FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 12, 2006 "Follow Indian Walk"

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On the western end of a 7-acre island in the St. Lawrence River that was originally known as Lone Star Island lies a trail that is known today as Indian Walk. The trail follows the original path left by the Algonquin and Huron Indians who first visited the St. Lawrence and the island’s rocky shores. For 1/10 of a mile the trail wends its way through the towering pines and evergreens that led to the island being renamed Dark Island. To Frederick Bourne, Dark Island was the perfect location for the “hunting” lodge that he called The Towers. Today visitors come to tour Singer Castle and to see the island. During their tour they are told about the island’s history including its early visitors and the artifacts they left such as a well-worn grindstone that can be seen along the shore near the docks. Bourne named the trail that he found Indian Walk. Visitors pass it on their way to the castle’s main entrance. Visitors having the opportunity to follow the trail hear birds trill their songs from the trees and see them soar on the summer breezes that cool the air. Temperatures moderate in the shade of the pines, evergreens and towering oaks and the trail offers panoramic views of the river and surrounding islands, as well as the shoreline. At the tip of the island is the “beach” where the Bourne family and their guests paddled in the cool waters of the St. Lawrence. The Skiff House where rowing skiffs were kept and the swimming area are not yet restored so visitors must stay on the trail at this point. Continuing along visitors come to a raised rock-walled terrace that offers views of the Canadian Channel and shore. This is the Tea Garden where on a warm summer afternoon guests were served tea while they enjoyed the shade under towering oaks and cooling breezes off the river. The trail also passes the Skeet Shooting Area then back to a point where it splits: one side leading to the Castle and the other to the Ice House and North Boat House.