5 reasons to visit Ellis Island in New York

1/ Ellis Island admission is included with your Statue of Liberty ticket

• Here’s the practical reason: whether you plan to visit Ellis Island or not, you’ll pay for it anyway when you buy a ticket to the Statue of Liberty. That’s because Ellis Island can only be visited as part of a combined ticket with the Statue of Liberty. The same applies to tickets included in New York City passes—the New York City Pass, New York Explorer Pass, and New York Pass all bundle Ellis Island with the Statue of Liberty.
• In practice, ferries drop you off at Liberty Island to visit the statue. On the return trip from Liberty Island, the ferry always stops at Ellis Island. You can choose to get off and explore the island or stay on board and head straight back to Manhattan. Since it’s included and you’re already in New York, you might as well go ashore. 🙂

2/ Ellis Island tells a foundational chapter of American history

• Ellis Island ranks among the most important sites in US history. From 1892 to 1954, the island served as the gateway and processing center for immigrants seeking their fortune in America. Over nearly 60 years, more than 28 million people—mostly from Europe—arrived here for health inspections. Those who passed could settle in New York or travel to other US cities. Those who didn’t faced forced return to Europe.
• The visit traces the immigrants’ journey through photographs and artifacts. You’ll see a well-preserved dormitory and the various examination and interrogation rooms. It’s a fascinating history lesson.

3/ For stunning views of New York

• Like Liberty Island, Ellis Island sits in the middle of New York Harbor. But its location is even better: the island is closer to Manhattan, and its position offers an exceptional vantage point over the Manhattan skyline.
• For the best views, walk around the main building and head to the southern tip of the island. I’m always struck by how most visitors stay in the main building and never make it to the far end. That’s a shame, because that’s where the views are truly spectacular.

4/ To eat in the middle of New York Harbor

• If you catch one of the early ferries to the Statue of Liberty, you’ll likely finish your Ellis Island visit around lunchtime. Time for a break! The good news: there’s a snack bar on the ground floor of the main building. If the weather cooperates, grab your food and eat on the terrace. You’ll have a lovely view over the harbor.
• The food isn’t fancy, but the break is welcome. And it’s not every day you can eat or have a drink with all of New York spread out before you.

5/ To find your American ancestor

• Most American visitors to Ellis Island search for their ancestors and check whether they passed through the island. You can do the same—search for your family name and see if anyone with it arrived at Ellis Island. Who knows, you might discover a relative you never knew about. 🙂
• You have two ways to search the records of everyone who landed at Ellis Island. First, you can use the interactive kiosk on the ground floor of the main building, near the entrance to the exhibition about immigrants in America.
• Another option, with a treasure-hunt feel: browse the endless list of names inscribed on large memorial plaques in the park next to the main building. I confess that every time I’ve visited Ellis Island, I’ve scanned these plaques hoping to spot an ancestor. It might explain my lifelong passion for New York! 🙂