Plan Like a Park Ranger | Top Ten Tips For Your Visit

Are you planning a trip to the Statue of Liberty National Monument & Ellis Island? Check out these top ranger tips for a fun, safe, and unforgettable trip!

1. Got Tickets? Avoid the queue. Get your tickets and check the ferry schedule ahead of time at Statue City Cruises, the only NPS-authorized ferry service and the only ferry that takes you onto the islands. Note that only pedestal and crown reserve tickets allow you access inside the statue.

2. Check Our Website again on the day of your visit for any last-minute Park Alerts and our Prohibited Items List for things you cannot bring with you on the islands.

3. Mobility Concerns? Check out our Physical Mobility Page. We recommend bringing a wheelchair for any visitors who need to sit and rest frequently.

4. Wear Comfortable Footwear. Be prepared to be on your feet - a lot - durable, close-toed footwear is encouraged!

5. Pack Light. There are not any places for you to store your personal belongings while you visit the island, and you may prefer not to be weighed down with extra things as you explore the park.

6. Dress for Success. Heat? Cold? Wind? Sun? Rain? Check the weather forecast. What you’re wearing will impact your comfort and enjoyment of the islands.

7. Stay Safe & Healthy. Winter winds off the harbor impact how cold it feels on the islands. Bring gloves, a hat, and some extra layers to adapt to the changing conditions. Summer sun & heat can be intense on the islands. Be sure to bring sun protection and water to stay hydrated (water is available on the islands). If you should feel unwell during your visit, EMTs are on the island ready to assist you, just alert a staff member that you need an EMT.

8. Pick A Meeting Spot. Cell phone service can be spotty out here. When you arrive on each island, set a spot for your group to reunite in case you get separated.

9. Don’t Miss the Boat! You will be going through airport-style security before boarding the ferry to the islands. The time printed on your ticket is for your arrival at the security screening site - not a ferry departure time. Be sure to look over our list of prohibited items ahead of your visit. Queues for the ferry can be as long as an hour during peak visitation in the summer, weekends and winter holidays.

Note that every boat has two stops:

Boats from NY: 1st Stop: Liberty Island, 2nd Stop: Ellis Island
Boats from NJ: 1st Stop: Ellis Island, 2nd Stop: Liberty Island

10. Family Connections. Check out this link to the American Family Immigration History Center to see hours of operation on Ellis Island and to discover tips for searching immigrant records.