There’s plenty to do in and around Clayton New York
Located in the geographical center of the famous 1000 Islands, on a peninsula jutting out into the beautiful St. Lawrence River, Clayton is one of several small communities that make up the New York side of this very popular tourist mecca.
In the early days of the last century, Clayton was the northern most terminus of the N.Y. Central Railroad. Throughout July and August, over 30 trains a day arrived and departed from Clayton. The railway station was located where Frink Memorial Park is now. There, passengers disembarked to steamboats that lined the docks, destined for islands and villages up and down the river and north into Canada.
Today, Clayton is widely known and respected as the “cultural center” of the 1000 Islands. It is home to the world famous Antique Boat Museum, the world’s largest fresh water maritime museum, the 1000 Islands Museum of Clayton, with its Muskie and Duck Decoy Halls Of Fameand the American Handweaving Museum and Thousand Islands Craft School. Each museum sponsors numerous annual events including the Antique Boat Show, Gem, Mineral & Jewelry, and Antique Shows.
Nearly all of the downtown district is designated by the U.S. Federal Registry as “Historic,” with buildings dating back to the late 1800s. Most buildings have been well maintained or restored over the years, presenting a downtown area much as it was a century ago. An interesting and unique feature to downtown Clayton is that every street ends at the water.
Clayton New York in the 1000 islands is also internationally recognized as a sportsman’s playground, featuring outstanding freshwater fishing for bass, pike, walleye and muskie and both big game and upland bird hunting on top quality, nearby preserves.
Being a tourism center for well over 100 years, Clayton is a village that is noted for its hospitality. Its merchants and residents alike look forward to the increased traffic that the summer season brings and are eager to help visitors in any way possible and make them feel at home.
Clayton’s downtown streets are lined with quality gift, clothing and specialty food shops managed by owners that love to show off their goods to visitors. Within this same area are ten eating establishments including diners, pizza and sub shops and quality, table cloth restaurants. All offer lunch and some serve meals all afternoon. You will also find that Clayton’s restaurants have surprisingly low prices.
The village of Clayton is also the home of Frink America, the world’s oldest and largest manufacturer of snowplows and other snowfighting equipment. In fact, the steel snowplow was invented in Clayton in 1920 by Carl Frink.
Related article: Clayton New York in the 1000 Islands: Your Ultimate Guide
Many local businesses are featured below with their own web pages. Please examine what they offer, and when making reservations or patronizing these business, please be sure to mention you saw them on 1000ISLANDS.COM!

“Gotta Have It Fishing Charters” 
Gotta Have It Fishing Charters has been fishing the St. Lawrence River out Clayton NY for 15 yrs. Whether it’s … Continue reading
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1000 Islands “River Rat” Cheese 
A cheese shop in the 1000 Islands offering NY’s finest cheddars. We carry fresh cheese curds and imported cheese. We … Continue reading
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Antique Boat Museum 
Antique Boat Museum
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Bertrand’s Motel 
Birch Haven Campgrounds 
Our seasonal 11 acre campground has 80 sites plus one rental cottage all with sewer, electric, and water. Public restrooms, … Continue reading
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Burd-House 
Burd-House is located in the summer wonderland known as the 1000 Islands available for weekly rental June through October.
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C-Clear Window Cleaning 
C – Clear Window Cleaning is a one of a kind service. We are a professional window cleaning service who … Continue reading
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C-Way Golf Club & Restaurant 
Featuring scenic hills and valleys, the course satisfies the most demanding golfers For more than 25 years, the C-Way has … Continue reading
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C-Way Motel 
The C-Way Motel, located directly accross the street from the C-Way Golf Club and Natali’s Restaurant is part of the C-Way Resort. Its friendly … Continue reading
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Captain Simon’s Bed & Breakfast 
Spend your days exploring the enchanting village of Clayton and the famous 1000 Islands area attractions, then relax and unwind … Continue reading
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Clayton Mulberry Cottage Rental 
Enjoy the excitement of historic Clayton, NY — the cultural center of the scenic 1000 Islands, on the St. Lawrence River. The charming Mulberry … Continue reading
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Coyote Moon Vineyards 
Coyote Moon Vineyards and Winery, located 3 miles east of Route 12 in Clayton, NY, along with a second location, … Continue reading
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Garden Angels Bed & Breakfast 
Garden Angels Bed & Breakfast is open for its third year at 545 John Street in Clayton, NY. Several guests … Continue reading
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Hunts Dive Shop 
At your service anytime – anywhere! Hunt’s Dive Shop offers a wide range of services including scuba lessons and under … Continue reading
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K’s Motel & Cottages 
The Perfect Getaway Welcome to K’s Motel & Cottages. K’s Motel & Cottages is an independently owned and operated family business … Continue reading
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Natali’s Restaurant 
For a light lunch or a superb dinner Whether you’re just passing through, or spending a day on the course, … Continue reading
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PJ’s Motel & Restaurant 
Eat, Sleep & Drink at PJ’s The Best Little Snorehouse In The Islands! Conveniently located between Alexandria Bay and Clayton … Continue reading
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Seaway Slips Waterfront Cottages 
Located in the spectacular countryside of the 1000 Islands region, the quaint village of Clayton is considered one of America’s … Continue reading
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Taylored Architecture PLLC 
Taylored Architecture PLLC is an inspired architectural firm specializing in producing unique solutions for your residential and commercial design needs. … Continue reading
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The Boateak 
Treasure of An Island – Featuring American Arts, Crafts, & Antiques “To visit Boateak, one can motor, row, sail, or swim, … Continue reading
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Thousand Islands Arts Center 
Thousand Islands Arts Center is a non-profit educational institution concerned with preserving the skills of traditional artists and artisans. To … Continue reading
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Thousand Islands Inn 
…in the Finest Tradition of the 1000 Islands The Last of a Fine Breed Built in 1897, the Thousand Islands … Continue reading
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Uncle Sam Boat Tours 
Experience The 1000 Islands Aboard Uncle Sam Boat Tours Departing from Alexandria Bay, the Uncle Sam Boat Tours can take you … Continue reading
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West Winds Motel & Cottages 
West Winds Motel & Cottages will make your vacation to the Thousand Islands one to remember. Relax on our spacious … Continue reading
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Is it possible to enter canada from clayton, by boat ?