The 106′ houseboat La Duchesse brings the gracious River lifestyle of one hundred years ago to life. Built in 1903 for hotelier George Boldt, manager of New York City’s famed Waldorf-Astoria hotel, the houseboat was in continuous use as an elegant summer residence until she was donated to the Museum. Generously donated by the McNally family, of Wellesley Island, NY, and Chicago, IL, she opened for visitors at the Museum in July of 2005. Each year, more than 6,000 visitors have enjoyed seeing her luxurious interior and original furnishings while hearing the story of this unique summer home from one of our volunteer docents.
A 30-minute guided walking tour of La Duchesse is available for an additional fee and you must reserve a place on a tour at the Admissions Desk.
- La Duchesse tours are available from Memorial Weekend through the end of October. Tours are every hour on the half hour, starting at 10:30am. The last tour takes place at 3:30pm.
- Owing to the design of her historic structure, La Duchesse is not wheelchair-accessible.
- La Duchesse is available for group tours.
