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Ellis Island, New York City

4.4
#3 of 118 in Historic Sites in New York City
Historic Site · Hidden Gem · History Museum
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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Tours to Ellis Island

FROM $176 BOOK WITH VIATOR Skip the Line Private Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Tour Ticket
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
Tours from $176 »
FROM $215 BOOK WITH VIATOR Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight
5.0
Duration: 15 minutes
Tours from $215 »
FROM $49 BOOK WITH VIATOR Skip-Line Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Tour + Pedestal Ticket Upgrade
4.9
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Tours from $49 »

Ellis Island reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
7,212 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By josephdtraveler
    Was grear to see the history. Felt they did a wonderful job showing the immigrant view. Wish we could have stayed longer. Only use the statue boat tour; others are scammers. Don't wait in the line if....  more »
  • By E2667MHnicolah
    What an amazing experience, from seeing Lady Liberty, to visiting the amazing museum. A must when visiting the Big Apple.  more »
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Google
  • By Linda Hepworth
    You could spend all day here. Fantastic museum and a ‘must see’.
  • 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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