“Here’s a cool little site that almost anyone can enjoy. Just outside of the Lower town Landing on Grindstone Island in Clayton, New York is a small “junkyard” full of cars from the 1940-1950s. Ranging in depth from 12-30 feet of water this is a unique little site that is best dove in the early season before the weeds get too high.” Daniel Gildea
Just off Grindstone Island near Clayton, New York, in the bay by Town Landing Road, lies a curious underwater scene: a collection of sunken cars dating back to the early 1950s. This “submerged junkyard” originated from a once-common method of disposal—vehicles were driven onto the ice during winter and left to sink when it thawed, reflecting historical waste practices from the 1800s through the mid-1900s. However, not all of these vehicles were deliberately abandoned. Some serve as somber evidence of accidents, when cars used for winter travel between the mainland and islands broke through the ice and were lost.
“Grindstone Island, located in the Thousand Islands region of the St. Lawrence River near Clayton, New York, offers a range of rewarding freshwater dive sites. With moderate depths, good visibility, and accessible shore entry points, it serves as a versatile dive location for recreational and archaeological divers alike.
Among the island’s most intriguing underwater features are the “Grindstone Cars,” a set of submerged vehicles lying in 12 to 30 feet of water. These cars, likely dumped decades ago, are spread across a sandy bottom that remains relatively clear in early spring. Divers typically visit before aquatic vegetation peaks in late summer, as weed growth can obscure the site.
Another highlight is the Angler’s Point Wreck, located off Angler’s Point near the old quarry dock. Resting at a depth of approximately 48 feet, this unidentified wreck has become a popular waypoint for local divers. While the structure remains partially buried, it offers visible framing, planking, and construction features ideal for underwater photography and study. Conditions around Grindstone Island are generally calm, though current from the river’s main channel can affect visibility. Water temperatures vary widely—from the 40s Fahrenheit in spring to the 70s in midsummer—so thermal protection is essential. A 7mm wetsuit or drysuit is recommended, depending on the season.
Diving support is available in Clayton through shops such as Hunt’s Dive Shop, which offers charters to deeper wrecks in the surrounding Thousand Islands. Shore entry is possible for local sites, though GPS coordinates and private land access must be confirmed ahead of time.
With its mix of modern debris fields, historical wreck remnants, and exceptional water clarity, Grindstone Island remains one of the St. Lawrence River’s underrated dive destinations. Its proximity to Clayton and the larger dive circuit of the Thousand Islands makes it an excellent addition to any diver’s freshwater itinerary.“
Above Writeup Submitted by Tom Rutledge from Shotline Diving
Grindstone Island, located in the St. Lawrence River near Lake Ontario, is the fourth largest of the Thousand Islands and the second largest among those on the U.S. side. It falls within the jurisdiction of the Town of Clayton in Jefferson County, New York.
The island features a variety of attractions and land uses, including Potters Beach, a private vineyard, seasonal gift shops, and four active cattle farms. It also contains old farmlands that are no longer in use and conservation areas managed by the Thousand Island Land Trust (TILT). Notably, New York State’s final one-room schoolhouse operated here until its closure in 1989. While only about ten households live on the island year-round, the population grows to around 700 during the summer season.
YouTube Video: Daniel Gildea
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