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Ellis Island, New York City

4.4

#3 of 120 in Historic Sites in New York City

Historic Site History Museum

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Hear the tales of the 12 million immigrants who passed through Ellis Island when it served as the nation's busiest immigration inspection station, from 1892 to 1954. The immigration museum, housed in the station's main building, reveals details about the immigrants who came to the island and the staff who worked there. You can view informative displays, a short film, photos, art, and personal artifacts. Outside the museum, read the wall of honor for a partial list of the immigrants processed here. Before boarding a ferry to the island, be prepared for a thorough security check; sharp objects and large bags are forbidden. Purchase ferry tickets in advance to avoid waiting in long lines. A visit to Ellis Island represents just the start of the adventure when you use our New York City trip itinerary planning app to plot your vacation.

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Ellis Island Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

7,119 reviews

Google

4.6

• By molk01

  Very interesting insight into generations gone by and their struggles to make a better life, which for most was a very much a long and harrowing process. The buildings and exhibits give you great unde...  more »

• By olikar

  Nous y sommes allés avec le bateau de 9h30. Environ 30 min d’attente pour passer la sécurité et faire la file. Placez vous à l’arrière du bateau à droite pour avoir une vue magnifique sur la skyline e...  more »

  We went with the boat from 9.30am. About 30 minutes of waiting to pass security and queue. Place yourself at the back of the boat on the right to have a magnificent view of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty. We didn't come down to Liberty Island but went straight to Ellis Island to visit the museum. Very interesting and very well done visit that pleased the adults and our two teens of 15 and 17 years. Few people Le Matin, which makes the visit enjoyable. Beautiful view of Manhattan from Ellis Island. Recommend for the first time in NY.
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Google

• By Linda Hepworth

  You could spend all day here. Fantastic museum and a ‘must see’.

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• By Arthur Murden

  I know the history of Ellis Island And saw the Island when I took a boat back from a visit to the statue of liberty. the first thing you see as the boat pulls along side of Ellis Island is a really lovely looking old building

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