Boldt Castle, the grandest of all Gilded Age mansions, remains a testament to one man's tragic love story.

In 1900, millionaire proprietor of the world-famous Waldorf-Astoria, George C. Boldt set out to build a Rhineland style castle on Heart Island in the 1000 Islands region of the St. Lawrence River.

The magnificent 120-room structure was to be a monument of love for his wife Louise. With over $2.5 million invested, work on the Castle and several other castellated buildings were well underway when tragedy struck.

In January 1904, Mrs. Boldt dies and all work on the Castle ceases. Mr. Boldt,inconsolable, never returns to Heart Island or his Boldt Castle project. The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority assumed ownership in 1977, determined to preserve Boldt Castle's legacy for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Since then millions of dollars have been invested into the restoration of the stunning Heart Island structures and more recently, the enormous Boldt Castle Yacht House on Wellesley Island

Heart Island is accessible to the handicapped, has complete restroom facilities, a gift shop, picnic areas and food and beverage concession to serve the public.