If you’re headed to New York City, it’s likely that visiting the Statue of Liberty and/or Ellis Island is on your list of things to do. But did you know that you can take a special tour of Ellis Island that lets you go beyond the public areas and explore the old infectious disease hospital?!
Getting to Ellis Island
There’s only one way to get to Ellis Island and that’s through the approved National Parks Service vendor, Statue City Cruises. You have two options for ferries–one that leaves from New York…and one that leaves from New Jersey. The New York ferry stops first at the Statue of Liberty and then continues on to Ellis Island before returning to Manhattan. The New Jersey ferry stops at Ellis Island first and then travels to Liberty Island before returning to New Jersey. Ticket price varies based on what type of tour/experience you are booking.
What is included in a Hard Hat Tour?
Reserving tickets for a Hard Hat Tour includes the ferry ride to and from Liberty and Ellis Islands, access to the grounds and museum at Liberty Island (does not include pedestal or crown access), access to the public exhibits at Ellis Island, an audio tour guide at both Liberty and Ellis Islands, and a 90 minute guided tour of the hospital grounds at Ellis Island.
Public Exhibits at Ellis Island
The restored Registration building at Ellis Island contains a variety of exhibits detailing the history of the island as a center of immigration, including informational displays, historic photographs, restored rooms, a short film, and a research center where you can find information about family relatives who passed through Ellis Island.
Hard Hat Tour
Before your tour, you’ll need to check in at the Save Ellis Island desk to fill out release forms. You can find this just inside the main entry to the building. Once your release forms are complete you’ll be instructed to meet back at the area when it’s time for your tour.
The approximately 90 minute tour explores the old infectious disease hospital on the grounds and covers the Public Health Service’s history on the island–both as a hospital for immigrants and, later, for military and public servants. You’re given some limited freedom to wander in the immediate area and photographs are encouraged (though video is not allowed).
What to Wear
Most of the buildings are in a state of arrested decay and open to the elements…others are actively undergoing restoration. Dress sensibly. Appropriate clothes for the weather and closed toed shoes are a must!
Unframed — Ellis Island
This art installation, by French artist JR, features life-sized images taken from historic photographs and adds a human element back to these abandoned rooms.
Spotted Lanternflys!!!
Spotted Lanternflys are an invasive species that pose a serious threat to vineyards and orchards in the United States. And they’re present on Ellis Island. Before you visit, please take a moment to learn what these bugs look like…and kill any that you see!
