Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum

Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum offers great views and green space along with a look back into the experiences of early immigrants

View of Ellis Island Immigration Museum from Ferry
View of Ellis Island Immigration Museum from Ferry cc licensed photo by buggolo

Almost half of Americans are descended from the 12 million migrants that passed through first Federal immigration assessment station on Ellis Island hoping to achieve the "American Dream". To preserve this fundamental piece of shared history, Ellis Island was gazetted as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument in 1965.

After undergoing a major restoration, the processing halls where immigrants underwent legal and medical examinations were transformed into the Ellis Island Immigration Museum by the National Park Service to educate visitors about this national gateway.

Ellis Island is situated in New York Harbour and is only accessible by ferry, departing from Battery Park. Arrive early to avoid the lines; waiting times can exceed an hour during peak periods. Concessions are available on the island, but a more cost effective and appetizing option is to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the ample green space on Ellis Island. It is possible to book a ferry tour that visits both Liberty Island and Ellis Island in one day, but it is an ambitious undertaking.

The museum offers a variety of ranger guided tours, interactive performances, self-guided audio tours and a short film, which all give a good introduction to the immigrant experience on Ellis Island. Shutterbugs will enjoy the "Silent Voices" photographic exhibition chronicling the years Ellis Island was abandoned in the mid 20th century. The Ellis Island Junior Ranger program distributes a free children's activity booklet available from the information booth.

From March to October, free monthly genealogy workshops are offered on Ellis Island. Archives are housed in the American Family Immigration Center and you can research your ancestry on their website or in the center's research room. Genealogy enthusiasts will want to pack a pencil and paper to take rubbings of their family names listed on the Wall of Honor.



Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Address: Ellis Island, United States

Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum Reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A True American Treasure – A Must-Visit! Ellis Island is one of those places that leaves a lasting impression. Walking through the historic halls where millions of immigrants first entered the United States gives you a deep appreciation for the courage, hope, and determination that helped shape this country. Every exhibit is thoughtfully presented, and the stories, photographs, and artifacts bring history to life in an unforgettable way. The museum is beautifully maintained, informative, and incredibly moving. Whether you’re exploring your own family history or simply want to better understand America’s past, Ellis Island offers an experience that’s both educational and inspiring. The views of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty are spectacular, making the trip even more memorable. Plan to spend a few hours here because there’s so much to see and absorb. If you’re visiting New York or New Jersey, this is an absolute must-see destination. Five stars isn’t enough—Ellis Island is a powerful reminder of where so many American stories began, and it’s an experience you’ll remember for years to come
Bran - 3 months ago

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5 Star Rating A deeply moving experience. Walking through the Immigration Museum gives you chills thinking about the stories and dreams of those who passed through here. A profound and essential stop, even more powerful than the Statue of Liberty!
Stefano - 3 months ago

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2 Star Rating Ellis Island is historically significant and interesting but for some reason it has been a neglected site. Ot was a bit of a letdown. Only the main building on the North side of the island is open to visitors unless you pay $55 a person more for a 90 minute hard hat tour of the South complex. The value of this tour is primarily based on your tour guides expertise and ours was a young kid who didn’t seem to know much and couldn’t remember what he was supposed to be talking about so he rambled a lot about nothing, which made the entire tour very disappointing. He kept loosing his train of through, didn’t seem to understand how to operate his iPad, and couldn’t answer the questions being asked. He needs to go home and work on his presentation and memorizing or at least making talking point cards because it was bad. If he had been a student in speech class, he would have gotten a D at best. Big waste of money for the tour. I learned more about the site from the 1 open building on the North side than from the tour guide. I would skip the hard hat tour. Not worth the money.
Kim Torres - a month ago

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5 Star Rating After visiting the Statue of Liberty, we continued our trip by ferry to Ellis Island. The ferry ride from Liberty Island to Ellis Island was very short, only about 5–10 minutes, and it was very convenient. Ellis Island was a very interesting and meaningful place to visit. Unlike the Statue of Liberty, which is mainly a famous landmark, Ellis Island has a much deeper historical significance. This is the place where millions of immigrants arrived in the past, and the information provided there helped me better understand their journeys, challenges, and experiences. The museum on Ellis Island was especially impressive. It provides detailed information about immigration history, including when immigrants arrived, how the number of immigrants changed over different periods, and how the island played an important role in American history. The exhibits were very informative and helped bring the stories of immigrants to life. One of the most interesting parts of the museum was seeing personal stories and messages from people who passed through Ellis Island. Many immigrants left their memories, experiences, and thoughts behind, which made the visit feel very personal and emotional. It was fascinating to see the real stories of people who came from different countries hoping to build a new life. I was also impressed by the preserved areas where immigrants were processed after arriving. Seeing the rooms and halls where people waited, were interviewed, and went through the immigration process gave a much stronger connection to history. Some of the personal stories, photographs, and historical records were very moving and memorable. In my opinion, anyone visiting the Statue of Liberty should also take the time to visit Ellis Island. It is not just another tourist attraction—it is a place that helps you understand the history of immigration and the experiences of millions of people who helped shape the United States. For me, Ellis Island was one of the most meaningful parts of the entire visit.
Amin Changizi - 4 months ago

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4 Star Rating Admission to Ellis Island is included with your Statue of Liberty ticket. The ferries operate on a continuous loop starting at Battery Park, stopping at Liberty Island and Ellis Island, before returning to Battery Park. A visit of 30 to 60 minutes is recommended to tour the island.
Shajid Sheik Basheer - 2 months ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
1South Ferry4 minutes
N or RWhitehall Street5 minutes
4 or 5Bowling Green5 minutes

How to get to Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum by Subway

Take the 1 train to South Ferry, turn left into Battery Park or take the N or R train to Whitehall Street, head north toward Pearl Street, turn left on Bridge Street, follow path into park or take the 4 or 5 train to Bowling Green, head south on Broadway, turn right on Battery Place, turn left on Greenwich Street and continue into park.

Look for the Statue Cruise Ticket Office which is located inside the Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park.


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