The Boldt Castle is a beautiful love story. George C. Boldt, (an immigrant to the US from Prussia) utilized his organizational skill, daring and imagination to become a millionaire propietor of the world-famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in NY. In the late 1800's he set out to build a full sized Rhineland Castle on Hart Island (which he renamed Heart Island) as a display of the love for his wife, Louise.
Beginning in 1900, Boldt's family enjoyed 4 glorious summers while workers fashioned the six story, 120 room castle. During the construction, in 1904, his wife died suddenly. Construction was immediately stopped and George never returned to the island and his son and daughter were also forbidden from returning to the island. 
In 1977, after a long period of deterioration and vandalism, the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority assumed ownership of the grounds and the castle. It is still a work in process but the six structures on the island are being rehabilitated to the estate as planned.
The first two floors are now finished with a grand staircase...
...a stained glass domed ceiling...
...and bedrooms with period furnishings.
The best part of the castle for us was on the top floor (although the basement level does have a swimming pool). The balcony has the most amazing view of the Saint Lawrence Seaway.
Probably, the the most utilized site on the grounds is the gazebo which is the current day site of many wedding ceremonies.
It is a beautiful castle but we were both glad that we were not there in winter!!!We had a wonderful time in Alexandria Bay but we are ready for our next stop...Massena, NY.
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