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Visiting the Statue of Liberty is one of the most unforgettable things you can do in New York City. It’s a must-see place for sure! But, it does require some planning. Unlike strolling through Central Park or Times Square, you need to prepare ahead for this trip. Remember, not everything you need to know is obvious!
In this post, we will share some of the best tips to visit the Statue of Liberty. From what to wear to where to go, you’ll be ready to make the most of your visit to this iconic landmark by the end. So, shall we start?
History of Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty
Before we prepare you to visit the Statue of Liberty, there is a need to make you aware of its iconic history.
The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are symbols of America and represent key moments in its history. Ellis Island was named after its last private owner – Samuel Ellis. The location was historically the primary gateway into the United States. Surprisingly, over 33% of all Americans can link their ancestry to individuals who arrived through this significant entry point.
The government closed the Ellis Island to be used as an immigration center in 1924. After that, various private developers proposed different ideas for the use of this property, such as:
- A resort Marina
- A Rehab facility
- An experimental place, the “city of the future,” designed by architect Frank Llyod Wright
However, these designs still needed to materialize. After about 20 years of political limbo, Ellis Island opened for tours in 1976. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the idea for a historical museum took shape.
Moreover, automotive pioneer Lee Iacocca led a major fundraising campaign to renovate Ellis Island, creating the museum we see today. Edouard de Laboulaye devised a plan for making the Statue of Liberty, and Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi was asked to design it.
France gifted this Statue to the United States to celebrate the Union’s victory in the American Revolution and the end of slavery. The Statue of Liberty is now 131 years old and is the main attraction on Ellis Island.
What’s the Meaning of the Statue of Liberty?
Did you ever wonder what this Statue explains? Libertas, the Roman goddess of Freedom, inspired it. It’s a robed female figure carrying a torch & a tablet with the Declaration of Independence date – July 4, 1776.
The seven spikes on her Crown show the seven oceans and continents, symbolizing universal Liberty. Though her feet aren’t obvious, ‘Lady Liberty’ is shown with one foot raised, moving forward away from oppression and slavery.
Ellis Island opened to the public in 1990 and now welcomes over 3 million visitors yearly.
Facts About the Statue of Liberty
There are some fun facts about the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island below:
- The Statue of Liberty stands about 305 feet 6 inches tall, from the pedestal base to the top of her torch.
- The seven rays on her Crown indicate the seven continents.
- The Statue’s first genuine torch was replaced in 1984 with a new copper torch coated in 24k gold.
- During WWI & WWII, Ellis Island was used as a detention facility.
- Ellis Island was used for hanging convicted thieves, criminals, and revolutionary sailors. It was nicknamed ‘Gibbet Island’ after the gibbet, a wooden post where bodies were displayed.
- After the last hanging in 1839, the island became a depot for Navy munitions. From 1892 to 1924, it served as a federal immigration station.
- Although the Statue was a gift from France, America funded the Pedestal, supporting its 225-ton weight.
- From 1876 to 1882, the arm of the Statue of Liberty was displayed in Madison Square Park to help raise funds. People could pay 50 cents to climb to the torch balcony. A kindergarten class in Iowa even sent $1.35 to the fund drive. By August 1885, the final $100,000 needed for the Statue’s Pedestal had been raised.
Visiting Information
When you visit the Statue of Liberty, there’s more to do than go up to the Crown. Liberty Island has a museum you must explore, and luckily, you don’t need an extra ticket.
Best Time to Visit
Winter is almost no lines, so it’s the perfect time if you dislike waiting. Spring and Fall are a bit busier but still manageable. And finally, the summer is the busiest of all! If you ever go in summer, be at the ferry dock in Battery Park by 7:30 a.m. The first ferry leaves at 8:30 a.m. from May through October.
You can see long queues start forming an hour earlier. You can explore Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty in a whole day, so plan your schedule accordingly.
Ferry Tips
From November to April, the first ferry leaves at 9:30 a.m. But still, you should arrive an hour early to avoid any hassle. There’s another option! You can take the ferry from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. If you are driving, this is often a better option.
If you’re taking the subway, Battery Park is more convenient. Sometimes, lines at Liberty State Park are shorter. You can return from either ferry dock regardless of where you started. If you end up at a different location from where you parked, there’s a shuttle service between Battery Park and Liberty State Park.
Ticket Information
The best way to get tickets is on the official Statue of Liberty Tickets website. If you are not planning to go to the Crown, you can usually buy tickets the same day you arrive. However, it’s safer to get your tickets in advance. If you plan to go to the Crown, purchasing tickets in advance is the best option, as these tickets are limited.
The standard tour ticket includes the Statue of Liberty, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, and the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island. It does not include access to the Pedestal. As of August 16, 2023, the ticket prices are as follows:
Adults: $31.50
Children (ages 4-12): $19.00
Seniors: $25.00
Children 3 and under: Free
Moreover, Pedestal and Crown access is $0.30 extra per ticket (Children 3 and under are still free). Hence, planning and purchasing tickets online allows you to have a smooth, memorable, and enjoyable trip to these iconic landmarks.
Scheduling How to Visit the Statue of LibertyThe Ferry Ride
Here’s an easy and enjoyable plan to follow to get to the Statue of Liberty!
Getting to Battery Park
On your first visit, instead of dealing with the subway, just take a cab to Battery Park. Try to arrive at least an hour before the first ferry leaves. If you visit in the summer, get there by 6 a.m. to avoid traffic. Moreover, if you come early, you can capture the Statue in the beautiful morning light.
The Ferry Ride
The ferry ride, including boarding and disembarking, will take you there in 30 minutes or an hour, depending on the traffic and number of passengers.
Exploring Liberty Island
When you arrive at Liberty Island, an hour is required to explore it. If you want to visit the museum, budget another hour. Going into the Pedestal will also take about an hour. Moreover, an extra hour is needed to visit Ellis Island. You have to wait an hour in a queue to see the Crown, only if you have purchased tickets in advance.
Lunch and Return
It takes about an hour to take a break and eat something, and if you want to return, add half an hour to get back to Battery Park.
End of Day
It would help if you returned to Battery Park around 6 p.m. Treat yourself to some food from the local food trucks or one of the many nearby restaurants. If you’re in the mood for pizza, Lombardi’s Pizza, just 1.9 miles away, is a great option for having the best pizza in New York!
Following this plan will make you go smoothly to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island!
Tips and Tricks for Visiting the Statue of Liberty from a York
We have talked about how to plan your visit. Still, we have gathered a summary of some tips for you to visit the Statue of Liberty to avoid any obstacles. These are as follows:
Leave Before Time
As the day goes on, the lines for the Statue get longer and longer. It’s best to catch the day’s first ferry if you can. This way, you’ll beat the crowd to the museum, the Pedestal, and Ellis Island.
Also, the Statue closes earlier than most of the attraction sites, and moving between the islands takes time. Taking tours in the morning is always the most enjoyable because it ensures a smooth visit without heavy crowds.
Book Your Tickets
Again, when it comes to buying Statue of Liberty tickets, it’s best to get them in advance. This will save your time, so you don’t have to wait too long. Make sure you see everything and don’t miss out on anything!
The best option is to book your tickets online a few months before your visit. Moreover, there’s no need to have a print out of them, just show a digital form of ticket and head straight to the security.
Pack Little
There’s a need to go through security, just like an airport, to visit Statue. Depending on your ticket, you might have to go once or twice through the security. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare:
Security Screening: While screening, you have to remove your belt, hat, watch, jacket, and jewelry. Hence, you have to pack yourself lighter to make the process smoother.
Inside the Pedestal: When you are about to enter the Pedestal, you’ll see no backpacks are allowed. You can’t even take any eatables with you except water.
Helpful Tips: Bring only what you need to avoid delays. Moreover, you should visit the official website to ensure what’s prohibited.
Stand at the Best Place
When you step onto the ferry for the first time, you’ll see everyone rushing to the right side to get a seat with a view of the Statue from the dock. That makes sense because, initially, that side seems to offer the best view.
Most people don’t realize that this site gives you the perfect spot for a fantastic picture of Lady Liberty when the ferry passes by the Statue for the first time.
Go to the Museum
There’s a secret! As soon as people step off the boat, everyone rushes to the front of the Statue for a photo. This means you will be surrounded by the crowd and trying to get the best shot amidst the competition.
The secret is if you start by exploring the museum first or checking out the gift shop, you can wait to visit the Statue until after the first rush of newcomers. Just remember to take your photos before the next boat arrives, and it adds even more people to the scene.
Want to capture the perfect Statue of Liberty photo? There are a few sports to try: from the boat or right on the island’s edge. But the ultimate spot? It’s lying down on the top of Fort Wood!
Take a Picture of Your Boat Schedule
When you first board or leave the ferry, it’s wise to snap a picture of the schedule. The schedule varies with the season, so the departure time may also vary. It’s usually posted on the dock or near the boat’s entrance.
Taking a picture helps you easily refer back to it later, so you can plan your travels without any uncertainty or need to rely on memory.
Return 10 minutes Earlier.
Don’t miss the ferry! Make sure you are in line 10 minutes before the ferry leaves. Each boat has a limit on how many people it can carry. Once it’s full, they won’t let anyone else in line, and you might miss your chance.
Be at the Centre of the Boat
Boarding the ferry can be exciting, but it’s essential to keep things smooth for everyone. Instead of stopping right at the entrance to secure your spot for a quick exit, consider moving further inside. This helps the boarding process flow better and avoids delays for others trying to get on.
While many wait until the boat is fully docked, heading down a few minutes earlier gives you a head start without getting in anyone’s way. It’s a courteous way to ensure a smooth journey for everyone on board.
Check the Weather
Before setting out on your journey, it’s good to check the weather forecast the day before and even on the morning of your trip. Remember to apply sunscreen if it’s sunny. If it’s cooler, take accessories accordingly.
These collective tips can make your journey and visit smooth. So, try to follow when you visit.
Conclusion
This is it! The Statue of Liberty is waiting for you. Pen down all the tips in case you forget anything. Follow the seasons to make your journey as smooth as it can be!
This is it! The Statue of Liberty is waiting for you. Pen down all the tips so you don’t forget anything. Follow the seasons to make your journey as smooth as possible. For more travel inspiration, visit Heaven Leads, your ultimate resource for discovering the world’s most breathtaking destinations.
Discover all you need to know about Tidewater Beach Resort. For detailed information and tips, read my full blog on Heaven Leads.
FAQs
What to Wear to the Statue of Liberty?
It’s good to wear layers of clothing because the weather can change quickly. It’s important to wear comfortable shoes since you have to walk a lot.
Can I Take a Bag to the Statue of Liberty?
Small bags like purses and fanny packs are okay to bring when visiting the Statue of Liberty. You can also take camera gear with you. It’s best to travel light because large bags, including backpacks, need to be stored in lockers with extra pay.
Is There Any Need To Show My ID?
Before entering the Statue of Liberty, every ticket holder needs to show a photo ID that matches the name on their ticket, except for minors who don’t have any ID.
