Alexandria Bay: Hotels, History, and Experiences on the Water

Alexandria Bay combines historic destinations with a range of experiences on the water. If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay, it helps to consider these interests separately: Boldt Castle has a unique story and a specific water-only access requirement; the museum, river park, cruises, beach, and dive park each offer something different.

Boldt Castle and Cruises

Construction of Boldt Castle began in 1900 at the direction of hotel magnate George C. Boldt as a tribute to his beloved wife, Louise. This personal dedication gives the castle a specific historical story. At the same time, access is an important consideration for a visit: Boldt Castle can only be reached by water, aboard a tour boat or private boat. If you plan to visit the castle, factor this travel requirement into your day’s plans.

Uncle Sam Boat Tours offers sightseeing cruises lasting one hour and two hours and 15 minutes. The difference in duration provides a clear guide when deciding how much time to set aside for a cruise. The day trips include an unlimited stay at Boldt Castle. Schedules and offerings may vary, so check the current tour details for your travel dates before your trip.

Local History at the Cornwall Brothers Museum

The Cornwall Brothers Museum, dating from 1866, is located at 36 Market Street in Alexandria Bay. The Alexandria Township Historical Association owns and operates the museum. Its exhibits and artifacts document the history and way of life of the people of this river community, as well as the wider Town of Alexandria. The subject matter therefore encompasses both the community on the river and the larger town. This distinction is useful if you’re interested in the history of the village and its wider surroundings.

Boldt Castle and the Cornwall Brothers Museum offer two different ways to explore history: the castle focuses on its construction as a tribute to Louise, while the museum is devoted to the life and history of the river community and the Town of Alexandria. The museum’s exact address gives you a specific point of reference if you include a visit in your stay.

Scenic View Park, Beach, and Dive Park

Scenic View Park is on the St. Lawrence River and has a seasonal swimming beach. If swimming is important to your travel plans, keep the beach’s seasonal nature in mind and check its availability for your desired dates. This helps you distinguish a beach visit from historic attractions that can be planned year-round, without assuming a particular swimming season.

The dive park gives divers access to the Islander. It lies less than 100 feet from shore in approximately 40 feet of water. This is a different focus from the seasonal swimming beach: here, the emphasis is on a specific access point for divers, while the park also offers seasonal swimming. This makes it easy to plan for these two water-related interests separately.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

The castle and museum offer different historical themes, while the water activities vary significantly in cruise duration, seasonal swimming, and diving. Take the relevant timing or seasonal considerations into account as you plan. This lets you tailor your search for a hotel in Alexandria Bay to your itinerary, rather than treating these different excursion interests as the same.

Explore more destinations: Evans Mills, Calcium, Cape Vincent, Carthage, Watertown, Sackets Harbor.

View the broader travel guide: Jefferson County.