Clayton, NY at a glance
Clayton sits on the St. Lawrence River, about 20 miles (roughly 32 km) northwest of Watertown. It is smaller and calmer than Alexandria Bay. Visitors come for the Antique Boat Museum, a second local museum and a boat tour that leaves from the town. If you are comparing departure towns, our guide to Thousand Islands boat tours lays them side by side.
The two museums are separate places with separate hours. Do not confuse the Antique Boat Museum with the Thousand Islands Museum, and neither with a museum in Gananoque across the border.
Antique Boat Museum
Wooden boats, a houseboat and time on the water.
Where and when
The museum is at 750 Mary Street. Its season begins in May. Opening dates, daily hours and the 2026 admission rates change through the year, so check the museum's current status before you drive out.
Houseboat tour
The guided houseboat tour lasts 30 minutes, with start times every hour from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Check in at the ticket desk when you arrive. The tour is included in some admission packages only.
On the water
La Duchesse and the Ride the River boat trip start on Memorial Day weekend, and the boat ride depends on the weather. Skiff rowing is offered in July and August. None of this runs all year.
Accessibility
The campus and the exhibition buildings are wheelchair accessible. La Duchesse is not.
Our pick: glass-bottom boat from Clayton
Leaves from the town and includes the Rock Island admission, which fits a day that also has the museums.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat tours and day trips from Clayton
Cruises through the islands and past the castles, with live prices and open seats.
Things to do in Clayton NY
A short list that fits one relaxed day.
| Stop | Where | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Antique Boat Museum | 750 Mary Street | Seasonal. Houseboat tour on the hour from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., only in some admission packages. |
| Thousand Islands Museum | 312 James Street | Summer 2026: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Members free; adults and children by donation. |
| Boat tour to Boldt Castle | Clayton waterfront | Boldt Castle and Two Nation tour, 3½ hours. Listed for the 2027 season, May 8 to October 11, 2027: $31 adults, $19 children, $27 reduced rate. |
| Downtown walk | Brick streets with shops | No ticket needed. Combine it with a museum stop. |
For most visitors, the Antique Boat Museum plus a boat tour makes a full day: the museum in the morning and the cruise after lunch, or the other way round. Add the Thousand Islands Museum if it is a Tuesday to Saturday in summer.
The Thousand Islands Museum
A small local museum with its own summer hours.
The Thousand Islands Museum is on James Street. Its summer 2026 hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Members enter free, and adults and children are asked for a donation. It is a different organization from the Antique Boat Museum, so a ticket for one does not cover the other. Out of season, check the museum's current hours before you go.
Getting to Clayton and what comes next
Clayton works as a stop on a longer river route.
Clayton is a short drive from Watertown, so it works as a day trip from the city; see getting to Watertown and the Thousand Islands for routes. From Clayton you can continue to Alexandria Bay for the Singer Castle tour or to Wellesley Island for trails and camping. Heart Island and Boldt Castle are seasonal, so pair your visit with the season dates on the Boldt Castle page.
Clayton: frequently asked questions
What is the Antique Boat Museum?
It is a museum of historic boats at 750 Mary Street in Clayton. It offers a guided houseboat tour and, in season, boat experiences on the river.
Is the Thousand Islands Museum the same museum?
No. The Thousand Islands Museum is at 312 James Street and has its own summer hours. It is a separate place from the Antique Boat Museum.
Can I take a boat tour from Clayton?
Yes. A Boldt Castle and Two Nation tour of 3½ hours leaves from Clayton in season. The prices listed are for the 2027 season, so check the current fare for your date.
How far is Clayton from Watertown?
About 20 miles northwest, or roughly 32 km. Use a route planner for today's driving time.
Is this the official Clayton website?
No. This is an independent travel guide and is not connected to the town, either museum or any tour operator.