Middle class men give Hallmark cards to their wives; multimillionaires build castles.
Then, just four years after work began, before the place was complete, Louise Boldt died suddenly, in January 1904. Heartbroken, Boldt telegraphed the workers to stop their work immediately. He never returned to the island, nor was the building ever completed.
Thousand Islands Bridge Authority acquired the property in 1977, it was decided that through the use of all net revenues from the castle operation it would be preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. Since 1977, several million dollars have been applied to rehabilitating, restoring, and improving the Heart Island structures.
As a child my family had visited the Thousand Islands and I remember exploring the unfinished and forlorn mansion with them.
The grounds are lovely, however, and pleasant to walk around, enjoying what Boldt and his family never had a chance to.
Getting there: Take a tour boat! (Well, that's the only way, unless you have a boat of your own.) There are several tour operators that make stops at Heart Island.
Hours: Tour times vary. Check Boldt Castle's website, as well as the tour boat's schedules.
Dogs: Nope, no way, no how. Service dogs allowed.
Eats: There is some concessions available on the island or on the tour boats. However, it's also easy to pack a small cooler with a picnic lunch, and there are some benches available on the island for an impromptu picnic.
Website: http://www.boldtcastle.com
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Check out the blog's FB page for updates on places we've visited and blogged about: facebook.com/midatlanticdaytrips!
Have you daytripped somewhere interesting? I'd love to hear what you're doing! Email [email protected] if you're interested in being a guest-blogger!
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