If you are planning to visit the statue and Ellis Island, please take note and be aware that there are two ferry routes coming to and from the islands. One is a ferry coming from/to Liberty State Park (New Jersey side) and the other one is coming from/to Battery Park (New York side).
The same thing is true when you are going back. Be sure you are taking the right ferry back to where you came from, unless you plan to change your route in going back to either on the New York side or New Jersey side.
Before boarding the ferry, all visitors will have to undergo primary security screening, similar to airport security procedures. Sharp pointed objects, big bagpacks, luggages and bikes are NOT allowed.
There is a second security screening at the statue's monument entrance before visiting any area on or in the Statue.
The Statue of Liberty in the U.S. is one of the most visited park in the country, and where security is everybody's top priority. The areas worth visiting are the statue's pedestal, the crown and the Liberty Island Museum. But these areas require ticket reservations. You must either have ticket reservations to either crown or pedestal areas in order to visit the Liberty Island Museum as well.
Before you get access to the statue, you have to undergo a second security screening. Once you get past the screening, you will be entering the lobby at the pedestal area. At the center of it is the statue's original torch constructed in 1876, and was replaced by a torch made of copper in 24K gold leaf in 1984. There used to be an access to the statue's torch, but it has been closed since 1916.
Just a few steps up above the lobby is the Liberty Island Museum. At the entrance, is a huge face of Statue of Liberty made of copper.
There are lots of facts and information inside the museum comprising historical timelines and chronicles about the statue before it was built as a symbol of freedom. You will also learn about the various interpretation of the changes of the statue's design since it was erected in 1886. Tons of interesting facts that you will discover!
There are 2-3 plight of stairs going up the pedestal viewing area, but there is also an option to use the elevator if you have difficulty going up the stairs.
Once you are at the viewing deck, you'll get to see the panoramic views of the New York Harbor, Ellis Island, New York and New Jersey. Take note though that the viewing area can become so crowded. It can sometimes hinder you from taking good photos as the space around the viewing area is narrow.
Visiting the statue's crown is another separate ticket reservation. Did you know that reaching the Statue of Liberty's crown is like walking up to a 22-storey building? Yup!...it's a fact! :)
If you plan to visit the crown, be sure you are able to walk at least 154 steps shaped in a spiral staircase. Another thing to take note is that there is only a limited view of the Brooklyn area from the crown level.
There are various choices you can do as well, such as self-guided audio tours (free) on the grounds of the island, as well as park ranger tours are also available daily at the park. Park Ranger tours start at the Liberty Island Flagpole that last 30-40 minutes.
Ellis Island Immigration Museum:
Just a few minutes from the Statue of Liberty is Ellis Island & the Immigration Museum. The building where 12 million immigrants used to pass through in the years 1892-1954 is now called the Immigration Museum, located in Ellis Island.
All the stories of many of these immigrants are displayed in the museum. Mostly are documented in photos, statues and memorabilias, while some are video and audio interviews.
Some display areas used to have artifacts that are no longer available due to the aftermath of hurricane Sandy.
At the upper floor of the museum is the Registry Room, ("The Great Hall").
This area was where the immigrants were inspected and processed before they could enter America. The architectural designs are still amazing including the Guastavino tiled ceilings with the Tiffany chandelier still hanging below it!
