Singer Castle
Singer Castle
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A part of American history and local folklore meet at Singer Castle on Dark Island, located on the St. Lawrence River. Singer Castle is the only remaining/existing castle on our river to be completed, fully furnished and lived in during the heyday of the great builders and industrialists in New York. The castle is open for tours from mid-May - early October. It is also available for overnight stays in the Royal Suite and weddings and special events.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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4.5
198 reviews
Excellent
112
Very good
54
Average
21
Poor
10
Terrible
1
CiaoBella112
Highland, NY74 contributions
Aug 2021
Our transportation and admission to Singer Castle was through a boat tour that we took with Uncle Sam’s Boat Tours. We had read about the history of the castle and its connection to Frederick Bourne, President of Singer Sewing Machine. There was a 45-minute narrated tour of the home and property by a very knowledgeable guide. The flow of visitors was well controlled and paced.
We knew that the property had fallen into disrepair and had been taken over by a group of foreign investors. Because of this, we expected the property to be in better shape, but we were frankly underwhelmed by what we saw. The renovations were not particularly extensive and some of the furnishings were downright dowdy and drab. What surprised us even more was when we learned that this property was a big wedding venue and romantic getaway spot. Perhaps the investments went into rooms and wings we did not see. Regardless, it’s not a place we would consider staying overnight based on what we did see.
We knew that the property had fallen into disrepair and had been taken over by a group of foreign investors. Because of this, we expected the property to be in better shape, but we were frankly underwhelmed by what we saw. The renovations were not particularly extensive and some of the furnishings were downright dowdy and drab. What surprised us even more was when we learned that this property was a big wedding venue and romantic getaway spot. Perhaps the investments went into rooms and wings we did not see. Regardless, it’s not a place we would consider staying overnight based on what we did see.
Written 30 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pamstergazelle
11 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Lots of neat secret passageways, beautiful interior finishes and architecture but……
It was very difficult to hear the tour guide outdoors because the group was so large. He was walking and talking and if you were at the end of the line, you missed the entire outdoor tour.
My advice would be for the tour guide to gather in a group, talk about the history/buildings etc and then move to the next location and repeat. It was easier to hear inside.
The facility itself isn’t really well maintained and all of the windows are dirty and loaded with spiderwebs and spiders. Ick. The beautiful views were hampered by this.
If you only have time for one castle, skip this one and go to Boldt. It is beautiful, well maintained, and ADA compliant.
It was very difficult to hear the tour guide outdoors because the group was so large. He was walking and talking and if you were at the end of the line, you missed the entire outdoor tour.
My advice would be for the tour guide to gather in a group, talk about the history/buildings etc and then move to the next location and repeat. It was easier to hear inside.
The facility itself isn’t really well maintained and all of the windows are dirty and loaded with spiderwebs and spiders. Ick. The beautiful views were hampered by this.
If you only have time for one castle, skip this one and go to Boldt. It is beautiful, well maintained, and ADA compliant.
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eemskr
Philadelphia, PA56 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
First time visitor to Singer Castle. Anne, the tour guide, was very knowledgeable about the history of it. The tour was well organized and kept moving, even with all the questions from the group. Definitely worth the visit. We got there on Uncle Sam’s tour boat. I would highly recommend them. The price was reasonable and the Captain of the tour boat was entertaining and knew all about the St Lawrence River! We then stopped at Boldt Castle on the way back. Don’t miss doing that tour also. Total cost for the boat and 2 castles was $52 for person!
Written 20 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CaribbeanCruiser86
Buffalo, NY180 contributions
July 2021
This was my first time coming to Singer Castle and it was a great tour. Our tour guide (forgot his name) was a beyond fantastic! He was only 16 or 17 years old and man did he know his stuff, very knowledgeable! He had humor too which was nice. The home itself was beautiful, very well maintained too. I was not expecting to have a guided tour but it was nice as I know I would have rushed through the house not gaining any information as I did with the tour. If you visit 1000 islands, make sure to take a boat trip out to this one you won't regret it.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shawn H
Washington DC, DC408 contributions
Aug 2021
We came here on an Uncle Sam Boat Tour and really enjoyed on our time at the castle. We were greeted shortly after the boat by an excellent tour guide, with tours well organized so you can all see the island and house. The story of the construction of this home, full of secret passages, trap doors, odd turn of the century technologies (light bath!), and luxury living from another era make this a worthwhile adventure. The place has a small gift/snack shop on the dock in an old boat house as well while you wait for the return trip. I would love to go back to spend a night at the property and have the site to ourselves to explore.
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth J
Boston, MA17 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Our group of 5 adults and 2 teens visited Singer Castle on a rainy day yesterday. Our tour guide, Marion, was welcoming and cheerful despite the inclement weather. She provided a wealth of information on the castle and the ownership history and answered all of our questions about the rooms and their original contents. While we weren’t able to walk the grounds due to the weather, the many windows in the castle provide ample views of all important sites on Dark Island. Highly recommend as a Must Do when visiting the 1000 Islands.
Written 9 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rrohr1
Philadelphia, PA47 contributions
July 2022
It takes an hour to reach the castle by boat, with a lot of interesting sights along the way. No food or drink is allowed on the island. Once there, you will be assigned to a tour guide. The house has been fully restored and provides an excellent view of how the upper class lived. There is a long climb from the boat dock to the castle, and three flights of stairs once inside, so this is not a trip for the frail.
Written 31 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barb121212
Fort Myers, FL17 contributions
July 2021
If you have the opportunity it is well worth spending the night. Once tourists are gone for the day the caretaker takes you to your room for you to get settled. When ready, you meet back up with him for a grand tour. Again, you go and relax or walk the grounds - whatever you wish to do till dinner is served. The caretaker also serves the dinner which is just delicious. After dinner, you are on your own to do as you please throughout the castle. It is an experience that my husband and I will always remember. Again so worth the cost of the stay. Actually went in 6/2019 but wasn't a choice for when did you go. Never wrote a review back then as I never thought of it.
Written 16 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DisneyDarwin
Spring, TX1,155 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We came with Uncle Sam’s Boat Tours and had a guided 1 hour tour. The castle is very interesting and quite beautiful, including a squash court, therapy room, rose garden, armory room and secret passages. Much better than the norm.
Written 26 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bella D
Buffalo, NY39 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Loved the tour set up through Uncle Sams Boat Tours. Guide was enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Felt a little rushed with not enough time gor gift shop. Woman clerk there was not friendly and sharply talked to us. Wish more was available there like a magnet, mug, etc with castle image on it as well as a variety of postcards. Disappointed with the shop staff and what was offered.
Written 11 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am considering an overnight stay at the castle with my husband. Can you tell me the approximate cost? Thank you!
Written 3 October 2017
I understand it depends on the date / day of week / time of year. You would really need to go directly to their site and contact them with your specific information. I believe they are open from around mid-May to late October ~ it does depend on the weather. You would also need to coordinate if a boat is needed to get to the island as the various tour boats also run on specific schedules dependent on the weather.
Written 3 October 2017
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