Is it worth it to go to Ellis Island?

At 3 million visitors a year, Ellis Island is one of the most popular destinations in the National Park Service, thanks in part to the Immigration Museum. Even if you don't consider yourself a museum person, this is a place I'd recommend to anyone, especially if you've never been to Ellis Island before.



People Also Ask

As a tour guide, a question I hear a lot is: “Is it worth it to see Ellis Island?” For those who have no familial connection or relation to the people who passed through, its importance and influence can often be overlooked. Which is why I am here to tell you that it is absolutely, 100% worth it.

MORE DETAILS

Statue Cruises is the authorized concession for the park. How long do I need to visit Ellis Island? It will depend upon what you want to do while visiting. Generally, two to three hours is ample time to visit.

MORE DETAILS

Overall, almost everyone who came through Ellis Island (around 98% by some counts) was admitted. By contrast, 60% of the immigrants who arrived at Angel Island—most of whom were Chinese—were detained, and it took weeks or months to be released; the longest detention Lee found was 756 days.

MORE DETAILS

Visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty is an inspiring, striking experience. As dual symbols of freedom and hope, these incredible monuments and their museums give proof to the story of immigration and recognize the human spirit of our nation's ideals.

MORE DETAILS

Sailing time to each island is approximately 15 minutes. If you remain on boat for ride only without visiting either monument, it will be one hour and fifteen minutes.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Reservation. National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Passes do not apply at Ellis Island, part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, which does not charge an entrance fee. The cost of the ferry ticket is not an entrance fee. There is no charge to visit the museum on Ellis Island and Liberty Island.

MORE DETAILS

I don't think people realize just how steep and tight the stairway up is! The statue museum is amazing and it was just surreal to see it up close! The views from the ferry are better... but it is so worth it to plan ahead and book tickets to climb to the crown at least once in your life!

MORE DETAILS

It's worth the visit but you have to be fit to climb up those 315 steps, in a tiny staircase at the end. Just be aware of the security: they do not allow you to take anything with you except your tickets and your camera, if you go to the crown.

MORE DETAILS

Overview: Opened on January 1, 1892, Ellis Island became the nation's premier federal immigration station. In operation until 1954, the station processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers.

MORE DETAILS

Ellis Island Hotel features fully renovated rooms and suites to accommodate any stay from a fun layover to an extended vacation in Las Vegas. Our affordable rates and convenient location near the Strip make Ellis Island the ideal place to drop off your bags and explore!

MORE DETAILS

Suitcases, carry-on luggage and other large parcels will not be permitted on the ferry systems or at Liberty and Ellis Islands. Bags must fit through x-ray machine opening to enter the park (opening size: 24.2” width x 17.9” height)

MORE DETAILS

There is a variety of food options on Ellis Island including salads, wraps, and sandwiches. Dining: The Ellis Café has a variety of snacks available such as organic fruit, chips, ice cream, and cold beverages.

MORE DETAILS

If you are going to be at Ellis or Liberty Island after 4 PM, make sure that you understand when the last ferry leaves. If you miss the last boat you must swim back, and the water is really cold even in the summer. Once on the islands, the schedule is posted on a bulletin board at the ferry dock.

MORE DETAILS

These passes do not apply at the Statue of Liberty National Monument, which does not charge an entrance fee. The cost of the ferry ticket is not an entrance fee but a transportation fee. There is no additional charge to visit the museum on Liberty Island and Ellis Island.

MORE DETAILS

Far away from Ellis Island, in every sense, lies Angel Island. The immigration station there was built on the exclusion of one national group, those originating in China, and prejudice and racism against Asian people generally. Detainment and detention rates were far higher than for those who arrived via Ellis Island.

MORE DETAILS

Ellis Island
  • Location: New York Harbor.
  • Immigrants processed: 19 million.
  • Number rejected: 1.2 million.
  • Percentage rejected: 6%
  • Average length of stay: 1 day.


MORE DETAILS