Ellis Island, a site that holds importance for many American Immigrants, is an inspiring sight. It’s in New Jersey and New York and was once the busiest immigrant processing station in the U.S. This station is in the New York Harbor and offers views of the infamous Statue of Liberty, a sign of hope for many wanting to live in America. Today, visitors can tour both landmarks as a way to step back into history momentarily.
It symbolizes how far people would go to find a better life. Twelve million immigrants passed through between 1892 to 1954 for the opportunity to attain the American dream for themselves and their descendants.
Known by many as the “Island of Hope,” Ellis Island is an important national landmark with great importance in America’s history. When most people hear its name, images of Lady Liberty and boats crossing into America arise. With such a notable impact on the U.S.’ history, the first question that seems to arise in many people’s minds is “How do I get to Ellis Island?”
Luckily, visiting the Liberty and Ellis Islands is easily done via ferry. Below are all the details you’ll need to visit these iconic locations deeply rooted in American history.
Statue City Cruises will guarantee access to the interior of the Statue of Liberty National Monument and is the ONLY authorized official provider of tickets to the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island. With departures for New York from The Battery and New Jersey departures from Liberty State Park, enjoy the city’s scenic views on your round-trip ferry before disembarking on your tour. Statue City Cruises is honored to be recognized as “Best Boat Tours” by Newsweek Magazine’s expert panelists and contributors and voted on by readers as the best of the best.
How to Get to Ellis Island: A Look into Ellis Island’s History
Ellis Island initially opened in 1892 to be an immigration processing station. It served this purpose for about 60 years before shutting down in 1954. An impressive number of immigrants went through processing on Ellis Island. Interestingly, about 40% of the U.S. population can trace their roots back to at least one ancestor who entered the country through Ellis Island.
Many immigrants traveled to the U.S. hoping for a better life, hence the nickname “Island of Hope.” It is estimated that about 1,900 people traveled daily through Ellis Islands’ immigration station.
After passing the immigration process, many travelers made their homes in New York. This large number of immigrants likely helped increase New York’s diversity, making it one of the most diverse cities in the United States today.
Ellis Island Activities
Ellis Island has many attractions and things to do, from Ellis Island Museums to the American Immigrant Wall of Honor. Visiting Ellis Island is a unique and educational experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
It is a striking and inspiring experience that symbolizes freedom and hope in incredible monuments and a testament to the human spirit.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
The Ellis Island National Museum is a living monument to the story of the American people. The museum documents the rich story of American immigration through a collection of photographs, heirlooms, and historic records. Visiting the museum allows travelers to feel the spirit of the hopeful arrivals eager to find opportunity, and the museums’ interactive exhibits bring their voyages to life allowing an appreciation for the American melting pot. This museum is constantly evolving and shows immigration before and after the Ellis era celebrating those who have searched for promise and possibilities and the complexities of their journey.
This Ellis Island Museum allows you to explore areas that were once dormitories for immigrants, interactive exhibits, an ancient baggage holding area, etc. As you weave through the museum, you’ll see the story of immigration in the U.S. It also explores the immigration process before and after Ellis Island for additional insight.
Family History Center
The Family History Center is an excellent resource for those who know or suspect one of their ancestors to have gone through the immigration process at Ellis Island. This center features a searchable database with about 65 million entries. Research assistants are also available (for an additional fee) who can help you on the hunt to learn more about your family history to find connections to ancestry and heritage.
American Immigrant Wall of Honor
Visiting the American Immigrant Wall of Honor allows you to view a list of 775,000 people who traveled through Ellis Island. You can add your own inscription (for a fee) for any ancestors who went through this processing center.
This was established in 1990 to celebrate the immigrant experience of individuals who arrived by ship, plane, and by foot, and those who were forced into migration from slavery, the earliest settlers, and the land’s indigenous peoples.
Take a Trip to Ellis Island: Tour Options
Multiple tours allow you to enjoy different perspectives of Ellis Island through Statue City Cruises. Statue City Cruises is the official and only provider of boat tours to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Below, you’ll find the available tours you can select.
The New York Pedestal Reserve offers priority entry into the Screening Facility Queue, and round trip ferry service to Liberty Island (Statue of Liberty National Monument) and Ellis Island (Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration). You’ll have access to the grounds of Liberty and Ellis Island, as well as the Fort Wood section of the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. Lastly, this ticket includes the Statue of Liberty Museum with access to three interactive galleries that tells of the history of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.
The New Jersey Pedestal Reserve is identical to the New York option, but leaves from Liberty State Park.
The New York Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour offers a different perspective on the typical Ellis Island tour. This tour takes you through the Immigrant Hospital Complex, an unrestored island area. You’ll also be provided a self-guided audio tour with this option. You’ll meet with the group in Battery Park.
The New Jersey Ellis Island Hard Hat Tour is similar to the above option. However, this tour leaves from Liberty State Park.
How to Get to Ellis Island: Planning Your Trip
Once you’ve purchased your tickets to New York or New Jersey, you must put together your itinerary. Remember to schedule your Ellis Island tours beforehand, as tickets go quickly. Check below for common FAQ questions and answers.
FAQ:
Can You Visit Ellis Island?
Yes, you can visit Ellis Island by taking a ferry. Ellis Island is free to visit, though there is a fee for the ferry ticket. Only one company has the authorization to provide Ellis Island tickets – Statue City Cruises. Any other cruise ships that offer a trip to Ellis Island are not legitimate.
How to Visit Ellis Island?
Still wondering, “How to get to Ellis Island?” If you’ve purchased your ferry tickets in advance, you’ll need to locate the boarding area. If you still need to purchase your ferry tickets, you’ll need to locate the ticket booth. There are two ticket booths – one in Battery Park in New York City and one at Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Be sure to visit the updates page for Battery access before arriving.
Each ticket includes a roundtrip ride from the island back to NYC, or NJ and an audio tour you can collect on the islands. The audio tours are available in 12 languages, making them accessible to many visitors.
Where Do I Catch the Ferry to Ellis Island?
You can catch the ferry from the same parks that sell ferry tickets – Battery Park in New York City and Liberty State Park in New Jersey.
How Long is the Ferry Ride to Ellis Island?
The ferry ride is approximately fifteen minutes to reach Ellis Island. From Ellis Island to Liberty Island, it’s an additional fifteen minutes. Then, a final fifteen-minute route will take you back to your initial pickup spot.
There is also the option of riding the ferry without getting off to see each island. If you select this option, the roundtrip route is about one hour and fifteen minutes.
This will provide you with excellent views of the Statue of Liberty and the skyline of Lower Manhattan.
What Are the Hours for Ellis Island?
The hours for Ellis and Liberty Islands change for each season. Up-to-date hours and island openings are found on the National Park Service website.
Ellis Island is open to visitors every day except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day each year. So, you can likely see Ellis Island in person regardless of when you visit
Are there maps of Battery Park and Liberty State Park?
You can find a map of Battery Park and Liberty Park where you will board the ferries to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Is it worth it to go to Ellis Island?
Visiting Ellis Island is inspiring as it symbolizes freedom and hope as well as the human spirit. For those who have no familial connection or relation to the people that passed through, its importance and influence can be overlooked, however, you will most likely find this to be a trip you do not want to miss.
What’s the Best Way to Reach Ellis Island?
Statue City Cruises is the only official provider for ferry services to Ellis Island, offering a reliable and scenic route.
Are There Any Tours Available to Explore Ellis Island?
Find out about the various guided tour options that provide an in-depth historical perspective of Ellis Island.
What Should I Bring for a Day Trip to Ellis Island?
Bring your essential items to carry – as well as comfortable footwear and water.
What Educational Opportunities Does Ellis Island Offer?
Ellis Island offers educational programs for students and teachers, including guided tours, workshops, and curriculum materials. These programs are designed to enhance understanding of immigration history and its relevance to contemporary issues.
Original post date: June 23, 2022