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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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Ellis Island reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
7,211 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By Robyn W
    We enjoyed the museum as part of the Statue of Liberty Tour. The audio tour was very good and informative. It is very big and you could easily spend hours there. Lots of information boards in...  more »
  • By harrysteinerproton
    The location is great for the views, the boat ride across the bay is really nice. It is interesting to learn about the first families that crossed the big Atlantic pond, great historic icon full of...  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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