Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration — Attraction in New York

Ellis Island is one of the most meaningful and emotional places you can visit in New York City. It’s not just a museum — it’s a living reminder of the millions of immigrants who arrived in America with hope, courage, and dreams for a better life. Walking through the halls where so many people once stood is an unforgettable experience. Ellis Island is included with all Statue of Liberty ferry tickets, operated by Statue City Cruises (departing from Battery Park, NYC, or Liberty State Park, NJ). The ferry first stops at Liberty Island, and the next stop is Ellis Island — both are covered in the same ticket. General admission costs around $25 for adults, with optional upgrades if you also plan to visit the Statue’s pedestal or crown. Once you arrive at Ellis Island, the first thing you’ll notice is the beautiful Main Immigration Building, restored to its original early 1900s appearance. Inside is the National Museum of Immigration, which is incredibly well curated. It tells stories through photographs, audio recordings, documents, and interactive exhibits. You can learn about the immigration process, the medical checks, and even search the American Family Immigration History Center to trace ancestors who passed through here between 1892 and 1954. The Great Hall is the highlight — a vast room with arched windows and tiled ceilings where millions of hopeful immigrants once stood, waiting for approval to enter the United States. Standing there gives you chills. The exhibits around it share touching stories of families, hardships, and new beginnings. There’s also a moving "Journeys: The Peopling of America" exhibit that connects the past to modern immigration, showing that the spirit of Ellis Island still lives on today. The museum takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore comfortably. 💡 Tips for Visitors: The ferry and entry are included in your Statue of Liberty ticket — no separate ticket is needed. Arrive early (by 8:30–9:00 a.m.) to make the most of both islands. Food, drinks, and restrooms are available inside. The exhibits are indoors and air-conditioned, so it’s a great option in any season. Don’t forget to take in the views of the Manhattan skyline from the outdoor deck — they’re spectacular!

Overall, Ellis Island is not just a museum — it’s a place that connects you directly to history. It makes you appreciate the journeys, sacrifices, and dreams that shaped modern America. A must-visit for anyone who loves history, culture, or just wants to feel something...

One of the most fascinating and historically significant locations in the US is the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. This museum, which is only a short ferry journey from both New York and New Jersey, masterfully captures and tells the poignant tale of the millions of immigrants who traveled through Ellis Island in quest of a better life in America. You can sense the weight of history all around you as soon as you enter. With its lofty ceilings and reverberating voices, the renovated Great Hall takes guests back to the early 1900s, when eager families waited in line for admission and inspection. With images, personal items, ship manifests, and interactive displays that make the experience both educational and emotive, the exhibitions are remarkably well-organized. The "American Immigrant Wall of Honor," which honors the bravery and aspirations of families who came via Ellis Island, is one of the most striking features. Another highlight is the Family History Center, where guests can use comprehensive immigration records to trace their own genealogy. This is a very intimate and poignant experience. The museum's employees are amiable, informed, and committed to conserving this important period of American history. Visitors from all around the world can take advantage of the multilingual audio tours. The ferry voyage itself is an unforgettable aspect of the trip since it provides breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the cityscape of New York City. All things considered, the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is more than just a museum; it serves as a poignant reminder of America's immigrant heritage. Anyone who appreciates humanity, history, and the unwavering spirit of optimism...

The Ellis Island Museum provides a fascinating overview of immigration in the United States from the well-known instances - such as the Irish diaspora due to the potato famine of the 1800s - to the utterly obscure, like the handful of Filipino galleon sailors who escaped their lot by fleeing to Louisiana in 1765, centuries before the Filipino people's own global diaspora.

The building housing the museum itself practically oozes history as you wander through the various areas that served to house thousands of new arrivals to America decades ago as they themselves navigated the intricacies of entering a different country. The restored Registry Room on the second floor in particular is majestic in its size and the fact that every day for decades it was the most important step for new immigrants as they first registered to enter the country. Side rooms have more focused exhibits that chronicle various aspects of the process from medical exams to getting transportation once approved to the dreaded chalk marks that were put on immigrants' coats that sometimes meant a sad trip back to Europe after rejection.

There are also two theaters showing the moving 35-minute documentary “Island of Hope, Island of Tears” that's well worth the watch.

Lastly, the museum store is chock full of great souvenirs of both Ellis Island and Liberty Island and the staff are very helpful.

As an immigrant myself I found the museum to be fascinating and would have budgeted more time for it if I'd been able to. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in our...