Physical/Mobility

Do You Need a Wheelchair?

The National Park Service strongly encourages visitors with a mobility device like a wheelchair or electric scooter to bring it with them for their visit. It will vastly improve the experience by easing your journey from beginning to end (thinking about the distances from parking lot or public transportation to security screening and time standing in ferry queues). The NPS does have three wheelchairs available AFTER arrival on Liberty or Ellis Island. They are available on a first-come-first-serve basis and are free of charge. A valid photo I.D. will be required to check one out in the Visitor Information Center (Liberty Island) which is the first building on your left as you come straight off the ferry dock.

 

Color map of Liberty State Park, NJ Security Screening and Ferry Embarkation location

NPS

Liberty State Park (NJ) Ferry Departure

The distance to the ferry embarkation point from the security screening tent is about 300 yards (see map at right). Please plan accordingly and bring a mobility device, such as an electric or manual wheelchair, or a manual mobility aid (such as walkers, canes or crutches) if needed.

Map Legend
1. Handicap-accessible drop-off location
2. Ticket Windows
3. Security Screening Facility
4. Ferry Embarkation
5. Ferry Parking Lot

 

Accessible Facilities and Areas on Liberty Island

 

The Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island.

ESI Design

Statue of Liberty Museum

Located past the Visitor Information Center on the left, the Statue of Liberty Museum is accessible by two ramps on either side of the building. One flight of stairs is also an option. The museum includes a ten minute movie, three interactive galleries, and restrooms all located on one level. The top of the museum has an observation deck that is accessible by stairs or an elevator. This observation deck provides panoramic views of New York Harbor. A limited number of wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge with a photo ID at the Visitor Information Center.

 

The front stair entrance into America’s National Parks Bookstore.

NPS

America’s National Parks Bookstore &
Evelyn Hills Crown Cafe

As you make your way off of the ferry dock, heading straight towards the flagpole, you will find the Refreshments Building on the right-hand side across from the Visitor Information Center. Inside you will find America’s National Parks Bookstore and a dining area called the Crown Cafe. Access to the bookstore is by a ramp or stairs in front of the building. A ramp on the right side of the building leads to the Crown Cafe. The dining patio and Gift Pavilion are also accessed using this sloped walkway.

 

The walkway to the Refreshments Building (left) and Gift Pavilion (front).

NPS

Food Service & Patio Access

Visitors can access the Refreshments Building (on the left) and Gift Pavilion (in front) from the outside dining patio. Ramp or stair access leads back down to the main thoroughfare for access to the rest of the island.

 

The Gift Pavilion on Liberty Island.

NPS

Gift Pavilion & Restrooms

The Gift Pavilion provides visitors with access to public restrooms and water fountains. All facilities inside this building are accessible. The entrance can be accessed by both stairs and ramp options. The ramp is located to the left of the entrance staircase. An automatic door opener can be found on the wall to the right of the entrance doors.

 

Check out the Wayside Exhibits to Learn More About the Statue!

There are eight (8) wayside exhibits describing elements of the island. As you move around you can learn about the Statue of Liberty's construction, the fort below her, immigration, her torch, pedestal, history of the island, why the statue is green, or the Manhattan skyline in New York City. Check them out!

 

 

 

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Blindness or Low Vision

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