The Antique Boat Museum offers free activities regularly that allow visitors to become engrossed in the rich tradition of small craft along the St. Lawrence River, click below to learn more!
Row a Skiff or Kayak (included with general admission)
We encourage our visitors to have an authentic St. Lawrence experience by testing out some traditional skiffs, super-lightweight canoes, or more modern kayaks out on the water! Located in the Fred Thomas Skiff Livery inside the Small Craft Building, this opportunity is included as part of your general admission or is free for everyone on Tuesday nights (see Community Sailing Night below).
Our small craft vary in size: our lightest canoe weighs 12 lbs. and our St. Lawrence River skiffs reach up to 120 lbs. Exploring the Museum you might see pictures of 6-12 men on a traditional skiff but 1-3 people per skiff is the recommended crew.
We ask that those who would like to participate, be physically able to get in and out of the boats. Waterfront Crew will be on hand to instruct and assist anyone who wants to go out.
The 2026 Skiff Livery Schedule is Coming Soon.
Weekly Community Sailing Night
Set your own course with personalized instruction on the beautiful waters of the St. Lawrence River. Private sailing lessons at the Antique Boat Museum are designed for individuals, families, or small groups seeking focused, one-on-one coaching. Whether you’re new to sailing or bringing years of experience to the helm, each session is customized to your goals, interests, and comfort level.
Led by experienced instructors, private lessons offer hands-on time aboard vessels from ABM’s sailing fleet in a relaxed, supportive setting. Lessons are scheduled flexibly throughout the season and can be tailored to skill building, confidence refinement, or simply enjoying time under sail while deepening your connection to the river and its sailing traditions.
2026 Schedule Coming Soon.
In the event of inclement weather on Tuesday nights, the rain date will be held the following day on Wednesday. Postponement decisions will be posted to our social media accounts or please call the Museum if you would like to know about the Community Sailing status.
Sail for a Slice (registration required)
Join us for an evening sail across French Creek Bay to the Clayton Yacht Club for a pizza dinner.
2026 Date Coming Soon!
Due to the high popularity of Sail for a Slice, registration is required before the event.
Row 4 Donuts
Like Free Donuts? Come join us while we row to the Clayton Yacht Club for some donuts and coffee! Have your own skiff, kayak, canoe, or small craft? Bring it to the Museum and join us for the row! ABM boat are first-come, first-served.
The museum has a wide range of small crafts available for those who would like to join.
Date: August 1, 2026 | 8:00am Meet at Skiff Livery
Please note that all on-water programs are weather-dependent.
To register or ask questions, please contact Molly Voth, Musesum Educator at mvoth@abm.org or 315.686.4104 ext. 225.
