016. With the main body of the room finished, craftsmen restored and rebuilt the original “S” shaped door separating the Venetian Room from the Shell Room. Its curved doors and windows close and interlock together, making it a truly unique feature.
In 2017, work began on the Channelside Fountain, but completion was delayed due to high water in 2017 and 2019, which flooded the main docks and redirected our crews to build dock caps for visitors to be able to access Heart Island. After the water receded in 2020, further delays occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fountain was completed in 2024.
River levels returned to normal for the 2018 season, allowing restoration efforts to begin on the Alster Tower Café. However, like the Channelside Fountain, the café’s completion was delayed due to the same challenges. It is now anticipated to be finished in the spring of 2025. The restoration will include decorative ceiling panels, period fixtures such as lights, sinks, and plumbing, along with the restoration of the original ice box and cook stove hood. Craftsmen have built a custom maple frame and support for the cast iron sink, as well as a maple worktable for display. Damaged original wall tiles were replicated by a local artisan, featuring five Dutch-inspired scenes, including ships, windmills, and picturesque villages, installed along the chair rail above the tile.
Construction of a new wastewater treatment plant for the Boldt Facilities began in September 2019 and was wrapped up in the late fall of 2020. While this is not an update visible to the public, this new plant will replace the old system and streamline waste removal from the Island through a more efficient and sanitary process better suited for the high volume of visitors received by the Castle and Yacht House.
