• Indoor and Outdoor Seating
• Small Cafe & Souvenir Shop
• Toilets

If you need assistance, please let them know. They’re happy to help

WHILE WAITING IN LINE FOR THE FERRY
If someone in your group requires assistance because of health issues, uses a wheelchair/walker, etc…, please, move them to the front of the line and wait at the reserved benches on the dock. As a result, this alerts crew members that your group member needs assistance embarking the vessel and/or getting a seat on board.

ON EACH FERRY
Likewise, there’s Reserved Seating near the entrance (ie. elderly, health issues, etc…), as well as special space for wheelchairs. If these areas are full (by people who do not require them), simply alert one of the crew members and they will assist you.

In addition, learn more about accessibility here.

Keep an eye out for a ferry named Miss Ellis Island. It has a special place in history. Incredibly, its crew, along with other crews in the harbor, helped the Coast Guard rescue over half a million people in the 9/11 Boatlift Rescue – the biggest boatlift rescue in history (even bigger than Dunkirk during WWII). As a result, there’s a red plaque on the inside near the door dedicated to Captain Joseph Moran and his crew members for their courage and service on that fateful day.

• First, try to take the first morning ferry to avoid long lines. (Arrive earlier than you think necessary.)
• Equally important, take a picture of the schedule on your phone, that way you always have it with you and don’t have to worry about having a wi-fi connection.
• And, when leaving either The Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island, arrive at least 15 minutes before scheduled departure. However, if there’s a ferry you must catch, especially if it’s a busy day, arrive earlier.
• Lastly, tourists LOVE to queue. Take it from a tour guide, lines are not really a thing. The dock is a holding pen. Always fill in the empty gaps. Eventually, the crowd hears crew members telling everyone to “move up.” Filling in the gaps helps load the ferries quicker and most importantly stay on schedule – which is especially important during high peak season.

• Round Trip Ferry Service
• Statue of Liberty Museum & Grounds
• Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration & Grounds
• Free Audio tour (which are different on each island)

• General Admission
• Access inside the Pedestal of The Statue of Liberty Monument with beautiful panoramic observation decks. One is right below The Statue’s feet. (And, yes, she does have feet!) Make sure to look inside the Statue to see her framework here. Furthermore, the secondary observation deck on top of Fort Wood (the star shaped portion of the pedestal), is The Perfect Place to Take Photos with The Statue of Liberty.
• There are limited Pedestal Reserve tickets. Therefore, purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended.

• General Admission + Pedestal Reserve
• Access to The Statue of Liberty’s Crown
• There are very few Crown Reserve Tickets (and sometimes the Crown is closed). Therefore, purchasing tickets 3-6 months in advance is highly recommended.

• General Admission
• The official tour of the Abandoned Hospital Ward given by the Save Ellis Island Foundation.

This varies from company to company. As a result, depending on which one you choose, typically they are:

• 3-5 hours
• Grounds only tickets + expert tour guide
• Museum entrances
• Entrance in the Statue of Liberty Monument is typically not included. Double check with the company you book through.
• Tour size varies (usually 24-32 people in high peak season)

This varies from company to company. As a result, depending on which one you choose, typically they are:

• 3-5 hours
• Grounds only tickets + expert tour guide
• Museum entrances
• Small tour size (usually 1 to 10 people)
• If you want Pedestal Reserve, ask your tour operator for ticket availability in advance.
• If you want Crown Reserve tickets, purchased these on your own (as Statue Cruises requires all the names of your group). Tickets are extremely limited and the Crown is sometimes closed. Therefore, I recommend purchasing them about 3-6 months in advance. If you do get Crown tickets, talk with your tour operator and adjust your tour price accordingly.

A tour of the abandoned Ellis Island Hospital.

Once the standard for the U.S. medical care and the nation’s largest public health service hospital, treated over 1 million immigrants in the early 1900s. Although abandoned since 1954, in recent years, a special partnership with Save Ellis Island allows its doors to open once again to the public with exclusive Hard Hat Tours.

• 3-5 hours
• 90 minute tour of the Abandoned Hospital Ward on the restricted side of the island led by the Save Ellis Island Foundation
• Small group size
• Grounds only tickets – to explore The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on your own
• Museum entrances
• Reserve tickets in advance through Statue CityCruises or Untapped Cities.
• To buy day-of tickets, visit the desk (next to the Information Desk at Ellis Island) to talk with someone from the Save Ellis Island Foundation about tour availability.

• Pick up at each island
• Then, take in as much or as little as you wish at your own pace.
• In addition, available languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Mandarin, Russian, Arabic, Hindi, Korean, Portuguese, and Japanese.
• Also available is an American Sign Language (ASL) version and an Audio Descriptive (AD) version for visitors who are blind or with low vision. Learn more about accessibility here.

• Museum entrance
• Tour times are posted at the flag pole area as well as the Information Center.
• Meeting point is at the flag pole.
• 30 minute tour with a National Park’s Ranger given daily – weather permitting.
• Furthermore, tour group sizes vary and large depending on the day/time/season.

• Museum entrance
• 45 minute walking tour with a National Park’s Ranger.
• Tour times are posted at the Information Desk.
• Furthermore, tour group sizes vary and large depending on the day/time/season.
• UPGRADE YOUR VISIT: Take the Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour of the abandoned hospital ward. Reserve tickets in advance through Statue CityCruises or Untapped Cities. Or buy day-of tickets, by visiting the Hard Hat Tour desk (next to the Information Desk at Ellis Island) to talk with someone from the Save Ellis Island Foundation about tour availability.

It is well-documented by NYC police and local newspapers that aggressive, unauthorized ticket sellers frequently con tourists into buying tickets to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

For instance, known scammers stand near Battery Park in NYC, selling vastly marked-up tickets and misrepresent what they are offering. Usually, it’s for boat ride to be picked up all the way in New Jersey that does not have access to Liberty or Ellis Island.

Don’t waste your precious holiday time or money buying these tickets.

Either buy official tickets through a reputable tour operator, online, or in person at the box office in Castle Clinton National Monument inside Battery Park, NYC (the circular sandstone fort), which is also near the entrance to board the ferries.

Depending on which company you choose, typically they are:

• 3-5 hours
• Expert tour licensed NYC tour guide
• Grounds only tickets
• Museum entrances
• Entrance in the Statue of Liberty Monument is typically not included. Double check with the company you book through.
• Tour size varies (usually 24-32 people in high peak season)

Depending on which company you choose, typically they are:

• 3-5 hours
• Expert licensed NYC tour guide
• Grounds only tickets
• Museum entrances
• Entrance in the Statue of Liberty Monument is typically not included. Double check in advance with the company you book through to see if they are able to purchase Pedestal Reserve tickets.

• If you want Crown Reserve tickets, purchased these on your own (as Statue Cruises requires all the names of your group). Tickets are extremely limited and the Crown is sometimes closed. Therefore, I recommend purchasing them about 3-6 months in advance. If you do get Crown tickets, talk with your tour operator and adjust your tour price accordingly.

• Small tour size (usually 1 to 10 people)

The Ellis Island Hospital, once the standard for the U.S. medical care and the nation’s largest public health service hospital, treated over 1 million immigrants in the early 1900s. Although abandoned since 1954, in recent years, a special partnership with Save Ellis Island allows its doors to open once again to the public with exclusive, small group, Hard Hat Tours.

• 3-5 hours
• Grounds only tickets
• Museum entrances
• Explore The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island grounds & museums on your own
• 90 minute tour of the Abandoned Hospital Ward on the restricted side of the island led by an expert from the Save Ellis Island Foundation
• Small group sizes
• Reserve tickets in advance through Statue CityCruises or Untapped Cities.
• To buy day-of tickets, visit the desk (next to the Information Desk at Ellis Island) to talk with someone from the Save Ellis Island Foundation about tour availability.

Save money with CityPass.

They offer admission to top New York City major attractions (including The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island) with massive discounts packages.

Definitely check out the program and/or purchase your CityPass in advance, here.

NEW YORK CITY
Castle Clinton National Monument in The Battery (circular sandstone fort located in Battery Park)

NEW JERSEY
Ferry departure point in Liberty State Park

Visit: Statue CityCruises
Call: (877) 523-9849 or 1-877–LADY–TIX

Take the FREE Staten Island Ferry (located at the South end of Manhattan near The Battery). Although you won’t be able to put foot on either Liberty Island or Ellis Island to see them up close and personal, this is a nice way to see these iconic sites from a distance and relax. In addition, bring a camera with a good telephoto lens to snap those great pics.

This is a tight turn around, however, it is possible. It depends on the length of the security lines you encounter for the Statue CityCruises ferry.

First and foremost, to avoid long lines, take the first or second ferry scheduled in the morning, then stay on it for the length of the journey to enjoy up close views of these iconic sites.

Take the Statue CityCruises ferry and then plan only one island to explore in depth.

If you choose to get off on both islands, there is just enough time grab some quick photos and possibly hop into one of the museums for a short look-around.

Equally important, double-check the ferry schedule to keep close track of your time.

Take the State CityCruises ferry and explore both islands in depth.

Check out some of the museums’ exhibits at both islands, go inside The Statue of Liberty Monument (depending on which ticket type you purchased), sit down and eat at one of the cafes, and finally do some quick shopping.

It’s the same as the the Standard option above, However, this option gives you have plenty of time to explore all the exhibits in depth, watch all the movies, have ample time to do proper shopping, research family history (ie. find your family’s ship manifest), and moreover have time to take the 90 minute Hard Hat Tour (subject to availability).

Prior to boarding the ferry, all visitors are required to go through airport style security.

Please, be kind to the staff. They’ve got a thankless job and are just trying to keep everyone safe.

Before going through the metal detectors, you’re asked to take off your watch, bracelets, belts, jackets, hats, and anything in your pockets (including wallets and change). Simply place everything in the bins along with your bags for screening.

Moreover, the screening machines are pretty sensitive. Fair warning, if you wear a bra with an unwire or steal-toed shoes, they tend to set off the metal detectors.

If you have Reserved Tickets inside the monument (either Pedestal Reserve or Crown Reserve tickets), you are required to go through another screening. Undoubtedly, this seems redundant. However, it’s important for everyone’s safety, including the monument’s – a lasting symbol of freedom to the people of the world.

Take heart, friends.

You have already through one security check-point by now. And, as a result, when you go through this one, you know how to pass through it quickly.

Besides, this minor inconvenience only heightens the anticipation of seeing the lovely green lady up close and personal. And, I promise, it is well worth the wait.

These are grounds-only with no access to the inside of the monument.

Pedestal Reserve tickets grants holders access to the Grounds and The Statue of Liberty Monument Pedestal.

The Pedestal has two beautiful panoramic observation decks.

One is right below The Statue’s feet. (And, yes, she does have feet!) Make sure to look inside the Statue to see her framework here.

Furthermore, the secondary observation deck on top of Fort Wood (the star shaped portion of the pedestal), is The Perfect Place to Take Photos with The Statue of Liberty.

Crown Reserve tickets grants holders access to the Grounds, The Statue of Liberty Monument Pedestal, and The Statue of Liberty’s Crown.

If there’s only one thing you do when you visit the museum, check out the original torch. It is stunning.

The torch The Statue of Liberty carries today replaced the glass one in the museum during The Statue of Liberty’s Torch Restoration.

The gallery evokes French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s workshop and demonstrates the process of the Statue of Liberty’s design, fabrication technique (Repoussé), and the construction from start to finish.

FUN FACT: Some of the original cast iron armatures (that attach the Statue to Gustave Eiffel’s hidden tower) are also on display in the museum. Stainless steel armatures replaced then during the restoration, and, importantly, makes the pretty lady even stronger.

Additionally, on display are some of the original models, tools, varying pedestal designs, Statue of Liberty inspired artwork, a replica of The New Colossus plaque (dedicated to Emma Lazarus – the original is in the base of the Statue). All along with life-size replicas of the Statue’s foot and face too!

There is one theater that contains 3 short films (approximately 3.5 minutes in length = 12 minutes in total). They give a beautiful overview of the Statue of Liberty’s history and ideals.

I find the films particularly moving and inspiring. If you do watch them, bring tissues – just in case.

FYI – The theatre is an open space and has no seating.

It’s not usually overflowing with people, so it’s nice to go up there and spend take in the sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor.

Equally important, it’s a great place to take photos with The Statue of Liberty and the American Flag.

Also, it does have an elevator and is wheelchair accessible.

Toilets are available in the museum, as well as, in the monument and in souvenir shop (adjacent to the cafe).

It is located across from the Refreshment Building.

1. Baggage Room
Displays real steamer trunks and luggage from families who immigrated through Ellis Island.

2. American Family Immigration History Center
The research center database visitors use to locate their family members’ ship manifests.

3. The Kissing Post
The corridor where families reunited.

4. Movie Theater (30 minutes)

5. Shopping

6. Cafe

7. American Immigrant Wall of Honor
This memorial wall has names inscribed of those who have donated to Ellis Island and is located near the outside cafe seating area.

8. Information Desk

• Junior Ranger Program
  Park Rangers happily assist your kiddos (and you) to earn a National Park Badge.
• National Park Stamp
  Get your National Park Passport stamp here. However, if you forget to bring it, no worries, pieces of paper are supplied to stamp to take home. Want a National Parks Passport? Purchase one in the gift shop.
• Ranger Guided Tours Schedule
• Ferry Departure Schedule

9. Hard Hat Tour check-in (adjacent to the Information Desk)

1. Registry Room
If there’s only one thing you do when you’re on Ellis Island, visit this room.

• Inspection Desks (with samples of real Ship Manifests)
• The Staircase of Separation
  Depending on which path you take down the staircase, it determines whether you are allowed into the country, sent back on a ship to your country of origin, or sent to the Hospital Ward (on the restricted side of the island) where your fate’s eventually determined. Therefore, choose your path carefully.

2. Original Passports + Ship Manifests + Immigration Posters
Displayed in the South Side exhibits.

3. Movie Theater (30 minutes)

4. Hearing Room

1. Treasures From Home
Donated by families who immigrated through Ellis Island, a collection of artifacts serve as a window into the past. These treasures, carefully preserved through adverse conditions, made the long journey to the new world and eventually found a home at museum for preservation.

2. Dormitory Room
Overnight sleeping quarters

3. Graffiti
Near the elevator bank on the North side.

The AFIHC is on the first floor.

When you enter the Main Entrance of the museum, pass the Information Desk on the left, and continue down the hallway. The area where computers appear is the research center.

Check-in with a staff member, pay a nominal fee, and in exchange you are given a code to access the computer database.

Technically, the Ellis Island Passenger Ship Search database is available online for free. However, finding a family’s ship manifest is tricky because of variations in name spellings, departure cities, etc…

Thankfully, the advantage of researching on the island is that the staff is available to assist you.

If you don’t find the manifest while at Ellis Island, talk with the staff. Furthermore, fill out a Research Form with information about your family member and Include your contact information. After you leave, the staff continues researching. When your family’s manifest is found, they contact you. This research request is only available in person – at this time.

Your family immigrated through Castle Garden – now known as Castle Clinton National Monument located in Battery Park. (This is where you pick up your tickets and/or board the ferry to visit The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.)

These family records are in the Ellis Island AFIHC database, however, there is also a separate Castle Garden Immigrant Research Database accessible online for free for viewing to cross-reference these records here.

If you’re unable to find your family’s Ship Manifest at Ellis Island, it is very possible, they came through a different port.

Prior 1890, each individual state handled their own immigration and have their own records, ie. Boston Passenger Manifest, Galveston Immigration Database, etc…

For tips on how best to utilize the databases, check out this Genealogy Guide page.

At the turn of the century, a major push to build industry from coast to coast arose, and, as a result, a demand for more labor.

Therefore, as immigrants arrived to these shores, to prevent the spread of disease and wards-of-the-state, anyone identified by the Ellis Island medical inspectors as having health conditions upon arrival, such as influenza, injuries, measles, mental illness, pregnancy, trachoma, tuberculosis, etc…, were sent to the hospital complex where they were cared for and eventually their destinies determined.

Abandoned since 1954, as a result, over the years storms and seasons weathered these buildings. The fact that the structures still stand are a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of their day.

To keep visitors safe, wearing a hard hat is required.

• Explore the unrestored Ellis Island immigrant hospital buildings, including the laundry, kitchen, infectious and contagious disease wards, autopsy, mortuary, staff house, and more.
• Walk down weather-beaten corridors with broken windows and ivy growing through the cracks – in what feel like haunted buildings.

• Moreover, pass by haunting images – an 2014 exhibit created by the French artist JR, titled Unframed – Ellis Island – of real immigrants, some of 1.2 million who were treated there.

• The tour is approximately 90 minutes and 1.5 miles long.

PURCHASING TICKETS IN ADVANCE
Purchase through Statue City Cruises or Untappd Cities.

BUYING DAY-OF TICKETS
Visit the Hard Hat Tour desk (next to the Information Desk at Ellis Island) and to talk with someone from the Save Ellis Island Foundation about tour availability. Once you are confirmed on the tour, immediately visit the Gift Shop nearby to pay for your tickets, return to the Hard Hat Tour desk with your receipt, and finally fill out health & safety waivers for everyone in your group.

If you require First Aid, medics are contacted here.

On a daily basis, the park has a limited amount of wheelchairs visitors may borrow on a first-come, first served basis.

Therefore, to rent one, all you need is to give the Ranger at the Information Desk a form of identification (ie. driver’s license, etc…) in exchange for a wheelchair.

And when you’re ready to leave the island, return the wheelchair. Don’t forget to retrieve your identification!

Liberty Island also has a free wheelchair program.

Park Rangers happily assist your kiddos (and you) to earn a National Park Badge.

This is the place to get your stamp for your National Park Passport. However, if you forget to bring it, no worries, pieces of paper are supplied to stamp and take home.

Want a National Parks Passport? Purchase one in the gift shop.

Both the Ferry Departure Schedule and Ranger Guided Tours Schedule are posted here.

The budget friendly option is to take the FREE Staten Island Ferry (at the lower end of Manhattan). Although you won’t be able to see the Statue up close and personal or put foot on either island, at least it’s a nice way to see these iconic sites and relax. In addition, bring a camera with a good telephoto lens to snap those great pics.

Tickets + Lockers + Food + Shopping = Total Cost