sharkmom

It looks like there are several different tours. Does anyone have a favorite?

MissMag

Take anything but the tour offered by the National Park Service.

We were in New York last April and bought a combined Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty ticket. We never took the tour because the rudeness displayed by the Park Service in the name of security was overwhelming; we were yelled at on multiple occasions, intimidated, and the choice of language used by Park Service Employees (or their representatives) was not something I would want a child to hear. I understand the need for security, however during all our travels we have never been treated so poorly in the name of security as we were trying to take a tour of the Statue of Liberty.

J62

I recommend the tour offered by the National park service. I've taken the tour several times with guests to the area and always been pleased. The insightful knowledge of Ellis Island history they impart is wonderful.

You can take the ferry from either NJ Liberty State Park or from the Battery in lower Manhattan.

Cher

We took the tour offered by the Park Service, had a good experience and would recommend it. I would highly recommend making sure you have a couple hours for Ellis Island and be sure to visit the museum/exhibits on the third floor. It's most a photography exhibit, very well done and moving, that tells the "stories" of those that came to Ellis Island.

You will need to book your reservations ahead of time (online)for the tours.

One recommendation: Take the first ferry out. The lines get incredibly long for the ferry as the day goes on. Get to the Battery Park at least an hour before the first ferry leaves.

leeloc

I am also planning a trip and have been told by everyone to take the first ferry out. My sister-in-law also suggested going to Ellis Island first.

KathrynT

The ferry from Battery Park first stops at the Statue of Liberty so I would go there first and then carry on to Ellis Island. Excellent advice about taking the first ferry out.

mclaurie

Past wisdom has been to take the first ferry and NOT get off at the Statue but stay on the ferry and proceed to Ellis Island FIRST. You get there ahead of most people and have the place mostly to yourself. You can then stop at the SOL on your way back to Manhattan. However I recently read (maybe here?) that the ferry might not be stopping at SOL on the way back so doublecheck.

We've also heard great things about the tour given by Tom Bernardin
http://www.ellisislandtours.com/

joelst

Do you have to make reservations for Ellis Island? Or can I just show at the ferry, get on and get off at Ellis? I am not stopping at the Statue.

mclaurie

You don't need reservations for Ellis Island but it might be a good idea to buy tickets online in advance so you avoid the ticket buyers line when you arrive. The tickets you buy are for the ferry.

joelst

Can you give me the site to buy the tickets please?

ms_go

http://www.statuereservations.com/online.asp

mclaurie

Actually, I might reverse my reco. Have been hearing the line to pick up pre-booked tickets is sometimes longer than the one to buy them.

joelst

Thank you

loru100

We just got back from NYC two weeks ago and had paid for our tickets in advance on the Circle Line Website and yes, we waited longer to pick up our pre-paid tickets than those buying their tickets there. We went to the Statue of Liberty first because we were on the first ferry and the crowds weren't too bad. The ferry didn't go back to the Statue of Liberty from Ellis Island, it went straight back to Battery Park.

sharkmom

All very helpful suggestions. It sounds like MissMag was in the minority with her rude treatment by the Park Service.
Is there an online site to check ferry schedules? Can you reserve and/or purchase tickets in advance for the ferry?

mclaurie

You purchase the ferry tickets on the website http://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisi...servations.htm

Link for schedules
http://www.circlelinedowntown.com/statueFerry.html

sharkmom

I have a question. If I want to wait and buy my tickets the day I want to visit (Oct 14)rather than wait in line to pick up pre-purchased tickets, is there any possibility it will be sold out? If so, maybe the wait in line is worth avoiding any possible disappointment in not getting to go. Any thoughts?

doug_stallings

I think it's very unlikely that the first ferry would be sold out, but if you don't reserve your tickets in advance, find out when the office opens and just arrive a bit early. If you can't get tickets on that ferry, I think the worst that could happen would be you'd have to wait for the next one.

I'm also one of the people who recommends skipping the statue, but it's just my personal preference. I didn't think the museum there was very worthwhile, and since you can't climb to the top anymore, I just don't see the point anymore. The Ellis Island museum is fascinating and a place you could spend hours.