Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Visit Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is a must-see destination for anyone interested in learning about the history of American immigration. It features galleries displaying artifacts from the island’s time as an entry point to America, including photographs, audio recordings of immigrants’ stories, and interactive displays. Must-see exhibits include Ellis Island Chronicles, Treasures From Home, Silent Voices, Journeys: The Peopling of America 1550-1890, Peak Immigration Years: 1880-1924, and Journeys: New Eras of Immigration 1945-Present.

Visitors can also enjoy a free 40-minute guided walking tour of the general museum area and a special 90-minute guided tour of the Ellis Island Hospital Complex. A self-guided audio tour is also available. For those interested in tracing their family history on Ellis Island, the American Family Immigration History Center offers access to over 22 million passenger records right on the premises.

The best time to visit the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is generally during spring and fall when the weather is milder. However, the museum is open year-round and offers plenty of indoor activities if you need to escape inclement weather.

Ticket Information

The only way to get to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is by ferry through Statue City Cruises. You can purchase tickets online or by calling (877) 523-9849. Tickets are also available for purchase in person at the ticket booths located in Battery Park's Castle Clinton or the Liberty State Park ferry departure point.

The ferry ticket includes round-trip ferry service and access to the museum — no additional tickets are needed to enter the museum. Ticket prices generally start at $24.50 per person before taxes and fees.

Family-Friendly Options

The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration welcomes families with children of all ages. The museum offers a variety of activities and programs designed to engage young minds, including the Ellis Kids Children's Exhibit, an interactive learning center designed to help kids understand the immigrant experience. Kids can also become Junior Rangers by completing a special activity book educating them about the significance of Ellis Island.

For larger groups, special group rates are available through Statue City Cruises. There must be one adult chaperone age 21 or older for every 10 children in your group.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

To make the most of your visit, plan to spend at least three hours exploring the museum and its grounds. Start by taking in the sweeping views of New York City from the ferry as you make your way to the island — it's a great opportunity for photos! Once on the island, pick up a self-guided audio tour and start exploring.

Be sure to take your time walking through each gallery and exhibit on all three floors of the museum — you'll want to savor the opportunity to learn about the thousands of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island at this crossroads in America's history. And don't forget to check out a documentary screening in the theater! If the weather is nice, take a break from indoors and enjoy walking around the grounds outside — you'd be surprised by how much there is to discover on such a small island.

Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration Accommodations

Activities Near Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Weather, Safety & Accessibility

Weather & Packing

The New York City area experiences four distinct seasons, so the weather on Ellis Island can vary greatly from month to month. Spring and fall are usually mild, with temperatures ranging from 50-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers tend to be hot and humid, with average temperatures around 80-90 degrees. Winters can be quite cold, with temperatures seldom rising above 40 degrees.

Regardless of the season, precipitation is common in the area, and it's always a good idea to bring rain gear or an umbrella. You'll be spending some time outdoors during the ferry ride, so also consider bringing a hat and sunscreen — the sun can be very strong on the water! You should also wear comfortable shoes since you'll be doing plenty of walking around the museum grounds.

Safety & Accessibility

Before you board the ferry to the museum, you can expect to undergo a security screening. Prohibited items include weapons, sharp instruments, large baggage items, markers, and audio amplification devices.

The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, with accessibility options available for those with physical mobility impairments, deafness and hearing loss, blindness and low vision, learning disabilities, and service animals. The museum has two elevators, ramps, and staircases with railings to allow visitors to move between levels. It also offers a braille park brochure, an audio descriptive soundtrack in the theater, and the option to request a tour in American Sign Language with adequate notice.