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Cedar Point State Park |
Island Trivia
To be considered an island, it must meet two criteria: be above water 365 days a year and support two living trees. The islands are unique, offering a wonderful recreation experience that spans two nations. Each island displays its own individuality with stately granite cliffs, soft sandy bays, tall dark pines and vibrant maple trees - a sightseer’s paradise. While many islands are privately owned, ample public access can be found at island parks and villages throughout the region.
Thousands of Islands
Exactly 1,864 islands make up the 1000 Islands region, as originally named by French explorers. In the 1870’s, wealthy people began to build summer homes here while other travelers stayed in the large resort hotels. The islands were used as stepping stones between New York State and the Province of Ontario - in times of trouble between Canada and the United States, they became a place of refuge and a setting for disreputable deeds. For more than a century now the area has been a mecca for summer visitors with ferries and bridges providing access to ‘main’ islands such as Wellesley, Hill, Wolfe and Howe.
Marinas offering rentals, water taxis and boat tours provide visitors with access to both the remote and historically documented sites in the area. Take a self-guided tour of Boldt Castle and Boldt Yacht House to see the 120-room Rhineland-style castle & yacht house built at the turn-of-the-20th century. Passengers arriving by boat from Canadian ports must provide proper identification. Open daily May 10th thru Oct. 13; closed 10/14-17; then open Sat. & Sun, Oct. 18-19.
Unwind with a stop at the most northern winery in New York State, Thousand Island Winery, located on a farm that was built in 1836. The farm was once owned and operated by Captain Massey a famous Riverboat Captain who owned a huge Great Lake Vessel that he sold to the Department of Defense for the war effort during World War II. A legacy of quality continues on with wines that are second to none.
A perfect spot for a fall stroll and picnic is the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center, one of the largest nature centers in the state park system, sitting on a pristine 600 acre peninsula of Wellesley Island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River. Highlights of a visit include the natural history museum, scenic views of the Thousand Islands from the trail vistas, geocaches - four glacial potholes, and the Annual Autumn Festival on Saturday of Columbus Day weekend. The nature center has dock located in Eel Bay allowing boaters access to the center and a place for patrons to fish.
The gentle cascade of the backyard waterfall greets visitors; then, you’ll encounter the sweet aromas surrounding the bakery at Burrville Cider Mill, Inc., open from Labor Day until the week before Thanksgiving. As you tour the 1801 mill, try some of the North Country's best apple cider and freshly fried cider donuts - still warm to the touch.
All the best can be found in the 1000 Islands Region this fall!
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Things to see Site of two battles of the war of 1812, Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site offers tours of the furnished commandant's house (c. 1860) & navy yard grounds, and visit the exhibit "Life on board the Jefferson." Living history demonstrations Wed-Sat (June-Aug). Gift shop and War of 1812 Gallery. Open year-round, travel the interpretive trail, picnic at the pavilion while enjoying scenic views of Lake Ontario.
The 360 acre El Dorado Nature Preserve’s bird blind, along the 1.4-mile nature trail, provides excellent viewing of the rugged Lake Ontario shore and is a great vantage point for viewing ducks, terns and fall shorebirds. Songbirds are abundant in the cedar forest in the fall. El Dorado's beautiful, undeveloped shoreline was shaped by dramatic forces of nature. Retreating glaciers carved the rugged shoreline tens of thousands of years ago, and strong westerly winds piled up sand to form the dunes along the beach.
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