Do you dream of exploring a place with grand castles, beautiful waterways, and quaint towns? Look no further than the Thousand Islands-Seaway area in upstate New York. This hidden gem is filled with over 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River. It’s a top destination that won’t empty your wallet.
Plan your next trip to Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands. You’ll find many free and affordable activities. Enjoy boat cruises, castle tours, trophy fishing, and stunning natural sights.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the iconic Boldt Castle and the Scottish-inspired Singer Castle on the Thousand Islands
- Embark on scenic boat cruises through Millionaires Row and along the international waters of the 2 Nation Tour
- Explore charming small towns like Clayton, voted #1 for Best Small Town Cultural Scene
- Delve into the region’s rich history at fascinating museums and historic sites
- Enjoy outdoor adventures in the pristine state parks and admire picturesque lighthouses
Explore Iconic Castles and Mansions
The Thousand Islands region is known for its stunning historic castles and mansions. These places take visitors back in time. They are a must-see for anyone visiting this magical area.
Tour the Magnificent Boldt Castle
Boldt Castle is a famous spot in the Thousand Islands, on Heart Island. George C. Boldt built it in 1900 as a gift for his wife Louise. After Louise’s death, it stood empty for over 70 years.
Now, it’s been restored to its former beauty. Visitors can see the castle’s rich history. You can take a 10-minute boat ride to get there for $9-$12.50 with Uncle Sam Boat Tours.
There are different tours available. You can do a self-guided tour for $12.50 or a tour that includes the Yacht House for $15.50.
Marvel at the Scottish-inspired Singer Castle
Another must-see is Singer Castle on Dark Island. This 28-room castle has a Scottish style. It was once owned by the CEO of the Singer Sewing Machine Company, hence its name.
Boat tours let you see the castle up close and enjoy its beautiful views.
The Thousand Islands offer a chance to experience the grandeur of these historic castles and mansions. It’s like stepping back in time.
Embark on Scenic Boat Cruises
Explore the beautiful Thousand Islands of New York with a relaxing boat cruise on the St. Lawrence River. Uncle Sam Boat Tours in Alexandria Bay has different themed cruises. They all stop at Heart Island and offer a free boat ride back to the mainland until October 9.
Cruise through the Historic Millionaires Row
Travel back in time on the one-hour Millionaires Row Tour. See the grand mansions once owned by the richest families from the late 1800s and early 1900s. It costs just $22.25 for this journey.
Journey through International Waters on the 2 Nation Tour
Take a two-hour-and-25-minute 2 Nation Tour for $28.50. You’ll cross international waters between the U.S. and Canada. It’s an exciting experience.
Witness Breathtaking Lighthouse Views
Clayton Island Tours has scenic cruises like the Islands, Lighthouses and Castle Tour (until September 9). It costs $25 and features unforgettable views. There’s also a two-hour Sunset Cruise (until September 5) for $23.
“Cruising through the Thousand Islands is a must-do experience for anyone visiting the region. The stunning views and historic mansions make it a truly unforgettable adventure.”
Discover Charming Small Towns
Over a century ago, the Thousand Islands were a top vacation spot for the wealthy and powerful. Today, you can still see the old times in the small towns here. Clayton was voted #1 for Best Small Town Cultural Scene in 2022 and 2023 by USA Today’s 10Best Readers Choice Awards. It’s full of classic riverside charm. Walk down James Street to find local establishments like 1000 Island River Rat Cheese and the Thousand Islands Museum.
Alexandria Bay is surrounded by the St. Lawrence River. Take a stroll down the main street to see shops like Good Dog Charlie’s and Bay House Artisans. Then, grab a bite at Riley’s by the River. In Cape Vincent, Broadway offers beautiful views where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario. You’ll find local treasures and specialty goods at places like Twist of Cape and Cape Vincent Brewing Company.
| Small Town | Population in 1800 | Population in 2024 | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coeymans, New York | 400 | 7,256 | Historic Main Street, Coeymans Landing Marina |
| Canandaigua, New York | N/A | N/A | Canandaigua Lake, Sonnenberg Gardens |
| Poughkeepsie, New York | N/A | N/A | Walkway Over the Hudson, Dutchess County Fairgrounds |
| Kingston, New York | N/A | N/A | Delaware & Hudson Canal Museum, Rondout Waterfront |
The Thousand Islands are full of charming small towns that show off the area’s history and culture. From Clayton‘s quaint riverside streets to Cape Vincent‘s lakefront views, these towns highlight the best of local shops and local cuisine. They make the region truly special.
Delve into the Region's Rich History
The Thousand Islands-Seaway region is full of museums and historic sites. Each one offers a special look into the area’s rich past. You’ll find everything from art collections to stories of the Holocaust and African-American freedom seekers.
Visit Fascinating Museums
Check out the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton for over 300 antique and classic boats. In Ogdensburg, the Frederic Remington Art Museum has the largest collection of Frederic Remington’s art. The Safe Haven Holocaust Refugee Shelter Museum in Oswego tells the story of 982 holocaust refugees who found safety in the U.S.
Learn about abolitionist Starr Clark and his role in the Underground Railroad at the Starr Clark Tin Shop and Underground Railroad Museum in Mexico, NY. Nearby, the H. Lee White Maritime Museum in Oswego highlights the area’s maritime history.
Explore Historic Sites and Battlefields
Visit Fort Ontario in Oswego, built by the British in 1755, to see where the French and Indian War and the War of 1812 battles took place. The Sackets Harbor Battlefield Historic Site is where two War of 1812 battles happened. It shows the importance of this time in history.
See the mission fort from 1749 at Fort de la Présentation. It’s where the St. Lawrence and Oswegatchie rivers meet.
“From extraordinary art collections and local maritime history to the stories of Holocaust heroes and African-American freedom seekers, the Thousand Islands-Seaway is full of museums that cover it all.”
Alexandria Bay, New York: Best Things to Do - Top Picks
Alexandria Bay is a hidden gem along the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands Region. It’s full of exciting things to do, like visiting Boldt Castle and going on boat cruises. The area is perfect for anyone looking for a romantic trip, a family vacation, or an adventure.
Begin by visiting Heart Island and the stunning Boldt Castle. This castle was once a summer home for the Boldt family. You can take a self-guided tour to learn about its history and see its beauty. For a deeper experience, consider a tour that includes the Yacht House.
Try a scenic cruise to see Millionaires Row and historic lighthouses. These cruises show off the beauty of the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence River. They give you a unique view of this beautiful place.
For outdoor fun, check out the state parks around Alexandria Bay. They’re great for hiking, fishing, and camping. Visit Wellesley Island State Park, Westcott Beach State Park, and Southwick Beach State Park to enjoy nature and wildlife.
Don’t miss the charming small towns and local cuisine in Alexandria Bay. Walk through the streets, see the Antique Boat Museum, and try the local food. There’s so much to see and do here, making it a trip you won’t forget.
| Attraction | Price Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Boldt Castle | $12.50 – $15.50 | Self-guided tour |
| Millionaires Row Cruise | $22.25 | 2 hours |
| 2 Nation Tour Cruise | $28.50 | 3 hours |
| Antique Boat Museum | $14 – $40 (family) | Self-guided tour |
| Wellesley Island State Park | $7 per vehicle | Varies |
| Westcott Beach State Park | $8 per vehicle | Varies |
| Southwick Beach State Park | $8 per vehicle | Varies |
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures in State Parks
New York’s state parks are a treasure trove for outdoor lovers. They offer a wide range of activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. The Thousand Islands-Seaway region’s state parks are perfect for memorable adventures.
Hike, Fish, and Camp in Pristine Natural Settings
Robert G. Wehle State Park in Henderson covers 1,100 acres and has 17,000 feet of Lake Ontario shoreline. It’s free to visit, so you can enjoy the trails, fish for muskie, and camp under the stars. It’s the largest campground in the area.
For just $7 per vehicle, Wellesley Island State Park in Fineview awaits. You can hike through wooded hills and meadows, relax on the beach, or fish from the marina.
Westcott Beach State Park has a sandy beach along Lake Ontario, great for swimming and sunbathing. Admission is $8 per vehicle. You can also fish from the pier or watch freighters from the overlook.
Cedar Point State Park has a beach, pier for fishing, and a scenic overlook. Admission is $6-$7 per vehicle. It offers many outdoor activities.
Southwick Beach State Park is known for its long sandy beach, perfect for summer fun. In winter, it’s great for snowmobiling. Admission is $8 per vehicle.
“New York boasts 180 state parks, providing millions of acres of protected wilderness, 2000 miles of hiking and biking trails, 561 waterfalls, 7600 freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs.”
Admire Picturesque Lighthouses
The Thousand Islands region of New York is full of maritime history. A visit here isn’t complete without seeing the beautiful lighthouses. These structures were once key guides for ship captains. Now, they stand as symbols of the area’s rich seafaring history.
The Tibbetts Point Lighthouse in Cape Vincent is a must-see. It sits where the St. Lawrence River meets Lake Ontario. You can’t go inside, but the grounds offer stunning views.
Don’t miss the Oswego Lighthouse at the H. Lee White Maritime Museum. You can take a two-hour tour ($20-$30 per person) that includes a boat ride. Or, you can see it from the museum pier for free.
| Lighthouse | Location | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tibbetts Point Lighthouse | Cape Vincent, New York | Marks the meeting point of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario, home to the only working Fresnel Lens on Lake Ontario |
| Oswego Lighthouse | H. Lee White Maritime Museum, Oswego, New York | Accessible via two-hour private tour ($20-$30 per person) with boat ride, or can be admired from the museum’s pier |
Whether you get close or admire from afar, these lighthouses will make your Thousand Islands trip unforgettable.
Traverse the Great Lakes Seaway Trail
Start an unforgettable trip along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, a 518-mile (834 km) National Scenic Byway. It runs along the northeastern U.S. shoreline. You’ll see the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River, and Lake Erie from it.
This route takes you through 11 counties in Pennsylvania and New York. You’ll see quaint villages, historic sites, and natural wonders. From the famous Niagara Falls to the lovely Sodus Bay, it’s a journey full of beauty and history.
| Scenic Highlights | Historic Attractions | Outdoor Adventures |
|---|---|---|
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The Great Lakes Seaway Trail has 28 lighthouses and over 16 historic sites. It’s perfect for those who love outdoor adventures, cultural spots, or just a beautiful drive. This National Scenic Byway will leave you amazed and inspired.
Conclusion
The Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands Region of New York are full of exciting things to do. You can visit the grand Boldt Castle and the Singer Castle, which looks like a Scottish castle. Or, you can take a boat ride on the St. Lawrence River.
Looking for outdoor fun in state parks? Or maybe you want to learn about history at museums. The Thousand Islands-Seaway area has it all. It’s a place that will give you memories to last a lifetime and let you experience the special culture and beauty of this area.
So, make plans to visit Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands soon. Start an amazing trip that will capture your heart with its many adventures and peaceful spots. This part of New York is truly special.
