Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
Trace the footsteps of millions at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, a poignant gateway to America's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Trace the footsteps of millions at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, a poignant gateway to America's past.
"A powerful and moving experience, honoring the journeys, struggles, and dreams of millions of immigrants."
⏳ Arrive Early for Full Experience
Get there early to avoid exhaustion and fully immerse yourself in the exhibits. Don't miss any moments! :clock1:
💰 Worth the Ferry Ticket
The ferry ticket is reasonably priced and grants access to both Liberty and Ellis Islands. It's a must-do at least once. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Hall
Main Building
Stand in the vast, restored Great Hall where millions of immigrants first entered the U.S. Feel the weight of history.
American Family Immigration History Center
Main Building
Search for your ancestors in the extensive immigration records. A deeply personal connection to the past.
Wall of Honor
Outdoor area overlooking Manhattan
A moving tribute with engraved names of immigrants, offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ferry Tickets in Advance
Allocate Ample Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is going to Liberty and Ellis Island worth the money ?
⏳ Arrive Early for Full Experience
Get there early to avoid exhaustion and fully immerse yourself in the exhibits. Don't miss any moments! :clock1:
💰 Worth the Ferry Ticket
The ferry ticket is reasonably priced and grants access to both Liberty and Ellis Islands. It's a must-do at least once. :ticket:
Ellis island question
Getting off the Boat at Ellis Island: Examining the Question of Immigration in New York City
🎧 Audio Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with the excellent audio tour, featuring interviews that bring the history to life. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable footwear is essential for a pleasant visit. :athletic_shoe:
IMHO seeing the statue from the water is a much better experience than going to the island.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Arrive Early for Full Experience
Get there early to avoid exhaustion and fully immerse yourself in the exhibits. Don't miss any moments! :clock1:
💰 Worth the Ferry Ticket
The ferry ticket is reasonably priced and grants access to both Liberty and Ellis Islands. It's a must-do at least once. :ticket:
🎧 Audio Tour Recommended
Enhance your visit with the excellent audio tour, featuring interviews that bring the history to life. :iphone:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Comfortable footwear is essential for a pleasant visit. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ellis Island for its profound historical significance and emotional impact, highlighting the well-curated exhibits and the powerful immigrant narratives. Many find it a deeply moving experience that offers crucial context to American history. Some note that parts may be under renovation, and suggest arriving early to fully appreciate the extensive displays.
"After visiting Liberty Island, the ferry continues to Ellis Island, once the main entry point for over 12 million immigrants arriving in America. It’s a place filled with history and emotion — though parts of it were under renovation during our visit, which made the experience a bit less impactful.
The main building is stunning, both inside and out, and the exhibitions offer a mix of immigration history, personal stories, and interactive displays. The Wall of Honor, where families can pay to have names engraved on plaques overlooking Manhattan, is a powerful tribute.
We also tried the Family Research Station, where you can search for relatives in the historical immigration records. It costs $10 for 30 minutes, and while it uses the same database available online, you do get access to ship manifests and original records on-site.
While not as visually impressive as Liberty Island, Ellis Island adds valuable context and depth to the immigration story — and together, the two make for a memorable day trip."
Lars Idar Waage
"I visited Ms. Liberty and after a couple of hours of walking around and getting exhausted, I headed to the return cruise back to NY battery park. The cruise took me first to Ellis island but I was too tired to spend so much time there, I walked for a short time and glance through photos and exhibits in the museum, and it was gorgeous. However, I was so hungry and just wanted to get home, shower, eat and sleep.
Please get there early to have a full experience of everything and don’t be tired like me and miss sweet moment.
Overall, it was so much fun and I loved it."
Zion Faye
"Can't recommend it enough, especially during this period of anti-immigrant rhetoric. Preteen and teenage kids should learn this history first hand. Excellent audio tour story with interviews explaining this very important American institution. So happy they restored and continue to restore it. The same ferry also takes you to Liberty Island and into NYC. So very worth it for the price."
Joey FLORIDA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Ellis Island is exclusively via ferry operated by Statue City Cruises. Ferries depart from Battery Park in New York City and Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Booking ferry tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.
No, you cannot drive directly to Ellis Island. All visitors must arrive by ferry. Parking is available at Battery Park and Liberty State Park if you are driving to the ferry departure points.
Ferry schedules vary by season and are subject to change. It's best to check the official Statue City Cruises website for the most up-to-date information on departure times and routes. Ferries typically run frequently throughout the day.
Yes, Battery Park in NYC is accessible via subway lines 1, R, W, 4, 5, J, Z, and the M. Liberty State Park in Jersey City is accessible by the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail.
Yes, the ferry ticket typically includes stops at both Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty) and Ellis Island. You can visit both on the same day with a single ferry ticket.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The primary cost is for the ferry ticket, which grants access to both Liberty and Ellis Islands. As of recent information, this is around $23 for adults. Specific pricing can be found on the Statue City Cruises website.
Tickets for the ferry to Ellis Island and Liberty Island can be purchased online through the official Statue City Cruises website. It is strongly advised to book in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
Discounts may be available for seniors, children, and military personnel. Check the Statue City Cruises website for details on eligibility and pricing for discounted tickets.
The museum's hours are generally aligned with the ferry schedule. It's best to consult the official National Park Service website or Statue City Cruises for the most current operating hours, as they can vary seasonally.
No, your ferry ticket includes admission to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. There is no separate admission fee for the museum itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the Great Hall, the American Family Immigration History Center to research ancestors, the Wall of Honor, and various exhibits detailing the immigrant experience. The museum offers a powerful look at American immigration history.
Yes, an excellent audio tour is available, offering interviews and historical context that greatly enhances the visitor experience. It's highly recommended for a deeper understanding. :iphone:
To fully appreciate the exhibits and history, plan for at least 2-3 hours. Some visitors spend even longer, especially if researching family history.
Ranger-led tours are often available and provide valuable insights into the history of Ellis Island. Check the National Park Service schedule upon arrival for tour times.
Ellis Island offers stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, particularly from the Wall of Honor.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in most public areas of the museum for personal use. However, flash photography may be restricted in certain exhibit areas to protect artifacts. Always check for posted signage.
The Great Hall offers iconic interior shots. The Wall of Honor provides beautiful skyline and Statue of Liberty views. The exterior architecture is also very photogenic.
Tripods and selfie sticks may be restricted in crowded areas or specific exhibits. It's advisable to use handheld cameras or smartphones for ease of movement and to respect other visitors.
Expect to capture historical architecture, poignant exhibits, personal stories of immigrants, and breathtaking cityscapes. It's a place rich with visual narratives.
Yes, Ellis Island offers excellent vantage points for photographing the Statue of Liberty, especially from the outdoor areas and the ferry.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the exhibits are historically rich, some may be intense for very young children. Focus on the Great Hall and the visual displays of artifacts. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to allow children more space to move and explore without feeling overwhelmed. The ferry ride itself is often an exciting part of the adventure for kids.
ancestry Enthusiasts
Allocate a significant portion of your time here if you plan to conduct thorough research. Staff are available to assist, and the $10 fee for 30 minutes of access is well worth it for dedicated researchers. Be prepared with any known family names or details to make your search more efficient.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immigrant Experience at Ellis Island
Exhibits at the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration delve into the diverse journeys of these immigrants, showcasing personal artifacts, photographs, and oral histories. From the bustling Great Hall to the more somber medical examination rooms, each space tells a part of the larger American immigration story. The museum emphasizes that the foundation of the United States is built upon waves of immigration, making it a crucial site for understanding national identity.
Visitors can also engage with the American Family Immigration History Center, where they can search for their own ancestors in the extensive passenger manifests and immigration records. This interactive element adds a deeply personal dimension to the visit, connecting individuals to the historical narrative. The Wall of Honor further extends this connection, allowing families to commemorate their immigrant relatives with engraved plaques overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
Navigating the Ferry and Island Logistics
Upon arrival at Ellis Island, visitors disembark and can then explore the museum at their own pace. The museum is well-organized, with clear signage guiding you through the various exhibits. Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, as you will be on your feet for a significant portion of your visit. Consider arriving early in the day to maximize your time and experience the exhibits with fewer crowds.
While the ferry ticket is the primary cost, there are additional services available on the island. The American Family Immigration History Center offers a paid service for in-depth family research, providing access to ship manifests and original records. Audio tours are also available for purchase and are highly recommended for a richer understanding of the historical context.
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