lake ontario area
The Wilson Harbor located in Western New York is a picturesque destination on Lake Ontario known for its rich history and vibrant boating culture. With its scenic beauty and stunning sunsets, the harbor offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and old-world charm. Explore the area’s historic sites, enjoy the local cuisine, or take a leisurely cruise on the lake from the comfort of our transient slips at Bootleggers Cove Marina.
Hidden Gems of Wilson
The early 1800s marked the beginning of Wilson, NY’s rich history. However, it was during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the town’s tourism industry flourished. Wilson Harbor emerged as a favorite among summer vacationers, drawing crowds from far and wide.
Among the town’s popular attractions was Sunset Island, which boasted several hotels and a public beach. Visitors often escaped the hustle and bustle of the city by taking a train to Sunset Island, where they could indulge in recreational activities and enjoy the picturesque lake.
In the winter months, O’Connell Island provided a gateway to Sunset Island for residents, thanks to a removable footbridge connecting the northwestern area of O’Connell Island to the old Island Store on Sunset Island.
A Legacy of Bootlegging
Wilson was reportedly a hotbed for bootlegging during Prohibition, according to local sources. Smugglers would transport Canadian whiskey across Lake Ontario to Wilson Harbor, which served as a central hub for the illicit trade. The contraband liquor would then be distributed to other parts of the country.
Numerous historical accounts and local legends exist regarding Wilson Harbor’s involvement in the bootlegging industry. Some tales describe the harbor as a primary location for offloading smuggled alcohol, while others maintain that it was utilized for storing large quantities of illegal liquor.
Post-War Paradise
Following World War II, O’Connell Island was purchased by Bill Beccue who initiated a development project on the island. Mr. Beccue replaced the narrow channel separating the island with a large culvert pipe and built a roadway over it. Additionally, he established the Beccue Boat Basin and constructed two sizable Quonset huts, a boat launch, and the perimeter dock area that exists today.
The Sunset Grill building was originally the clubhouse for the Island Yacht Club, and much of the wood used in its construction was sourced from the abundant pine trees on O’Connell Island. Mr. Beccue even set up a sawmill on the island for this purpose. The island was named Beccue’s Island during Mr. Beccue’s ownership, but former owner Dean Johnson reverted the name back to O’Connell Island in the 1970s.
Breathing New Life
In 2014, lifelong Wilson residents Dan and Michelle Evans became the owners of O’Connell Island and set out to revamp the marina, restaurant, and the entire island. Their vision was to modernize the facilities and create an exceptional customer experience.
The renovation project encompassed numerous improvements, including upgrading the marina’s infrastructure by enhancing the water and electric systems, constructing new break walls and docks, and introducing private showers and baths. The office and storefront were renovated to create a modern and welcoming environment for customers.
To enhance customer convenience, brand new fuel docks were installed to cater to both gas and diesel fuel needs. These ongoing renovations have transformed Bootleggers Cove Marina into a world-class facility that offers top-of-the-line services to boat owners.
Prepared for the Future
Bootleggers Cove Marina has established itself as a premier marina on the American side of Lake Ontario, with the largest private marina that encompasses 170 boat slips, all of which feature floating docks. The marina now has the capacity to host vessels up to 85 feet long, and 200/240v amp services, water at the docks, and a swimming pool are available.
The marina also offers the largest waterfront storage area in Niagara County, with 26,000 square feet of indoor marina boat storage, 10 acres of outdoor storage, and a 30-ton travel lift and 12-ton forklift to accommodate all of our customers’ needs. As a full-service marina, Bootleggers Cove is equipped to handle any boating needs that arise, making it the ultimate destination for boat owners.