Boldt Castle

Visit the magnificent Bold Castle and let your thoughts transport you to another world. Located on Heart Island in Alexandria Bay, Bold Castle is an eternal monument to the memory of a man's love for his wife.

The magnificence  of the structure was to be equaled only by George Boldt's adoration of Luise, who was the love of his life and reason for the construction of such impressive summer home.

George C. Boldt was a millionare proprietor of the world famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. He came to America in the 1860's from Prussia, and was the son of poor parents.  George C. Boldt was a man of tremendous organizational skill, daring and imagination. He became the most successful hotel magnate in America, managing/profit sharing the Waldorf-Astoria in New york, and the Bellevue-Stratford in Philadelphia. He was the president of several companies, a trustee of Cornell University, and the director of the Hotel Association of New York. For Boldt, to dream and to do were synonymous. Bold Castle stands as an eternal monument to the memory of the man whose dreams were no more far-reaching than his capabilities.

In 1904 construction was well underway on the 120 room full size Rhineland Castle when tragedy struck. A telegram announcing the death of George C. Boldt's wife Louise arrived... Three hundred artisans and craftsmen from arround the world dropped their tools and left the island, never to return. The fine furniture, sculptures, Italian mantle pieces, imported tapestries and other art pieces never reached their intended places in this tragedy strucked, melancholy mansion. A broken hearted Boldt could not imagine his dream castle without his beloved. Boldt never returned to the island, leaving behind the structure as a monument to his love.

Today, an ongoing major restoration is underway to stabilize/restore this magnificent piece of island history. 

NOTE: Boat tours are available from both United States and Canada. Private boat dockage is available at Heart Island. A shutle from Heart Island provides access to the Boldt Yacht House on Wellesley Island. Identification is required to visit Boldt Castle (for Canadian and U.S. Customs and Immigration). Admission required.