This Waterfront NY Town is Known as The ‘Gateway to the Thousand Islands’ — With Gilded Age Castles, 300+ Antique Boats & Legendary Shipwreck Dives

Very few people know how awesome Upstate New York’s “Thousand Islands” region really is. A group of more than 1,800 islands in the St. Lawrence River, straddling the border of the U.S. and Canada , this undiscovered region of NY is full of hidden towns that range from historic French settlements to castle-filled waterfront vistas. But yet another waterfront town is earning time in the spotlight — one that’s the key that unlocks them all and is even being called the “Gateway to the Thousand Islands.” In a recent feature from Islands.com, the outlet highlighted Clayton, New York , a charming village nestled on the St. Lawrence River with postcard-worthy waterfronts, world-class museums, and some of the best freshwater scuba diving in North America . Just under six hours north of NYC, this tiny town of fewer than 2,000 people has more to offer than its size suggests. And in this guide, we’ll tell you how to make the most of it — by exploring historic estates, gliding through the islands on a boat tour, or sipping spirits at a local distillery . Clayton’s Gilded Age charm & history ------------------------------------ [Clayton’s story](https://1000islands.com/clayton-new-york-in-the-1000-islands/clayton-history/)begins in the early 1800s as a timber and shipbuilding hub . Originally called Cornelia, it was renamed in 1831 to honor U.S. Senator John M. Clayton. By the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad transformed the village into a Gilded Age summer playground for America’s elite , including George C. Boldt, the famed Waldorf-Astoria proprietor. To this day, the river is still the town’s heartbeat. Sweeping waterfront views, preserved historic homes, and grand hotels (many restored or converted into inns) continue to give visitors a sense of the town’s opulent past, while modern shops, eateries, and art spaces bring the village to life today. Anchor your visit at the Antique Boat Museum -------------------------------------------- No trip to Clayton is complete without a stop at the Antique Boat Museum , the largest museum in North America dedicated to freshwater boating . Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, this sprawling 4.5-acre campus features more than 300 beautifully restored vessels , from sleek mahogany runabouts to historic St. Lawrence skiffs and luxurious houseboats once owned by Gilded Age elites. You can tour the George Boldt Castle Yacht “La Duchesse,” a 106-foot houseboat that once belonged to the millionaire hotelier behind the iconic Boldt Castle. There are also hands-on exhibits and boat-building workshops , where visitors can learn about the craftsmanship that defined the Thousand Islands’ boating culture. In the summer months, the museum’s Antique Boat Show & Auction draws enthusiasts from around the world — it’s been running for more than 50 years and transforms the waterfront into a living celebration of maritime history. It’s important to note that the museum is open seasonally , which means it’s closed now and will reopen on May 9, 2026 ! On-the-water adventures ----------------------- Clayton’s location makes boating a must. Local operators like Clayton Island Tours offer: * Boldt Castle Tour: Explore Heart Island and the unfinished Rhineland-style castle built for Louise Boldt. * Rock Island Lighthouse Tour: Climb the historic 19th-century lighthouse for panoramic river views. * Glass-Bottom Boat Tours: Spot shipwrecks and underwater landmarks in the clear St. Lawrence waters. For divers, the region is legendary. Freshwater visibility often exceeds 70 feet, with accessible wrecks like The Keystorm and The Islander making for unforgettable dives. Outfitters such as Hunt Dive Shop provide guided excursions. Stroll, sip & soak in local culture ----------------------------------- Like most of Upstate NY’s incredible towns, Clayton’s small but vibrant downtown offers plenty of ways to slow down and enjoy the village’s charm: * Clayton Opera House: Catch music, theater, or comedy in a beautifully restored 1903 venue. * Thousand Islands Arts Center: Explore exhibits, weaving studios, pottery, and more. * Riverwalk & Frink Park: Relax in Adirondack chairs and watch freighters glide by. The town also has a burgeoning craft beverage scene: * Coyote Moon Vineyards: Award-winning wines with tastings on a scenic 20-acre vineyard. * Wood Boat Brewery & Thousand Islands Winery: Local beers and wines perfect for unwinding after a day on the river. Where to eat & stay ------------------- Dining: * The Boat Yard at French Bay: Casual riverfront dining with an eclectic menu. * O’Brien’s Restaurant & Bar: Family-friendly pub with a cozy atmosphere. Accommodations: * 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel: AAA Four Diamond property with luxury rooms, river views, and fire pits. * Historic Inns & B&Bs: The Wooden Boat Inn and other cozy options offer charming, quiet stays in restored historic homes. How to get to Clayton from NYC ------------------------------ Clayton is about six hours north of NYC by car via I-87 and I-81. You could also considering flying into nearby Watertown International Airport in Dexter, which is less than 30 minutes away from Clayton itself! Source: https://secretnyc.co/gateway-to-thousand-islands-small-town-clayton-ny/