Touring Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty National Monument on Liberty Island is something every American should do in their lifetime! This article will give you some tips and history to help you plan your visit.
If you love exploring National Parks, check out our tips and info on the Free US National Park Pass Information. You'll also love this list of the Best National Parks to Visit in Summer.
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Embarking on a journey to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, on Liberty Island, is like stepping back in time to the heart of American history.
These iconic landmarks stand as powerful symbols of freedom, immigration, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Whether you're a history buff, a curious traveler, or a local looking to explore your own backyard, this guide will provide you with all the essential information for an enriching experience.
Ellis Island and Liberty Island, located in the New York Harbor, can be reached by ferry from Battery Park in New York or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Both of these locations are part of the National Park Service.
We set off from Liberty State Park, passing through the security screening facility in just a few minutes, and then proceeded to the departure point to wait for our ferry.
Ellis Island
Between 1892 and 1954, approximately 12 million immigrants entered the United States by way of Ellis Island.
Today, the island hosts an incredible new museum. My family and I spent over an hour looking at all the exhibits (although I could have easily spent several hours exploring the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.) More on that in a minute.
The Ellis Island Cafe has snacks and drinks during certain hours.
Walking along the sea wall, we could see the ferries going back and forth, and the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
Outside of the museum is the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, which was unveiled in 1990. There are thousands of names of US immigrants. The Wall of Honor is managed by the Liberty Ellis Foundation.
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
While the iconic Statue of Liberty was certainly awe-inspiring, and the Manhattan skyline was beautiful, it was the Ellis Island immigration museum I found most memorable.
Knowing that my ancestors, along with millions of others, had passed through the Great Hall almost made it feel like a religious experience. I found myself in tears on more than one occasion thinking about the struggle and hardship these people endured.
This trip was a great experience for my family. It gave my children and me a better sense of where we came from. It's also a great way to teach kids about American history.
There are so many stories of immigrants but one of the most famous is that of Irish-born Anne Moore.
At just 15-years-old, Anne was the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island on New Year's Day, 1892.
Anne, along with her two younger brothers, traveled for 12 days across the Atlantic to meet up with her parents who had come to the US four years prior.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States by France in 1886. It has become a symbol of freedom and democracy.
It is located on Liberty Island and welcomes visitors from around the world.
When we visited, we were able to walk up roughly 215 steps, or about 10 stories high, to the pedestal and observation deck. In the words of my teenager, you don't appreciate just how tall Lady Liberty is until you've climbed all those stairs and look down!
The view from the top of the pedestal is unbelievable!
Tickets to the pedestal are limited and often sell out in advance so it's best to reserve them online ahead of time.
The height of the crown itself is equivalent to a 20-story building. The additional 162 steps to the crown are within a narrow spiral staircase. Unfortunately, that wasn't open when we visited.
For my kids, the Statue of Liberty was hands down the highlight of our day.
Statue of Liberty Museum
The Statue of Liberty Museum opened in 2019 and showcases an Immersive Theater and Engagement Gallery.
You'll learn how the magnificent structure was built on Liberty Island. You can also see the original torch in the Inspiration Gallery.
Weather permitting, visitors can go to the Liberty Vista on top of the museum for views of New York Harbor and the Statue.
We had fun taking photographs from different angles of the Statue.
Liberty Island
At the Liberty Island Information Center rangers or guides will answer questions. You'll find the park brochure there as well.
There is a gift shop on Liberty Island that sells all sorts of souvenirs, including postcards, clothing, books, and more. Next door, the Crown Cafe offers food and drinks.
The grounds of the Statue of Liberty are easily walkable with panoramic views. My kids loved the stationary view finders.
💭 Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions (and answers!) readers often ask about Touring Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty.
Ellis Island became the nation's primary immigration processing center when it opened on January 1, 1892.
By 1924, laws and regulations had changed to limit who could enter the US. From 1924 to 1954, Ellis Island served other purposes besides immigration, including war refugees, and was even a detention center.
In 1954, the US government closed Ellis Island.
Ellis Island reopened in 1990 as a museum.
Visitors to Ellis Island can explore the historic immigration buildings, including the Great Hall, where immigrants were processed, as well as exhibits detailing the immigrant experience, medical inspections, and more.
The museum offers immersive experiences, including interactive displays and audio tours, bringing the immigrant journey to life.
Ellis Island is accessible by ferry from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
Visitors can purchase tickets for ferry access, which includes admission to both Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom and democracy, representing hope and opportunity for immigrants arriving in America.
Its iconic torch symbolizes enlightenment, and its inscription reflects America's commitment to welcoming immigrants.
The statue was revealed in 1886 (a gift from the people of France to the people of the US to honor the 100th anniversary of US independence.)
The inscription on the Statue of Liberty reads: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
Yes! However, it is important to check the availability as this can change based on renovations. Advanced reservations are required.
There is limited elevator access for the Statue. No elevator service is available for the crown.
Crown tickets, like pedestal tickets, are limited and should be reserved ahead of time.
Aside from the Statue of Liberty, visitors can check out the Statue of Liberty Museum.
The museum features exhibits on the statue's history, construction, and significance.
From Liberty Island, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the New York City skyline and participate in ranger-led programs and tours on Liberty Island. There are also self-guided audio tours available in 12 languages.
Statue City Cruises is the only vendor authorized to provide tickets and transportation to Liberty and Ellis Islands.
Statue City Cruises highly recommends purchasing tickets in advance. Visit their website or call 1-877-523-9849 for more information.
A ticket includes round-trip ferry service with stops at Liberty Island and Ellis Island, as well as access to both the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and the Statue of Liberty Museum.
🧭 What to Know
Please note: If you are planning on Touring Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, we strongly recommend that you double-check the website or call as more up-to-date information may be available.
Tips
Before you go, download the new National Park Service app (available through the Apple Store and Google Play).
To visit both islands and tour the museums, the National Park Service suggests booking your ferry for one of the earlier departure times. This will give you plenty of time to enjoy the sights.
Expect to go through airport-style security before boarding the ferry. Make sure you don't miss the boat by arriving at least 15-20 minutes before your departure time, especially in the summer when there may be long lines.
I also suggest you take a look at this list of prohibited items ahead of your visit.
What to Bring
Before you set off on your Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty adventure, be sure to pack a few things to take with you to make the most of your visit.
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- camera (my daughter carried this point-and-shoot camera)
- sweatshirt (it can be windy on the ferry)
- sunscreen
My son also had a small pair of binoculars.
You'll want to pack lightly as you'll be doing quite a bit of walking. Check the weather before you go and wear comfortable shoes.
If you get sea sick easily, you may also wish to bring some medication. The ferry rides are short, but the day we visited it was windy and the water was a bit rough. This is what we used.
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At the Statue of Liberty, kids can earn their badges to become National Junior Rangers. There are different requirements for different age groups.
Helpful Links
Visit the National Park Service and Statue City Cruises websites for the latest information about operating hours and ticket availability. Do make an advance reservation for early in the day.
For hours of operation on Ellis Island and to discover tips for searching immigrant records, visit the American Family Immigration History Center.
⚠️NOTICE
Travel at this time is still challenging so always make a good plan and double-check rules and restrictions. Reservations may be required. We encourage everyone to be safe. This article is meant to inspire you to visit some of the amazing places in our country, but it should not be used as the only source of information when planning a trip or outing.
🗺️ More Destinations
Touring Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty was part of our summer road trip that included Baltimore and Washington DC. If your family loves road trips as much as mine does, you have to check out our free download for a Road Trip Bucket List.
Check out these other great locations:
- The Kancamangus Scenic Highway is a short road trip that's gorgeous all year round, but especially so in the Fall.
- If you're planning to visit Niagara Falls, you have to go on the Maid of the Mist for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
- No trip to Acadia State Park is complete without viewing puffins! Find out Where to see Puffins in Maine.
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