Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House

Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House

Boldt Castle and the Boldt Yacht House
4.5
About
A visit to the magnificent Boldt Castle offers a glimpse into one of the most compelling love stories in history. At the turn-of-the-century, George C. Boldt, millionaire proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NYC, set out to build a full-sized Rhineland Castle in Alexandria Bay, on Heart Island. The grandiose structure was to be a display of his love for his wife, Louise. Beginning in 1900, Boldt's family shared four summers on Wellesley Island while 300 workers, stonemasons, carpenters and artists fashioned the six story, 120-room castle, complete with tunnels, a powerhouse, Italian gardens, a drawbridge and a dovecote. In 1904, tragedy struck. Boldt telegrammed 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. Three hundred workers laid down their tools. Boldt never returned, leaving behind the structure as a monument of his love.
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  • Linda B
    Johnstown, Pennsylvania1,070 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Must See Experience
    Everything from staff, grounds and buildings made it so worth spending our 4 hrs. Spectacular what they have reserved so far. Very lavishly done. Sad story about the family, but a must hear story. The 16 minute video is so worth sitting and watching. Very informative. Walking around the grounds was amazing. We took the basement tunnel over to the Power House. Don’t recommend it. Walk outside around the castle to it instead. Out side the Power House is picture worthy. Not much inside to see except some pictures. You can go up the arched steps but can’t go in there. Come back down and cross the walkway to below to see the pictures. Flowers were gorgeous all over the place. We realized why it was called Heart Island, you will see why for yourself. You must realize that this place was left to ruin and vandalism and is being brought back to life again.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 May 2023
  • Mike G
    Toronto, Canada8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic experience
    We took a lot of pictures of all the different islands and the views of some of these houses if not mansion were exceptional, would recommend this trip to anyone, finally got to castle 1hr and 20 minutes after we left Gananoque. Trip was fine, boat was pretty full, but not enough seats for everyone. Castle is amazing with all the antiques back in the day as this has been renovated a few times,you need passport to get in and please do not bring any food on the boat except water, there is food and drinks on the cruise to be purchased. As I said the castle was great but you have to try and view everything in 2 hrs, there was lots to see, the grounds are immaculate and there is a small restaurant where you can buy sandwiches and drinks as well, there is also an ice cream vendor there. The castle has app 5 floors and it looks like they are doing more restorations, this place was huge but I don’t believe we saw everything.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 July 2023
  • JudyMetroNYCarea
    New York City, New York1,859 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Grounds & Exterior are lovely - still a work in progress on the interior.
    We took the 2 nation boat tour to get to Boldt Castle, which was the entire point of the trip to Alex Bay. The grounds are very well maintained. The exterior of the main house and other buildings were also well maintained. Once off the tour boat and onto the island, there were bathrooms (very clean) a small deli type shop and an info booth as you walk up the path towards the house. There was someone in the booth with the sliding glass window closed. I think there were printed instructions with a barcode to access an audio tour. Well, it didn't work. Once we got into the house, there was a person monitoring the coming and going of people but offered no help connecting to wifi and the audio tour. We approached a second person who also was unable (or unwilling) to help, so we never connected to the tour. On one of the upper levels, there is an unfinished room with a history of the castle, floor plans and still crated finishes that were to be added to the house. The house was at some point abandoned and they are slowly rebuilding the house the best they can. There does seem to be a US/Canadian partnership to restore the full castle but the project is still ongoing. While others may have been disappointed in the unfinished rooms and upper levels, I found it interesting that there is still interest in the full restoration. I guess many don't realize how expensive such an endeavor really is. Even with all the visitors, they still need funds to keep the project going. I would highly recommend a visit to the island and to the Castle. On a beautiful day it would be lovely to sit outside and have lunch.
    Visited September 2022
    Written 15 July 2023
  • reise3
    1,090 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Picturesque Heart Island
    We downloaded the Boldt Castle app, but honestly enjoyed just exploring on our own. We loved the picturesque, well-kept grounds & various structures. The castle’s exterior is magnificent & the interior is a mix of grand, renovated rooms and extensive, unfinished areas. It’s interesting to learn its tragic history & imagine what the castle may have looked like if it had been finished. Check the website for different ticket options.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 2 September 2023
  • Marion M
    Chesterfield, Virginia20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fairy Tale Castle
    My husband and I just returned from a tour of The Boldt Castle, what a magical day! The castle and it's surrounding gardens are absolutely gorgeous, we thoroughly enjoyed spending 4 hours there. We were fortunate to go on a beautiful day and we couldn't have had a better time. The docents in the castle were extremely friendly and knowledgeable, we had downloaded the apt to listen to while we toured but still, we learned so much more talking to the staff. The little cafe by the dock is just great, our burgers were delicious and it was pleasant eating by the water. I would highly recommend visiting this interesting place, we will never forget our delightful day there.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 September 2023
  • mbrown2329
    21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Boldt Castle
    Impressive and beautiful castle and well worth the time to tour! The story behind Boldt Castle is heart-wrenching and a testament to a man's love for his wife! So glad it is being restored and hopefully will be finished in the future.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 28 September 2023
  • Kathy L
    Middlebury, Vermont10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don't miss Boldt Castle!
    Boldt Caste was beautiful. I highly recommend the Clayton boat tour (3.5 hours) guided tour up the Seaway with lots of history and highlights, leading to an 1.5 hours to tour the Castle before touring back down the waterway. Amazing adventure! Thank you to our guide, Captain and Mother Nature-Great weather. Lots of walking and I had a sketchy knee so I didn't enjoy the stairs but don't let that stop you!
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 October 2023
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,021 reviews
Excellent
1,489
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432
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79
Poor
16
Terrible
5

Kathy L
Middlebury, VT10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
Boldt Caste was beautiful. I highly recommend the Clayton boat tour (3.5 hours) guided tour up the Seaway with lots of history and highlights, leading to an 1.5 hours to tour the Castle before touring back down the waterway. Amazing adventure! Thank you to our guide, Captain and Mother Nature-Great weather. Lots of walking and I had a sketchy knee so I didn't enjoy the stairs but don't let that stop you!

Written 4 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mbrown2329
Cardington, Ohio, United States21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
Impressive and beautiful castle and well worth the time to tour! The story behind Boldt Castle is heart-wrenching and a testament to a man's love for his wife! So glad it is being restored and hopefully will be finished in the future.
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Fasted60
Flemington, NJ83 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
We took a 1000 Island tour from Clayton to Boldt Castle. Great trip. The Castle is wonderful to see, worth the trip.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Marion M
Chesterfield, VA20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
My husband and I just returned from a tour of The Boldt Castle, what a magical day! The castle and it's surrounding gardens are absolutely gorgeous, we thoroughly enjoyed spending 4 hours there. We were fortunate to go on a beautiful day and we couldn't have had a better time. The docents in the castle were extremely friendly and knowledgeable, we had downloaded the apt to listen to while we toured but still, we learned so much more talking to the staff. The little cafe by the dock is just great, our burgers were delicious and it was pleasant eating by the water. I would highly recommend visiting this interesting place, we will never forget our delightful day there.
Written 16 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michael M
Dublin, OH44 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
A quick trip from one of the boat companies that offer shuttle service or take one of their tours and most stop here. They have food and drinks at the castle- we packed a lunch and ate there and enjoyed taking in the ships and boats cruising the St. Lawrence Seaway. The castle has several floors- would recommend once entering Castle- take the elevator to the top floor- then walk down to the stairs to see each floor and end in the basement. For a small add on you can go visit the Yacht house, it is worth the trip over and boats run every 30 mins back and forth from the yacht house and the castle.
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Maps703156
2 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
If you never been there, then should try it. Bolt Castle boat tour. Beware no pets allowed on the island or Castle.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

reise3
1,090 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Family
We downloaded the Boldt Castle app, but honestly enjoyed just exploring on our own. We loved the picturesque, well-kept grounds & various structures. The castle’s exterior is magnificent & the interior is a mix of grand, renovated rooms and extensive, unfinished areas. It’s interesting to learn its tragic history & imagine what the castle may have looked like if it had been finished. Check the website for different ticket options.
Written 2 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

VJ5
Sarnia, Canada47 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
The castle is amazing. Hard to believe all of the work that they have put into fixing the castle and the grounds. There is still lots to be done so probably will plan another trip there in a few years to see the additional improvements. Well worth the trip if you enjoy seeing a piece of history, or walking around, taking in beautiful surroundings.
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

WesternNYTravelFrog
Dunkirk, NY216 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Couples
The Castle could be a full day adventure to take it all in. We used a second day to drive to the Yacht house on the mainland. Very cost effective and educational.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JudyMetroNYCarea
New York City, NY1,859 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
We took the 2 nation boat tour to get to Boldt Castle, which was the entire point of the trip to Alex Bay.
The grounds are very well maintained. The exterior of the main house and other buildings were also well maintained.
Once off the tour boat and onto the island, there were bathrooms (very clean) a small deli type shop and an info booth as you walk up the path towards the house. There was someone in the booth with the sliding glass window closed. I think there were printed instructions with a barcode to access an audio tour. Well, it didn't work.

Once we got into the house, there was a person monitoring the coming and going of people but offered no help connecting to wifi and the audio tour. We approached a second person who also was unable (or unwilling) to help, so we never connected to the tour.

On one of the upper levels, there is an unfinished room with a history of the castle, floor plans and still crated finishes that were to be added to the house. The house was at some point abandoned and they are slowly rebuilding the house the best they can. There does seem to be a US/Canadian partnership to restore the full castle but the project is still ongoing.

While others may have been disappointed in the unfinished rooms and upper levels, I found it interesting that there is still interest in the full restoration. I guess many don't realize how expensive such an endeavor really is. Even with all the visitors, they still need funds to keep the project going.

I would highly recommend a visit to the island and to the Castle. On a beautiful day it would be lovely to sit outside and have lunch.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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BOLDT CASTLE AND THE BOLDT YACHT HOUSE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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