Antique Boat Museum

06/03/2026

✨$5 Speedboat Rides on the St. Lawrence River✨

Celebrate summer at the Antique Boat Museum during 1000 Islands Family Free Day on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 10 am –5 pm in Clayton, NY.

This community event is all about bringing people together, celebrating life on the River, and making the Museum accessible to everyone. Enjoy free admission and a full day of family-friendly activities, including:

🎨 Free paddle painting
⛵ Cardboard boat building regatta (PFDs provided)
🔨 Build your own mini vessel with Build with the Boatwright
🎣 Learn to fish with the Clayton Guides Association
🚤 $5 speedboat rides (weather permitting)
🎶 Live music
🎭 Face painting
🛶 Row a skiff in the skiff livery
🚣 Paddle a kayak
🌮 Food trucks
🤝 Community activity tables

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting the Thousand Islands region, Family Free Day is a great opportunity to explore the Museum, connect with local organizations, and experience a day on the beautiful St. Lawrence River.

A special thank you to our wonderful event sponsors: Stewart’s Shops, Samaritan Hospital, and Community Bank.

📍 Antique Boat Museum | Clayton, NY
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026
⏰ 10:00 am –5:00 pm

PS. This is a rain or shine event ☀️☔️

06/01/2026

Don't miss Bad Husbands Club, performing at 1000 Islands Family Free Day!

Saturday at the Antique Boat Museum!

06/01/2026

Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at ABM with a traditional St. Lawrence River Shore Dinner presented by the Clayton Guides Association!

Join us on Friday, July 3, at 6 pm for a night featuring a classic shore dinner, riverfront views, and fireworks at dusk. This cherished fishing tradition brings together fresh food, community, and camaraderie by the water.

Dinner ticket includes fatback sandwiches, salad, salt potatoes, sweet corn, fried fish, and French toast, plus one beverage. A cash bar will also be available.

Tickets are $30 per person, $15 for children under 12, and free for children under 6.

Ticket proceeds benefit the Clayton Guides Association. Proceeds from the cash bar benefit the Antique Boat Museum.

Gather your friends and family and celebrate summer on the St. Lawrence River with a true North Country tradition! This event will sell out, so purchase your tickets early!

Click the link in the comments or visit abm.org to reserve your spot. Beware of scammers offering tickets. Tickets are only available at ABM.

05/28/2026

Experience elegance on the waterfront at the 15th Annual 1000 Islands Concours d’Elegance, returning to the Antique Boat Museum on Saturday, June 27th. This year’s showcase features the timeless beauty and legendary craftsmanship of iconic Italian automobiles, along with an impressive collection of European & British sports, touring, and grand touring cars from the 1950s–1970s. Stroll the Museum’s scenic waterfront campus, admire these rare classics, and vote for your favorite entry during this unforgettable day in the 1000 Islands.

05/23/2026

🚤 Ride the River and step aboard history at the Antique Boat Museum this Memorial Day!

Ride the River speedboat rides and tours of the historic houseboat La Duchesse are now available at the Antique Boat Museum.

Take a 45-minute cruise along the St. Lawrence River, traveling from Bartlett Point around Picton Island, through the Narrows, and past Thousand Islands Park on the way back to the Museum. Along the route, enjoy views of Calumet Island, Maple Island, Rock Island Lighthouse, Round Island, and more.

Then, step aboard La Duchesse, the Museum’s 106′ houseboat built in 1903 for hotelier George Boldt, manager of New York City’s famed Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and later was in continuous use as an elegant summer residence until she was generously donated to the Museum by the McNally family. She brings the gracious River lifestyle of more than 100 years ago to life. Learn more on a 30 minute guided tour.

Plan your visit and experience the River from the water and from one of its most iconic historic vessels.

🎟️ Learn more and reserve your spot by at abm.org.

05/13/2026

Create your own traditional-style canoe paddle in this hands-on, three-day workshop at the Antique Boat Museum!

Led by instructor John Homer, participants will carve a custom canoe paddle using hand tools such as a spokeshave and rasp. Before class, John will consult with each participant and provide a pre-sawn blank matched to your height and paddling style, so you can focus on shaping, smoothing, sanding, and learning how to choose and apply the right finish.

Woodworking experience is helpful, but not required. This class is recommended for ages 14+; participants under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian.

📅 June 26–28, 2026
🕗 8 am –5 pm
👤 Instructor: John Homer
💲 $325 per person | $292 per member
🛠️ All materials and tools provided
🎟️ Daily Museum admission included plus free admission to our 1000 Islands Conours d’Elegance Car Show on June 27!

Click the link in the comments to register today and leave with a paddle shaped by your own hands!

05/12/2026

The Antique Boat Museum is now open for the 2026 season and welcoming visitors 7 days a week 10am-5pm. Explore one of the largest collections of antique and classic boats in North America, enjoy waterfront exhibits, scenic St. Lawrence River views, speedboat rides, tours, special events, and everything that makes summer in the 1000 Islands unforgettable.

Antique Boat Museum, located in Clayton, Thousand Islands New York

05/12/2026

The Village of Clayton NY would like to notify residents and motorists of a temporary street closure on **James Street between Union Street and Mary Street** for funeral services honoring U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agent Sean McDonough.

During these times, James Street will be closed to through traffic between Union Street and Mary Street. Motorists are asked to use alternate routes and allow additional travel time in the area.

We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we honor Agent McDonough and support his family, friends, and fellow officers during this time.

For questions, please contact the Village Office @ 315-686-5552.

05/07/2026

Love the River? Join the ABM Volunteer Crew. Meet fellow river enthusiasts, enjoy Clipper Inn hors d’oeuvres and desserts, beer/wine/soda, and discover how you can become part of the Antique Boat Museum volunteer family. Plus, attendees are entered to win a private cruise aboard Zipper! RSVP to [email protected], 315.686.4104 ext. 250

Volunteer Since its founding, volunteers have been the heart and soul of the Antique Boat Museum. Each year, our dedicated Volunteer Corps contributes between 9,000 and 12,000 hours, helping us fulfill our mission to preserve and share North America’s pleasure boating history and the nautical heri...

05/06/2026

🚤 The Antique Boat Museum opens this Saturday!

A new season begins at ABM on Saturday, May 9, and we’re excited to welcome visitors back to campus from 10 AM to 5 PM.

There is so much happening on campus this season, from signature events and river experiences to hands-on learning opportunities for all ages. Full programming begins May 23 with the return of Ride the River, La Duchesse tours, and Doebler Collections Storage Facility tours.

This year, guests can explore our newest exhibit, Keep the Fleet in Fighting Trim, on display in the Haxall Building’s Homer L. Dodge Gallery. Presented in honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the exhibit shares the story of recreational boatbuilders, engine makers, and pleasure craft that supported the nation’s wartime efforts. Through transformed factories, repurposed boats, and remarkable craftsmanship, these builders helped sustain the fleet in service of the country.

⛵ On-the-Water & Education Programs
ABM’s 2026 education schedule includes Intro to Small Craft, Beginning Sailing, Intermediate Sailing, Advanced Sailing, Open/Adult Sailing, Boater Safety, and The Captain School at ABM.

🛠️ Boatyard Classes
This season’s boatyard classes include Paddle Making, Craft Your Own Charcuterie Board, Family Birdhouse Building with Save the River, Canvas Bag Making, Bronze Casting, and Staining & Brightwork.

Visit abm.org for more details!

📍 Antique Boat Museum, Clayton, NY
🕙 Opening Day: Saturday, May 9 | 10 AM–5 PM

We can’t wait to see you back on campus! ⚓️