Clayton Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Nestled on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in the picturesque Thousand Islands region of New York, Clayton is a charming town that offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, history, and cultural attractions. With its stunning waterfront views, quaint shops, and warm hospitality, Clayton is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and idyllic getaway.

One of the town's main attractions is the Antique Boat Museum, which showcases a remarkable collection of over 300 beautifully restored watercraft. Visitors can explore the museum's exhibits, including vintage boats, engines, and other maritime artifacts, and even take a scenic boat ride on the river aboard a classic wooden vessel. The museum also offers hands-on activities for children, making it a perfect family-friendly destination.

For those seeking outdoor adventures, Clayton is surrounded by natural beauty that is sure to captivate nature enthusiasts. The nearby Thousand Islands National Park offers an array of activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting. Visitors can also take a scenic boat tour of the Thousand Islands, marveling at the breathtaking landscapes and opulent summer homes that dot the river.

History buffs will be delighted to discover Clayton's rich heritage. The town is home to the Thousand Islands Museum, where exhibits chronicle the fascinating stories of the region's past. From the Gilded Age mansions that once hosted America's elite to the tales of bootleggers during Prohibition, there is much to uncover about Clayton's intriguing history.

As the day winds down, visitors can stroll along Clayton's charming downtown area, browsing through unique boutiques and art galleries. The town is also known for its vibrant dining scene, offering a variety of culinary delights ranging from fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine. Whether it's savoring a delicious meal overlooking the river or enjoying an ice cream cone while watching a stunning sunset, Clayton offers a delightful culinary experience for every taste.

Alternative names: Population: 2 thous.Area: 104.25 mi²Elevation: 253 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°14'29"N, 76°5'19"W

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New YorkUnited States

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Clayton Top Attractions

Clayton Attractions - What to See and Explore

Clayton offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Antique Boat Museum, Rock Island Light, Clayton Historic District, Thousand Islands Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • Island • Park
Antique Boat Museum
The Antique Boat Museum is a museum on the St. Lawrence River, in Clayton, New York, United States. It is the site for the annual Antique Boat Show and Auction and the biennial Antique Raceboat Regatta.
Park
Rock Island Light
Rock Island Light is a lighthouse on Rock Island in the Saint Lawrence River in Jefferson County, New York, United States. The island is owned by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and operated as Rock Island Lighthouse State Park.
Neighbourhood
Clayton Historic District
Clayton Historic District is a historic district in Clayton, New York. It was originally listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, and later its boundaries were increased in 1997. It includes the Capt.

44°14'33"N • 76°5'12"W
Thousand Islands Museum
City hall • Specialty museum • Museum
State park • Park
Cedar Point State Park
Cedar Point State Park is a 48-acre state park located on Cedar Point in the Town of Cape Vincent in Jefferson County, New York. The park is located on Route 12E on the St. Lawrence River. The park was established in 1898 as part of the St. Lawrence Reservation.
44°14'30"N • 76°5'15"W
Hawn Memorial Library
Library

Day trips

Clayton – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Clayton, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Boldt Castle (Alexandria Bay), Paddock Arcade (Watertown), Salmon River Falls (Pulaski).

11 milesNE
Storybook-style mansion open for tours
Boldt Castle, Alexandria Bay
Nestled on the picturesque Heart Island in the Thousand Islands region of Alexandria Bay, New York, Boldt Castle emerges as a monument to both grandeur and heartbreak. This early 20th-century castle is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the...
20 milesSE
Shopping, Historical place, Shop
Paddock Arcade, Watertown
The Paddock Arcade is a 19th-century shopping mall located in Watertown, New York. Built in 1850, it is the second oldest covered shopping mall and the oldest continuously running enclosed shopping mall in the United States.
48 milesS
Natural attraction, Park, Waterfall
Salmon River Falls, Pulaski
The Salmon River Falls is a 110-foot waterfall on the Salmon River in Oswego County, New York in the United States. It is located approximately 15 miles inland from the river's confluence with Lake Ontario within the 112-acre Salmon River Falls Unique Area, which is managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
43 milesNE
Island, Park, Art museum
Frederic Remington Art Museum, Ogdensburg
The Frederic Remington Art Museum is an art museum in Ogdensburg, New York, that focuses on the work of Frederic Remington.
11 milesNE
Museum, Historical place
Cornwall Brothers' Store, Alexandria Bay
Cornwall Brothers' Store is a historic commercial building located at Alexandria Bay in Jefferson County, New York. It was built in 1866 and is a massive 2- to 2 ¹⁄₂-story, three-by-seven-bay, structure built of coursed rubble stone.