As part of our five -hour tour through the Thousand Islands, we had a two hour stop over at Heart Island, the site of Historic Boldt Castle. George Boldt was a Prussian immigrant who worked his way up from the very bottom of the hotel industry, to eventually become partners with the Waldorf and Aster families who created and ran many famous hotels. In order to ensure the best quality of foods to sell in his restaurants, he started farms to raise cattle and grow produce. Many of these were situated in Northern New York, and the 1000 Islands region.

The Castle was begun as a summer home, and testament of George’s love for his wife, Louise. The finest artists, craftsmen, and materials were sought to complete the work. Unfortunately, about four years into the project, Louise suddenly died. All the workers were told to put down their tools and stop, and they never went back to work. The family never returned to Heart Island.

This picture shows the Norman style arch (on the left) where their guests could sail into a sheltered lagoon when they arrived. The tower on the right is the Children's Playhouse

Over the years it fell into a state of disrepair, and was vandalized by both humans and weather. In 1977, it came into the hands of the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority, and they began to restore and repair it. There is still much work to be done, but the grounds, the exterior of the building, first floor rooms and some other areas have already been restored. It is an awe inspiring sight to see as you come through the islands, and well worth the boat ride to get to it!