How long is the river cruise?

The guided river cruise aboard the Hacker Craft lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Are the captains professional staff?

All captains are volunteers passionate about the museum and the river, enhancing the local experience.

Is the experience suitable for children?

Yes, this experience is family-friendly and enjoyable for visitors of all ages.

Can visitors with mobility challenges participate?

Yes, the museum offers a dock lift for easy boarding; visitors should call ahead to arrange assistance.

Do I need to book the La Duchesse tour in advance?

The La Duchesse tour is reserved onsite at the admissions desk on the day of your visit.

What is the cancellation policy for weather-related changes?

Full refunds or rebooking options are available if cruises must be canceled due to weather.

River Cruising & Historic Tours at Antique Boat Museum | Boat Tour

Located in Clayton, New York, along the storied waters of the St. Lawrence River, the Antique Boat Museum offers a distinctive day trip that weaves maritime heritage with active river adventure. This experience combines a guided tour of La Duchesse, a historic houseboat, with a dynamic 45-minute cruise on a classic 30-foot Hacker Craft, captained by dedicated volunteers who bring the region’s boating legacy to life.

The St. Lawrence River, running along the US-Canadian border, is renowned for its striking granite outcrops and wide, open waters dotted with islands. Tour participants set out from the museum’s docks, situated directly on the river's edge, allowing immediate immersion in this unique freshwater seaway environment. The region’s characteristic mixed hardwood forests and bursts of seasonal wildflowers frame each journey, while the cool river breeze enhances the sense of connection with this expansive natural corridor.

Visitors begin with the museum’s All Inclusive Admission Package, which allows a half-hour walking tour through La Duchesse, a houseboat that highlights early 20th-century aquatic lifestyles and craftsmanship. This immersive walk-through provides vivid insight into the engineering and lifestyle of a bygone era, setting the scene for the cruise that follows.

Boarding the sleek, triple-cockpit Hacker Craft offers an intimate, authentic boating experience that traces scenic river passages. These rides accommodate small groups, preserving a calm and personal atmosphere while showcasing shimmering shorelines, historical landmarks, and the diverse birdlife that thrives here.

What makes this outing exceptional is its blend of cultural preservation and hands-on adventure, supported by community volunteers passionate about regional history and ecology. Accessibility features like an onboard dock lift ensure inclusivity, inviting adventurers of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply seeking a refreshing river retreat, the Antique Boat Museum’s curated day package offers a meaningful connection to the St. Lawrence’s natural and historical rhythms.

About Antique Boat Museum

Antique Boat Museum, located in Clayton, New York in the scenic 1000 Islands, is North America's premier freshwater boating museum. The museum preserves and interprets the region's recreational and commercial boating heritage through collections, exhibits, and hands-on programs. Visitors can explore a collection of over 300 unique boats spanning runabouts, powerboats, houseboats, and rare classics, showcased in indoor galleries and an active boatyard.

Educational programming includes guided tours of the historic 106' houseboat La Duchesse, bronze casting workshops led by master craftsman Michael Saari, and practical training courses for mariners. Certified courses and endorsements available at the museum include the Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV - 6 Pack), Assistance Towing Endorsement, Auxiliary Sail Endorsement, and upgrade pathways toward Master/Mate credentials up to 100 GRT. These courses combine classroom instruction with on-water experience under volunteer captains.

Seasonal river cruises feature intimate 45-minute rides aboard a 30' Hacker Craft with small passenger limits to ensure a personal experience. General admission grants all-day access to exhibits, special events, and boat shows, including one of the longest-running boat shows in the region. The museum also accepts donations and supports preservation through membership and volunteer programs.

Antique Boat Museum serves historians, mariners, and families seeking an immersive waterfront experience. Its combination of curated collections, active restoration, practical training, and community events makes it a trusted destination for freshwater boating heritage in Clayton, New York. The museum's volunteer-driven programs and public events promote preservation, skills training, and community engagement across the Thousand Islands region year-round.