Monaco International

1000  Islands

Scenic Cruises and Boat Tours

Cruising among the 1000 Islands aboard a guided boat tour is among the most popular reasons why visitors come here. Cruises include trips past dozens of islands, fairytale castles, lighthouses, island mansions and wildlife all accompanied by true tales of pirates, bootleggers and the Gilded Age rich and famous who all spent time here. Cruises vary in length from one-hour tours to upward of five hours. Many include lunch or dinner.

Historic Sites

The 1000 Islands region was home to not only significant skirmishes between the U.S. and British-controlled Canada during the War of 1812, but its history as a vacation destination traces back to the Gilded Age, when many of world’s most wealthy and famous treated the region as their private playground. That history, along with major roles in the U.S. Prohibition and maritime ingenuity, has led to visitors trekking to the 1000 Islands to experience authentic heritage sites and attractions.

Gilded Age grandeur is no more prevalent than at the fairytale castles that stand today as visitor attractions. Learn how the rich and famous of the early 1900s enjoyed the 1000 Islands by visiting these formerly private island mansions.

The region’s maritime history is on display at several sites, including North America’s largest collection of antique and classic wooden boats. Museums dedicated to the region’s fishing and boating history, as well as military past, keep a true sense of why this area is so unique in its connection to water and wilderness.

War of 1812 battle sites and military fortifications still line the shorelines and are open for guided and self-guided tours.

Boldt Castle and Boldt Yacht House, Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Enjoy a self-guided tour or tour with your pre-purchased Souvenir Audio Guide, either way this 120-room Rhineland-style castle and yacht house built at the turn of the 20th century. Boldt Castle is home to one of the saddest love stories told. Wander the halls and imagine what could have been if tragedy had not struck. The castle is accessible by tour boat, water taxi and private watercraft and handicap accessible. Boldt Castle is located in the U.S. Passengers arriving by boat from Canadian ports must provide proper identification for U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance.

Singer Castle, Dark Island, Chippewa Bay, NY 13623

Castle built by millionaire Frederick Gilbert Bourne of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. Take a 45-minute guided tour of the grounds and four floors of the castle. Check with area scenic boat tour operators for transportation availability or dock your own watercraft. (Please note: walking up steps is required to view the interior of the castle).  Open 7 days a week June 18-Sept 5;

Cornwall Brothers Store and Museum, 36 Market St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

Local history museum in a historic 1866 stone general store building, with changing exhibits about river life, boating and local communities. Gift shop with regional books and gifts. Gallery presentations and special events in July and August.

Antique Boat Museum,750 Mary St., Clayton, NY 13624

Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, the Antique Boat Museum features the largest collection of antique and classic boats on display in North America! While visiting the museum you can learn about boating history on the St. Lawrence River, row a St. Lawrence skiff in French Bay, tour George Boldt’s historic two-story houseboat and take a speedboat ride through the islands in a triple cockpit runabout.

Thousand Islands Arts Center, Home of the Handweaving Museum, 314 John St., Clayton, NY 13624

The Thousand Islands Arts Center boasts a world-renowned textile collection, with our galleries presenting a wide variety of changing art exhibitions year-round. The Arts Center offers a multitude of classes and workshops in a variety of disciplines, including weaving, pottery, painting and heritage arts.

Thousand Islands Museum, 312 James St., Clayton, NY 13624

Housing special exhibits of world class muskies and hunting decoys from the past and present. Museum gallery and library offers a history of river life along the St. Lawrence. The only place where you can purchase St. Lawrence Tartan, located in the Historic District of downtown Clayton.

Alexander Corners Veterans & Pearl Harbor Memorial, Rt. 3, Alexander Corners, Henderson, NY 13650

A privately maintained display of a M60A3 Tank and a Cobra Attack Helicopter is  dedicated to members of Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, as well as all veterans and their families. Visitors welcome to view the display, situated in a manicured garden. Located on the property of Rhodes Greenhouses and Alexander Corners Store, featuring a gift shop and tourist information center.

Arts Association of Northern New York, 119 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor, NY 13685

Here you will find displays and sale of  artwork from Northern New York’s finest artists. There are also special exhibits, shows and monthly featured artists.

Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site, 504 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor, NY 13685

This is the Site of two battles of the War of 1812. Tour the furnished Commandant’s House (c. 1860) and Navy Yard Grounds, and visit the exhibit “Life on Board the Jefferson.” There are living history demonstrations Wed-Sat (June-Aug), a gift shop and War of 1812 exhibits. Year-round interpretive trail, picnic pavilion and scenic views of Lake Ontario! Access at both 505 W. Washington St. and 504 W. Main St.

 


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