Since 9-11, visiting the Statue of Liberty has new rules to be followed.
You can still walk up and get a ticket for the ferry but pre-purchasing your
ticket online is recommended. After clearing security,
you are on your way. Once on the island, you can walk around. If you
want a tour, planning in advance is recommended. It takes 5-6 hours to
fully experience both islands.
The 2 tour choices are:
Statue of Liberty Tour Descriptions - Monument Access or Audio Tour
Monument
Pass (A): This ranger-led excursion includes through
the Statue of Liberty museum and in addition includes an insider's view into the
magnificent structure and spectacular views for NY Harbor from the observation
balcony.
(Area B included with Monument Pass): This area houses the original Statue of
Liberty torch and will help you experience the story behind this colossal
sculpture. The monument access tour also includes a visit to Ft. Wood at the base of the
monument with plenty of time for interpretive programs, photo opportunities and
superb views of the Statue, NY Harbor, and Manhattan skyline.
Add-On Audio Tour (C): Listen to voices of generations past
as they recall their voyages to America, hear the story behind the Statue and
learn what it really was like to pass through immigration on Ellis Island.
Designed to allow you to go at your own pace and walk the grounds. Available in
multiple languages including English, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish &
French.
How do I get ferry tickets and tour passes when departing
from New York?Begin at Battery Park on the tip of Manhattan at the circular fortress called Castle Clinton. Built in 1811 to defend against British attacks, it now serves as the ticket and information center for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island ferry rides.
Inside Castle Clinton, the circular structure to your right houses the ticket
booth. Visiting the statue does not require an admission fee. This ticket is for
the ferry which is the only way to get to the island. Currently, the ferry fee
is $12.00 adults, $10.00 seniors (62+) and $5.00 children (4-12), 3 and under are
free. Audio tours are $6.00 per person. All purchases have a $1.75 inconvenience fee
added to each ticket. The Reserve Ticket allows you priority entry to
security check-in which saves you wait time at the departure point.
Statue Cruises is
the new carrier replacing Circle Line and has online ticket sales.
Passing through Castle Clinton takes us to the water's edge where you wait in line for the ferry. There's no cover
once you clear security out there and it gets quite hot in the summer so bring your sunscreen! Don't let the rain keep you away in the winter, lines are much shorter and you never know when you'll be back
to visit.
The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ferries run about every 45 minutes
beginning at 9:00 am (some times not until 10:15 AM, check web site). If you are planning to include this in your itinerary, try to do it earlier, especially in the summer months. You'll find the crowds to be smaller giving you more time to spend here or elsewhere.
Boarding the ferry, there are 2 levels on it. If you're into taking photos or home video, then try and be on the right side of the boat going and the left side coming back. This will put you on the statue side both directions.
Liberty Island, until 1956, was called Bedloe's Island. When you debark the ferry, you'll walk past the concession and gift center building and towards a circular area with a flagpole in the center. Now, you could just take time to walk around the island but go right to
security. Use the lockers just before security to store anything larger than a
small camera bag.
Upon entering the base there are donation boxes. Why not toss in a few dollars to keep the statue in tip-top shape? Inside you'll immediately notice the torch. It was the original, which was replaced during the statue's major renovation in the 1980's. The base's insides were also redesigned at that time and serves as the museum. Visit that on your way down.
Start your ascent inside the pedestal. A staircase wraps its way along the sides while an elevator is located in the center. The elevator takes people to the top of the pedestal which has exits to outside platforms on several levels. This is best for people who may have trouble climbing or for people who do not want to wait in the long line.
The
following is no longer allowed by the US Department of Interior
The corkscrew up the middle is a double staircase and you've got to watch your footing when you slowly climb on these small, triangular steps. It's definitely a good idea to wear sneakers or rubber-soled shoes on this excursion.
Look around at the fantastic iron skeleton which holds together the 100 tons of copper sheeting. Does it remind you of another famous large metal structure?
It was designed by Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, famous for his Tower which is in
Paris!
At the top! Peering out the windows at the top of Liberty's 10-foot wide head, you have a view of over 180 degrees! Looking up towards the arm, it's amazing to think the public was allowed up there at one time. Inside the arm is a ladder which goes to the small doorway of the torch.
On the other side, you can look straight down and get a glimpse of the book Liberty's holding. It says "July 4th 1776" in roman numerals.
Get your picture taken by a friend and get moving. You have had your turn up there, head down and give some other people a chance.
At the end of that crazy spiral staircase, we can go outside for a breather and
see some more awesome views. On the opposite side, you can see the walkway we
had originally come in on. There are 3 outdoor levels to the base where you can
take photos of the statue at very interesting angles.
Wish you could go into the crown?
Read more.
The above is
no longer allowed by the US Department of Interior
The museum chronicles the epic story of how the Statue of Liberty was built. The financial difficulties, design problems, etc. The museum also exhibits the variety of ways Liberty has been exploited on post cards, war bonds, magazine ads, etc.
The gift store is out next to the cafeteria. They have the same merchandise on either side, but sometimes they might be out and you will find different goodies on the other side.
Ready to go? The ferry goes from Liberty Island to Ellis Island where there is
an historic museum relating to the millions of 19th century European immigrants
who passed through this facility when they reached America's shores. You can
stay on and go back to the City or disembark to see Ellis Island.
