Is it crazy to try to do Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty this weekend? Used to cold Wisconsin weather... but unsure if these destinations are even open for winter visits. Thanks for hotel, ticket info and other advice.

It's not crazy if you want to go. Ellis Island is mostly inside and you can stay inside on the boat.

If you want to go to the observatory tour at the Statue you MUST book. Lots of security. Otherwise, just have a look outside. Are you looking for hotel advice? What area, what price? If it's just a weekend trip, you might check theparksouthhotel.com for their weekend specials.

If you're interested in the immigration story, consider the Tenement Museum, also can be booked ahead online.

They will both be open; if you're from Wisc., you know that you can deal with almost any weather as long as you're dressed for it. Weather at this time of year is so variable, it's impossible to predict so far in advance. I've heard one forecast that calls for temps in the 50s on Thursday.

So far this year NYC has had a very mild winter. The forecast for this weekend is for a highs in the 40's - not uncomfortable at all. And, as mclaurie mentioned - you can stay inside on the boat - the only place its likely to be actually cold.

The weather this winter so far has been a bit of a roller coaster. Our ABC station said we can expect the temp on Thursday to be around 60 degrees and then in the 40's on Friday and over the weekend. I was out on New Year's day without a coat and it was a beautiful day.

Instead of standing in a long line taking the ferry over and walking around the island to see the Statue of Liberty, I think your time would be better spend taking the Staten Island Ferry. It's a pretty ride and if you take it just a dusk the views of the city coming back are really spectacular.

Elllis Island is certainly worth a trip over and very close to the Ellis Island Ferry is a museum not very well known in the city The Jewish Heritage Museum, with an encompasing memorial to the Holicaust.

Have a great time while you are here.

Hi there piacenza,

I did Ellis Island and S.o.L in November 2003. Not sure of the temperature difference between November and Jan, but it was cold enough that weekend for a heavy coat. I sat inside on the ferry for most of the trip across, it was just a bit too chilly to be out for more than a few mins, but it wasn't miserable and didn't take away from my enjoyment of the day at all (I'm used to Irish weather, never very good, rarely very bad).

Actually, Statue of Liberty was closed for repairs, so we just circled it, but that was enough for me, I got nice pictures. Call me a lazy tourist.

Ellis Island was brilliant, weather doesn't matter at all, and it's such a worthwhile vist.


Anna

I'd combine the suggestions given: Take the ferry to Ellis Island, spend several hours there, come back to Battery Park and then take a late afternoon round trip on the Staten Island Ferry.