Ellis Island
The immigration station where 12 million people entered America, now a museum included on the Statue of Liberty ferry.
Example
The passenger record terminals let you search a family name on site, which is why the Registry Room hits harder than the timetable suggests.
Best tours and tickets
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Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour with Reserved Ferry Entry
★★★★★ 4.8 · 14,887 reviews
From $59View tour
All-Access 9/11: Ground Zero Tour, Memorial and Museum, One World Observatory
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Pages that mention this term
- Black Tom Explosion: Why the Statue of Liberty’s Torch Has Been Closed for Over a Century
- The 'They Changed Our Name at Ellis Island' Myth Is a Family Story, Not History
- The Crown Climb: Inside the Statue of Liberty’s 160 Steps
- Statue of Liberty: crown vs pedestal tickets and the ferry trick that saves an hour
- One World Observatory: the view that puts the harbour in front of you
- Manhattan Travel Guide: The Only One You Need (2026)
- Ellis Island: do the museum before the Statue
- New York Travel Guide 2026: What to See, Costs and 3-Day Plan
Frequently asked questions
Is Ellis Island worth it without American ancestry?
Yes. It is one of the best-told migration stories anywhere and explains the New York you see everywhere else on your trip.
Can I search my family records there?
Yes, at the American Family Immigration History Center terminals, or online beforehand to focus your visit.
In what order should I do the two islands?
Statue first, then Ellis with at least two unhurried hours. Most visitors underestimate Ellis and arrive with too little ferry time left to finish it.
