Timeline
09:00
Take the ferry from Battery Park to Ellis Island. The island is served by the same ferry as the Statue of Liberty, so be prepared for airport-like security checks before boarding.
09:35
Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration
Walk 35 minutes from the ferry terminal to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Explore the American Family Immigration History Center, which contains manifests of 25 million immigrants, and view the exhibits detailing the experiences of over 12 million passengers who passed through the station between 1892 and 1954.
11:00
Head to Bill’s Bar & Burger for lunch. This burger restaurant serves classic American fare, including handmade griddle burgers and milkshakes, with a wide beer selection. It is open from 06:30 to 23:00 on weekdays and 07:00 to 23:00 on weekends.
12:00
End your trip at Castle Clinton, a restored circular sandstone fort within Battery Park. This historic site at the southern tip of Manhattan served as the original immigration station before Ellis Island opened. It is located near the ferry departure point, making it a convenient final stop.
Local tip
The ferry is the only means of access to Liberty and Ellis Islands. Check the route and schedule in advance, as ferries depart from Battery Park or Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
Check before you go
- Bill’s Bar & Burger is open Mo-Fr 06:30-23:00 and Sa,Su 07:00-23:00.
- Castle Clinton is located within Battery Park at the southern end of Manhattan.
- Ellis Island admission is $75 for adults and $72 for seniors (62+).
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Manhattan (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).