We will visit NYC in late Sept and my husband and his sister want to visit Ellis Island where their grandmother entered the US. What is the best way to do this? Transportation, tour/no-tour, days, times, etc?

There is only one way to do this. You take a boat from Battery Park. The boat makes a stop at the Statue of Liberty and then it goes to Ellis Island before returning to Battery Park. The first boat, operated by the Circle Line, leaves around 9am. If you want to do the Statue just get off.. When finished go back to the dock and get on a boat that goes to Ellis Island. Both are open every day.

Definitely go for the audio tour. You pay maybe $10 - 15 and it takes about 2 hours. Go at your own pace turning off the tape whenever you want to linger.

Do not go to Ellis Island and just wander around. There are guided tours also, but they are scheduled. Even my teenagers liked the audio tour.

Make sure you see the movie. This should be a must see for all Americans to understand what people gave up for the opportunity of FREEDOM!

Make sure to check out the Ellis Island website if you haven't already. you can look up your grandmother's name on the listing. I really enjoyed going. My grandmother wouldn't talk about the experience much (now I see why!).