20 Fun Things To Do In Ellis Island

1. Check Out The Ferry Building

Come see the Ellis Island Ferry Building while on Ellis Island for incredible views and cultural learning. The ferry building at Ellis Island was the processing center for millions of immigrants entering America. Today it stands as a monument, a symbol of their fight.

Visitors to the Ellis Island Immigration Museum can view exhibits that display artifacts and letters from those who passed through there. Don't forget to stop by the American Family Immigration History Center if you are looking for ancestors. The lawns around have good spots to picnic whilst enjoying views of Lady Liberty or New York City.

2. Explore The Great Hall

The Great Hall is a haunting testament to the tribulations and daring ambition of those who entered its gates in search of opportunity. When you walk around the Great Hall, go upstairs and stand on one of these corridors that run along it to see everything from above.

The Great Hall will make you feel lucky, but at the same time regard the efforts made by those who came to America. This type of Ellis Island tour complements the visit to the island.

3. Search For Ancestors

At Ellis Island Immigration Museum situated on Ellis Island, the American Family Immigration History Center consists of a computerized search about the family ancestors. Since these machines have been around from 1892 to 1996, it might be a good idea to use them yourself to search the passenger records.

Just type in your ancestor's name and see if they made the same journey you are about to take. Before your visit, you could spend time at home researching Ellis Island online. This way, when you arrive, there will already be a lot of information available to help guide your exploration.

4. The American Immigrant Wall of Honor

The American Immigrant Wall of Honor has to be on anyone's list of must-sees when visiting Ellis Island. It was unveiled back in 1990 and features nearly 775,000 names inscribed on panels made from stainless steel.

These pay tribute not only to those who passed through Ellis Island but also to immigrants of various times and backgrounds. As you walk along the wall, you find families and individuals’ names; everyone has a story to tell.

It is the perfect place to think about your heritage. The wall doesn't just look back on one phase in our past; it also connects us with the ongoing story out there today.

5. Join A Ranger-Led Tour

These free tours can offer a glimpse into immigrant settlement, taking you through the very rooms that millions of hopeful newcomers have once stood in. During the Great Hall Tour, your ranger guide will tell you stories of real immigrants who suffered and triumphed in these times.

You will also see the baggage room and find out about the health inspection that took place on the island. It is an emotional and revealing experience, providing a living context for history.

Tours leave from the information desk regularly and vary in number according to staff levels. No tickets are needed and tours usually take about 35 minutes.

6. Capture Stunning Photos of The Statue of Liberty And Manhattan Skyline

Capturing that perfect picture with Manhattan spread out front and the Statue of Liberty in the background is one of those things you will never forget. The one legitimate Statue of Liberty tickets vendor is Statue City Cruises.

Adults pay $25, seniors $22, and children aged 4-12, not including the ferries, are free. Lady Liberty is a photographer's paradise. Whether you call yourself a professional or only have a smartphone, there's an ideal spot from which to snap her on this charming little island among countless different ones.

The observation deck at the Ellis Island Statue of Liberty Museum gives a distinct take on the statue versus the city's skyscrapers.

7. Visit The Bob Hope Memorial Library

Located in the heart of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum is a hidden treasure, the Bob Hope Memorial Library. For both history buffs and those who are just naturally curious about the past, this special place should be your regular haunt.

Its collection is chock full of artifacts, photographs, and personal stories that help bring the immigrant experience to life. Spend time in the exhibition area, which ranges from creative works inspired by Ellis Island to unpublished research manuscripts dating back nearly 70 years.

Do not miss a chance to listen to some of these gripping oral histories firsthand.

8. Enjoy A Boat Tour

Nothing is as memorable as viewing history from a cruise boat. Just as you glide over the water, you will see the Statue of Liberty stand tall and proud. And at every turn, her guiding light shines upon your way forward.

The tour starts at Liberty State Park, which gives you an overview of the sites and attractions you will be seeing. Consider taking one of the small group tours. A smaller group usually means better opportunities to ask questions and get direct acknowledgments.

Don't forget to pack your cameras; from here, you have a great chance of capturing some stunning aerial views of the city and Harbor.

9. Attend Special Events

The year-round offerings on the island range from cultural occasions to educational events that stress the immigrant experience. Many of these include famous speakers, live performances, and participatory exhibits that let history come alive.

Discover special events that change with the seasons for something to suit every taste. You will sometimes discover family-fun events or commemorative ceremonies. The island can be reached with the Statue Cruises, which run throughout the year.

10. Visit The Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Anyone interested in the rich immigrant history of America should not miss a trip to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Located within the restored Main Building, this museum tells the stories of more than 12 million immigrants who entered America through these doors from 1892 to 1954.

Wandering through the Great Hall and interactive exhibits, one is almost able to hear a whisper of hope and dreams from people trying to carve out a life. Ellis Island Museum is open daily, and a ferry ride available daily out of Battery Park or Liberty State Park makes the visit exciting.

11. Watch The Documentary "Island of Hope, Island of Tears"

The award-winning documentary "Island of Hope, Island of Tears" runs every half hour in the museum and shows hardships that rub off actual life situations faced by millions of people who have passed through those gates.

This 30-minute film, which is both factual and beautifully acted out, showcases personal stories that resonate even today. Throughout your visit to the museum, be sure to participate in a ranger talk before the film screening.

This experience puts objects from the past into context and seems relevant as we watch ongoing immigration discussions take place in society.

12. The Statue of Liberty Museum

Traveling through the fascinating story of Lady Liberty and the principles she symbolizes, this modern museum takes visitors on an up-close experience. At each turn, you are greeted by interactive displays and rare artifacts that bring the story of the statue to life.

The project helps you capture the exquisite architecture of the monument, and learn about the millions of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island's immigration inspection station.

The museum's highlight is the Inspiration Gallery, where visitors can view the statue's original torch through the eyes of poets, artists, and regular people. It explores the enduring spirit that has shaped America.

13. Stop By Fort Gibson

Enter a time capsule and tour the remains of Fort Gibson, a hidden gem on Ellis Island New York. This former military fort, established in 1811, provides a glimpse back at this peaceful island's past.

Wander around and picture the long-lost soldiers who once patrolled those very same paths. Be sure to look at the original fortress wall that they discovered during excavation for The American Immigrant Wall of Honor. It is a stark reminder of how this island has evolved from a military post to a source of hope for millions.

14. Take A Hard Hat Tour

This unique tour will give you access to parts of the hospital complex that have been off-limits since 1930. As you put on your hard hat and take a step back into time, you wander down eerily dark corridors strewn with beds left behind from earlier days, lab fixtures that have never been moved, and fragments of the old autopsy room.

The tour lasts for 90 minutes and is led by knowledgeable guides. Be sure to book your ticket in advance because this tour is quite popular and it is limited to persons 13 years of age or older.

Check weather forecasts as the buildings are neither heated nor air-conditioned.

15. Relax On The Grassy Areas For A Picnic

Kick back on Ellis Island and enjoy splendid views around you, including jam-packed history and all sorts. This is the perfect spot to share dinner with friends while you reflect on how millions got here via this point.

The grassy places near the American Immigrant Wall of Honor keep them away from the bustle of the museum. Bring along your favorite picnic foods, or buy them fresh from the cafe close by.

Offering fine dining options to take your breath away, a picnic here creates lasting memories.

16. Enjoy The Groundswell Murals

These bright murals, crafted by local adolescents with the help of the Groundswell organization, portray various immigrant stories still unfolding throughout the United States. In every mural, the students' creations reflect their heritage and how immigration has affected society.

It is a reminder of the ongoing immigrant narrative to stroll past these murals decorating the landscape. Looking at them, one is not only treated to extraordinarily beautiful scenes but also taken back in time with stories of those who came before.

17. Rent A Bike From Blazing Saddles

One great way to get around Ellis Island is with a bike. You will wheel one of those blazing hearts into submission and head down those winding paths, observing Lady Liberty and the New York skyline.

Blazing Saddles offers every sort of bicycle; anyone can find their bike here. A day out with Blazing Saddles is quite fit for a family, or indeed anybody alone. It'll set you back from about $ 28, so it is the most friendly of the cost options still left.

Also, it not only adds fun to your visit but also lets one take in all of the rich history.

18. Enjoy At Ellis Island Casino & Brewery

Ellis Island Casino & Brewery is a vital stopping place for anyone seeking a good experience just off the strip in Las Vegas. This family gem offers an unusual mixture of gaming, dining, and entertainment.

One of their main attractions is the steak special at only $9.99, very popular with both locals and visitors. Outside of their regular beer, craft beers are available with a new system for making beer on-site.

With friendly service and a wonderful atmosphere, Ellis Island Casino is perfect for a good time or a relaxed meal out. It's only one block from the Strip and serves as a welcome-way station on your Vegas adventure.

19. Dine at the Ellis Island Café

The Ellis Island Cafe inside the Ellis Island Immigration Museum has become a popular place for guests. The menu list provides a variety of food such as snacks, sandwiches, salads, drinks, etc.

Full service provides you with both excellent cuisine and an atmosphere conducive to learning about the island and its most interesting history. Looking around the cafe, with its display of historical photographs and artifacts from that era, you will be reminded of days gone by.

The menu is a tribute to classic American fare as well as the varied cultures that thrived at Ellis Island, with dishes inspired by the island's former residents. In this way, one can sample a taste of immigrant experience.

20. Experience A Beautiful Sunset

Taking time to see the sun setting from Ellis Island can be an enchanted finale to a day in New York City. The classic way is to join one of its harbor sunset cruises.

The cruise takes about an hour and presents spectacular views of the Statue of Liberty, as well as Ellis Island and the City of New York skyline as the sun disappears over the horizon.

As you float along, the brilliant colors of the sunset reflect off the water, making for a most beautiful backdrop at the time. The city lights gradually begin to twinkle, which adds a quite magical atmosphere. Many cruises serve refreshments as well, so you can relax with a drink in hand whilst admiring the scenery.