You’re driving through the Thousand Islands, the sun is hitting the St. Lawrence River just right, and honestly, the kids are starting to get restless. You need a break from the scenic boat tours and the history of Boldt Castle. You need speed. This usually leads people straight to the track. Finding Alex Bay go karts isn’t just about pulling into the first gravel lot you see; it’s about knowing which track fits your vibe, because the experience at Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts is worlds away from a tiny park-side track.
It's loud. It's fast.
People think all go-karting is the same, but they're wrong. If you’ve ever been stuck behind a six-year-old in a governed cart while you're trying to hit a apex, you know the frustration. In Alexandria Bay, the "500" isn't just a name. It’s a reference to the scale. We are talking about one of the longest tracks in the entire state of New York.
The Reality of the Alex Bay 500 Track
Most people don't realize that the Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts facility is basically a landmark in its own right within the North Country. Located on NY-12, it’s impossible to miss. But here’s the thing: it’s not just one track. They have a "Slick Track" and a "Family Track."
The family track is what you’d expect—reliable, fun, and safe for the younger crowd. But the slick track? That’s where the real physics happens. You aren't just driving; you're sliding. It’s designed to have less traction, meaning if you take a corner too hot, you're going to spin out or at least drift like you're in a low-budget action movie. It requires actual finesse.
Most tourists just show up and wait in line. Don't be that person. During the peak of July, the heat on that asphalt is intense. The blacktop absorbs everything. If you go at 2:00 PM on a Saturday, you’re going to bake while waiting for your heat. Go at 10:00 AM when they open or hit it after dinner when the lights come on and the air off the river cools things down.
Why the overpass changes the game
One feature that sets the Alex Bay go karts apart from your local suburban fun center is the elevation change. Most tracks are flat. Flat is boring. At the 500, you’ve got a bridge.
Coming off that overpass gives you a natural gravity boost that pushes the engine just a bit harder. It’s a rush. You feel it in your stomach for a split second. The track is over a mile long if you count the total winding distance, which is massive compared to the standard 1/4 mile loops found elsewhere. You actually have time to plan an overtake. You can study the driver in front of you, see where they're braking too early, and dive inside on the next hair-pin turn.
📖 Related: Where to Actually See a Space Shuttle: Your Air and Space Museum Reality Check
More Than Just Turning Left
If you think you’re just going for the karts, you’re going to be surprised by the rest of the "compound." It’s sort of a sensory overload situation. You’ve got the arcade, the snack bar, and the mini-golf.
The Subway on-site is a bit of a local legend simply because it’s convenient, but let’s be real—you’re there for the arcade. It’s a mix of those classic ticket-redemption games and newer stuff. It’s loud. It smells like popcorn and ozone from the electric motors. It’s exactly what a vacation spot should feel like.
The "Slick Track" strategy
If you’re hitting the slick track, forget everything you know about standard driving. On a normal road, you want grip. Here, grip is your enemy. You want to initiate the turn slightly earlier than you think. Let the back end kick out. If you fight the slide, you lose momentum.
- Approach the turn wide.
- Let off the gas just a hair to shift the weight forward.
- Crank the wheel and then floor it to "pull" yourself out of the drift.
It’s addictive. You’ll see grown adults getting genuinely competitive, shouting over the roar of the engines. It’s one of the few places in Alex Bay where the "tourist trap" feeling fades away because the adrenaline is actually real.
Safety, Rules, and the "Hidden" Costs
Let's talk money and safety because nothing ruins a day like getting kicked off the track. They are strict about the "no bumping" rule. I’ve seen people get black-flagged five minutes into their session because they thought they were playing bumper cars. These karts are heavy. If you hit someone at full speed, you can actually hurt them or yourself.
- Height Requirements: They are non-negotiable. If your kid is an inch too short, they aren't driving. Period.
- Footwear: Wear closed-toe shoes. They won't let you drive in flip-flops. Imagine a flip-flop getting caught under a pedal at 20 mph. Not good.
- Pricing: It’s usually priced per ride. It adds up. If you have a family of four and everyone wants to do three rounds, you’re looking at a $100+ outing easily.
Is it worth it? Probably. Especially if you’ve spent the last three hours looking at antique boats and the kids are vibrating with pent-up energy.
The Local Perspective on Alexandria Bay Attractions
Locals usually avoid the Alex Bay go karts during the Poker Run or huge festival weekends like Pirate's Week. The traffic on Route 12 becomes a nightmare. If you're visiting from out of town, check the local event calendar. If there’s a massive bike rally or a boat race, the go-kart track will be slammed.
👉 See also: Hotel Gigi San Diego: Why This New Gaslamp Spot Is Actually Different
If you want a quieter experience, try a weekday. Tuesday afternoon is the "golden hour" for go-karting in Alex Bay. You might even get the track to yourself, which means no one to slow you down on the straightaways.
Beyond the track: What else is right there?
Since you're already out on the edge of town, you're close to a few other spots. The drive-in theater is nearby—one of the few left in the country. Combining a late afternoon karting session with a double feature at the Bay Drive-In is the ultimate "old school" summer night.
Also, don't sleep on the mini-golf at the 500. It’s surprisingly well-maintained. It’s not just a few plastic obstacles; it has actual landscaping and some challenging holes that will test your patience after the high-speed thrill of the karts.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Experience
The biggest misconception is that this is just for kids. Honestly, the slick track is almost entirely populated by adults. It’s a legitimate test of driving skill. Another mistake? Not hydrating. That sun in the Thousand Islands is deceptive because of the breeze off the water. You don't realize how dehydrated you're getting until you're dizzy in the cockpit. Drink water. Lots of it.
The engines are gas-powered. This means you’re going to smell like exhaust. If you have a fancy dinner reservation at a place like The Clipper Inn or Cavallario’s right after, you might want to bring a change of clothes. You will smell like a pit crew.
Making the most of your visit
If you're serious about your lap times, pay attention to the kart numbers. Regulars know that some karts just run "hotter" than others. It's the nature of small gas engines; some are tuned just a bit tighter. If you see someone absolutely flying, take note of their kart number. When it’s your turn to head to the pit, try to aim for that one.
Also, watch the track attendants. They see thousands of laps. If they tell you to take a corner a certain way, listen. They know where the "marbles" (the little bits of rubber and grit) collect on the track and where the most grip is.
✨ Don't miss: Wingate by Wyndham Columbia: What Most People Get Wrong
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To have the best possible time at the Alex Bay go karts, follow this specific sequence:
First, check the weather. If it rains, the slick track becomes an ice rink and they usually shut it down for safety. A light drizzle might be okay, but a North Country thunderstorm ends the fun quickly.
Second, arrive early. Being the first group on the track means the engines are fresh and the staff isn't burnt out yet.
Third, buy a multi-ride pass if they're offering one. You’re never going to want to do just one race. Your first race is just learning the curves. Your second is where you start to get fast. Your third is where the real competition happens.
Fourth, bring sunscreen and a hat for the wait times. There isn't much shade in the pit area.
Finally, plan your exit. After you're done, head into the village of Alexandria Bay to grab a slice of pizza or an ice cream cone. The adrenaline cool-down period is the perfect time to walk the docks and look at the water.
Go-karting in Alex Bay isn't just a side-quest; for many families, it's the highlight of the summer. Just remember: stay low in the corners, watch the bridge transition, and don't be the person who tries to turn it into a contact sport.
Enjoy the speed.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Verify Hours: Check the Alex Bay 500 official social media or website before heading out, as hours change seasonally (especially in May and September).
- Check Requirements: Ensure everyone in your group has closed-toe shoes and meets the 54-inch height requirement for the main tracks.
- Pack Accordingly: Bring a spare shirt if you have sensitive lungs or skin, as the gas fumes and heat are part of the authentic outdoor racing experience.