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
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: YesAddress: Ellis Island, United States
Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum Reviews
Rated out of 5
Plan to spend at least an hour a half inside this museum. Plenty of info to read inside. We enjoyed the New Eras of Immigration exhibit.
Restrooms on the second floor are beautiful and spacious! You can refill your water bottles at the refill station.
Sharon M - a month ago
We visited Ellis Island as part of the Statue of Liberty tour. After the excitement of seeing Lady Liberty up close, Ellis Island felt a bit… underwhelming. There’s definitely a lot of history packed into the museum, but unless you’re really into immigration records and long reading panels, it might not hold your attention for long.
The building itself is beautiful, and it’s meaningful to think about the millions who passed through here, but the experience felt more like a quiet museum stroll than something engaging. The kids got bored quickly, and honestly, so did we.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll probably appreciate it more. Otherwise, you might be ready to catch the next ferry back sooner than expected.
Nusrat A - 3 months ago
We didn’t plan to stop here, but since it was on the way to NYC, we decided to check it out. And we liked it a lot. We took a free tour about it and it was very informative and interesting. We checked the main building as well. I wish we had more time to explore the whole island. Definitely recommend it!!!
Valentina M - 5 months ago
Really liked my visit, and left feeling more respect for the risk takers who took the journey here aspiring for a better life. I took a tour here, and would recommend that— but a self guided tour would be okay, too. Lots of history on immigrants, of course, so if you want to learn about that, or if you come from a family of migrants, this is a must go to spot.
Alexander Jimenez - 6 months ago
Very interesting building. The exhibition is very enlightening. If you see Liberty you definitely need to see Ellis Island
Margaret Macken - 2 months ago
Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Ferry | 4 minutes |
| N or R | Whitehall Street | 5 minutes |
| 4 or 5 | Bowling Green | 5 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.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Ellis Island and the Immigration Museum:
Photo Gallery
-
Discovering the History of Immigration into America cc licensed photo by Son of Groucho -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva - cc license via Flickr
