Antique Boat Museum

Address:750 Mary St.
Clayton, New York
Tel: (315) 686-4104

Boating enthusiasts rejoice! This museum contains the largest collection of inland freshwater boats in the U.S. and plenty of fantastic artifacts to fill your day!

First founded in the 1960's, the Antique Boat Museum, located in Clayton, New York, encompasses 4.5 acres of public program space right on the water, 1900' of dockage and 1300' of St. Lawrence River shoreline. Even people with just a passing interest in boats, or those who appreciate gorgeous woodwork will enjoy the museum, which has more than 200 boats, including a Chippewa dugout canoe dating from 1860 and the world's largest runabout. There are Chris Crafts and Gar Woods, 1920s racing boats, and other rare breeds, and the place just keeps getting better. Recent additions include the Andrew McNally (of Rand McNally fame) and visitors can now take a speedboat ride too.

If visiting the Antique Boat Museum in August, be sure to catch the antique-boat show, Clayton town's biggest event and the oldest wooden-boat show in the U.S. The museum's expanding collection of artifacts has increased to make up a collection which includes 250 watercraft, 65 inboard engines, 138 outboard motors and approximately 3000 smaller artifacts, so there's plenty to see. While planning your visit, allow at least one and a half hours to browse the museum and enjoy the dining options along the water front.

To get to the Antique Boat Museum from Route 81 going north, take exit 47 to Route 12 and follow Route 12 into the Village of Clayton, where it turns into James Street. Take the second left onto Mary Street. The Museum is on your right at the end of the street.