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your visit inside the museum, in the newly updated Gordon Gallery, and
get a feel for all the museum has to offer, and the role it plays in both
the Thousand Islands region and the boating world at large. You can explore
the museum at your own pace. Learn about the St. Lawrence Skiff, the local
watercraft with a story woven into the history of the Thousand Islands;
explore centuries of canoe-building techniques, from dugouts made from
tree trunks to today's ultra-light Kevlar, at the Perfect Canoe exhibit;
and bring the kids to see Oar Else!, a fun, Dr. Seuss-themed trip through
the different types of self-propelled watercraft that have been used along
the river. Then take a look at how times changed when the engine emerged
onto the scene; the Quest for Speed exhibit has its own building with displays
detailing the record-setting races and construction breakthroughs that
tested the speed barrier and thrilled generations. You can also explore
the evolution of classic boats, motors and propulsion systems, and other
artifacts on display in the Dodge Launch Building, which is open for self-guided
exploration with placards of information on the history and interesting
points about each item.
 However, the indoor exhibits are only half of what the museum offers. Step outside and you'll notice a few things: a spectacular view of the river, and the 106-foot- long houseboat La Duchesse. La Duchesse was built in 1903 and belonged to George Boldt, the man responsible for the construction of nearby Boldt Castle. The Boldt family used La Duchesse as a floating summer home before the castle was constructed. A guided tour of the vessel reveals interesting details of their luxurious lifestyle during those Gilded Age summers on the river. A treasured fleet of antique boats also waits at the museum's dock slips. There are five in total that are used out on the river, including the 1915 Hutchinson-built Wild Goose, the high-speed launch that lends her shape to the museum's logo. Experience the thrill of a jaunt in these classic craft with the museum's Ride the River experience, which allows you to become a passenger for a 45-minute excursion along the St. Lawrence in one of these antique boats. Explore the Thousand Islands' traditional mode of transportation and row a St. Lawrence Skiff. You can also. sign up in advance for a sunset cruise on an antique boat. The Antique Boat Museum is also home to big events throughout the summer. The fun begins in June with Family Day, a free event on Saturday, June 8. On Saturday, June 29 see antique and classic cars at the 1000 Islands Concours d'Elegance. July 13 marks the annual Festival of Oar, Paddle and Sail, with all kinds of non-motorized watercraft, activities, demonstrations and workshops, plus die chance to get out on the river in a historic sailboat or a St. Lawrence Skiff. The biggest event of all is the Antique Boat Show and Auction, which boasts the distinction of being the longest-running annual boat show in North America. Held Friday, August 2 through Sunday, August 4, the Antique Boat Show celebrates its 55th year in 2019 with privately- owned antique and classic boats joining the museum's collection. There's also food, music, and entertainment. The Antique Boat Museum is open from May to October each year; be sure to check out their website, www.ABM.org, or call 315-686-4104 for information and hours. Enjoy! View this content in 2019 Upstate NY Summer Magazine. Media
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