Ellis Island

Activity Overview

Ellis Island is a national monument and has a historic significance, the national monument in the New York bay used to be the gateway for millions of immigrants that entered the US between 1892 and 1954. The site housed the immigration station that would receive the immigrants, the immigration station is now the immigration museum. The current museum building was constructed in 1900, the first immigration station was built in 1892 and was destroyed by fire few years later. Ellis Island can be reached via ferries and boats, Ellis Island can be toured any day of the year unless in case of inclement weather.

Things to Do

• Ellis Island Immigration museum shares stories of the immigrants that arrived at the Island, the museum displays many exhibits showcasing the history of immigration.
• Mainly European immigrants would arrive at the immigration station, the names of the immigrants can be found on the immigrants wall of honor.
• Upon arrival you can start your audio tour that is available in many languages. There is an audio tour for children, as well.
• The current exhibit displays the journey of 2 million immigrants from Belgium, the exhibit showcases photographs and artifacts from that era.
• The world migration globe shows migration patterns all over the world, you can see a documentary depicting the migration history.

Ellis Island Insider Tips

• Try to arrive early or will have to stand in long queues for ferries.
• Bring water and wear a cap in the Summers.