Ellis Island

The Ellis Island museum tells a powerful and emotional story about America’s immigrant history. It has personal stories, photos, and artifacts that make the past come alive. Standing in the Great Hall where millions passed through is very moving. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in history. I parked safely at Liberty State Park, which made getting there easy.

Impressive part of a modern history of the USA (and I dare to say mankind). It's difficult to believe that over 10 million people bave witnessed this place while entering America. Very interesting. I recommend visiting.

Historical place for those interested in such stuff. Mostly a lot of articles of historical significance. I didn't get to spend much time here as I had another booked appointment and my tour agency messed up with the timings.

Ellis Island is a fascinating and emotional place to visit. The historic buildings and exhibits give a real sense of the journey millions of immigrants experienced when arriving in America. It’s both educational and inspiring, with breathtaking views of the New York skyline. A must-see landmark full of history and meaning.

Ellis Island was such a neat and meaningful place to visit. Seeing how millions of people migrated to the United States and walked through those very halls was incredibly powerful. We were even able to find my grandma’s name from Lebanon in the records, which made the experience even more personal and emotional. If you’re interested in the history of the United States, especially immigration and the roots of so many American families, this is an amazing place to explore. The museum is well done, the exhibits are fascinating, and the whole island feels full of stories. A must see when visiting New York City.

Very interesting experience about part of the history of both New York City and the United States. We took the ferry from Battery Park which includes very nice views of New York City. The museum is very complete and gives a great view and explanation of the history of immigration in this great country.

I think I had built this up in my head to be better than it actually was. The grounds are beautiful. But I had a hard time finding my ancestors and really didn't find any information that I can't find for free on Ancestry. And you had to pay $10 for 30 minutes of research. There wasn't really much to see or do there. Very underwhelming. But it was great to go on the boat and see the island the way my ancestors did. Also, make sure you pick the correct spot for your Uber driver to drop you when you go. Ours dropped us a LONG way from the entrance. We were exhausted and freezing when we got there.

If you are interested in history , how people migrated to the USA, This museum has a lot of details. It has an old immigration center converted into a museum describing details using photos and texts. If you are running out of time you can skip this place, you wont regret it.

Ellis Island is one of the most historically significant places to visit in the New York City area. Located in New York Harbor near the Statue of Liberty, this island served as the main immigration gateway to the United States from 1892 to 1954. Millions of immigrants first entered America through this station, making it a powerful symbol of hope and new beginnings. Today the island is home to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Walking through the museum gives visitors a deep understanding of the immigrant experience in the United States. One of the most impressive parts of the visit is the Great Hall, where immigrants once waited for inspection and approval to enter the country. The exhibits include photographs, historical documents, personal stories, and artifacts that tell the journey of families who arrived here from many different parts of the world. It makes the experience both educational and emotional, especially for visitors whose ancestors may have passed through Ellis Island. To visit Ellis Island, you need to take a ferry which usually departs from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. It is best to reserve ferry tickets in advance because they can sell out during busy tourist seasons. Parking is limited near the ferry departure points, so public transportation is usually the easiest way to reach them. A helpful tip is to combine your visit with the Statue of Liberty since the ferry typically stops at both locations. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours exploring the museum to fully appreciate the history and stories inside. Overall Ellis Island is a meaningful and educational destination that provides a deeper understanding of the immigrant history that helped shape the United States.

It's nice historic entrance way for many European immigrants. Looks of picture & artifacts. Spent about an hour. Transportation is by fairy boat. Note: there is a check before entering boat. No food or liquids. There is a old train station before entering boat. I wish they would clean up tracks and add plants and flowers.

An Adventurous and Educational Visit to Ellis Island My visit to Ellis Island was adventurous and educational. There is so much history there! I was so impressed learning how people came to this country. Every picture you see, every piece of art or artifact—everything tells a story. Once you see it for yourself, you will know exactly what I'm talking about. Tips for Your Visit: Buy Tickets in Advance: Purchase your tickets before you go. You definitely don't want to wait in the line here. Eat Before You Come: There is plenty to see and learn, so it's a good idea to eat first. Facilities: Don't worry, there are plenty of bathrooms available.

Great place to visit for historical information regarding Ellis Island. Found it easier to port out New Jersery due to parking space availability verses taking a port through New York. You can also port to the statue of liberty once you visit Ellis Island.

This was the highlight of our trip. I highly recommend visiting the hospital via the guided tour that should be booked in advance. The innovations of that time implemented at the hospital are outstanding. The museum itself is also interesting leading you down the same path as immigrants would take upon arrival.

We took the ferry to statue of Liberty and then Ellis Island. We were fortunate that Ranger Jim was starting his tour just as we reached. He was very knowledgeable and gave a very vivid description of how the early immigrants used to land on the island and how they were processed. I would highly recommend listening to the free tour as he has a lot more information than it's available on the displays.

Great place it's very impactful place to go. It holds such a significance to American history. The art work of historic photos and posters were great to see and displayed in such a respectful way. I was a bit lost when I got there of knowing where to look and what I was looking at maybe an information desk or something cleared signs would be great. I seen gallery's but they were closed I presume they sometimes show things in there. It would have been nice to maybe have a video depiction of peoples journey through. Although there is a restaurant/cafe I wouldn't advise eating there as it wasn't nice. The gift shop however had a great selection of keep sakes.

Visiting Ellis Island with my family was one of the most moving and educational experiences I've had in a long time. As someone interested in history and heritage, walking through the same halls that millions of immigrants passed through was both humbling and powerful. The journey started with a scenic ferry ride from Battery Park, offering great views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. As we approached Ellis Island, I couldn't help but imagine what it must have felt like for immigrants seeing this place for the first time—filled with hope, fear, and the unknown. Once inside the Immigration Museum, I was struck by how well-preserved and thoughtfully curated everything was. The main Registry Room, with its high arched ceilings and echoing footsteps, felt almost sacred. It was easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of the thousands who once stood in line, waiting to be inspected and questioned. One of the highlights for me was the exhibit featuring personal artifacts—suitcases, family photos, letters, and even clothing—that told individual stories. There were also graffiti on pillars on the 3rd floor that made it real. It made the immigrant experience feel very real and personal. I also spent some time in the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, looking up names and imagining the lives behind them. Even though I didn’t find any direct relatives, it still felt like a tribute to every family that took a leap of faith to build a new life. The audio guide was a great addition, filled with firsthand accounts from immigrants and descendants, which brought even more depth to the visit. If there was one downside, it’s that the place can get quite crowded during peak times, and I’d recommend arriving early to avoid the rush. But overall, the experience was worth every minute. Ellis Island isn't just a historical site—it's a monument to human resilience, dreams, and the enduring spirit of people seeking a better future. I left feeling reflective, grateful, and more connected to the larger story of imagination.

If you are visiting New York City, this is one attraction you must see. The boats taking you to and from can fill up fast. You may need to wait but it is worth it.

The buildings themselves are beautiful and still have many of the original architectural details. The ferry ride was also worth it. I highly recommend visiting on a weekday during non-peak times (aka not 9/11 weekend or during the summer) to avoid the big crowds. I also recommend spending at least half a day here as there is so much to see and learn.

Visiting Ellis Island was an incredibly powerful experience — truly a must-stop for history lovers. Stepping onto the island feels like stepping back in time to one of the most important chapters in American history. For millions of immigrants, this was the gateway to a new life, and seeing it firsthand is both humbling and moving. Walking through the historic Great Hall, where so many hopeful newcomers once stood waiting for their turn to enter America, gave me chills. The exhibits are rich with personal stories, artifacts, and photographs that bring the immigrant experience vividly to life. It’s impossible not to imagine what it must have felt like — the fear, the hope, the determination. For me, it was especially emotional knowing that my own ancestors passed through these very halls. To see the same floors they walked, the same windows they looked through toward a new future, made the experience deeply personal. Ellis Island represents not just a piece of history, but the beginning of countless American dreams, including my family’s. The museum is incredibly well-done, balancing historical facts with real human stories. The American Immigrant Wall of Honor outside is a beautiful tribute, and the view back toward the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan is unforgettable. Ellis Island reminds us of the courage and resilience that built this country. Whether or not your family came through here, visiting is a humbling, eye-opening experience. If you love history — or just want to better understand the roots of the American story — Ellis Island is an essential stop.

A powerful and emotional journey through America’s immigrant history. The museum is beautifully curated with personal stories, photos, and artifacts that bring the past to life. Standing in the Great Hall where millions once passed is truly moving. A must-visit for history lovers and anyone interested in the roots of the American experience.

I went with my sister and our children and had an amazing time!! So much history in one place. Be ready to walk a lot!!! The building is massive but has so much to see!! Plan for at least 1-2 hours if not more to see everything! There are people around outside by the ferry trying to sell tickets and other souvenir-type items. Do not buy your tickets from them! They do have elevators, and it would be fairly easy to access all of the rooms with a wheelchair. They offer free handheld sets for an audio tour throughout the building. I highly recommend!!

We visited the immigration museum and it was great! The building is huge and full of history. The 30-minute movie in the theater explained everything clearly. The exhibits showed how people moved from their countries to the USA. The museum is good for both kids and adults. The ferry ride to get there was also beautiful. I highly recommend this museum to anyone interested in history. It was a great experience!

Took Rob Stein’s Hard Hat hospital tour. Rob was extremely knowledgeable and informative. I had a deeper appreciation of what our ancestors endured to come to our wonderful country. Museum at Ellis Island is incredibly interesting and well thought out. Found my grandparent’s names on the Wall of Honor. Had visited many years ago but definitely worth visiting again. Easy hop on the Ferry to Liberty Island another fascinating place.