If you’ve got a history lover in the family or just want to learn about how your ancestors came to America, a trip over the river to Ellis Island is a must. The Island was the first federal immigration processing station in the U.S. and the first step that many immigrants took on American soil. Today, a visit includes exhibits on how immigrants came to America, as well as histories of families and people who came through the halls seeking a new home and life. You can only get to Ellis Island by taking a ferry, which makes the whole trip feel like a real adventure as you soak in the site’s rich history. Read on for more info about visiting Ellis Island and what you can expect while you’re there. (featured photo credit: istock/felixmizioznikov)

A Family Visit To Ellis Island

Learn the history of Ellis Island

Chances are you may have had a family member come through the Island from another country to start a new life in America. Between 1892 and 1954, approximately 12 million immigrants passed through the halls of Ellis Island on their journey to a new life, a legacy that can still be felt throughout the Island. For many of these individuals, the journey by sea to America took weeks. When they landed on the Island, they provided their information, including their original name, age, occupation, and last place of residence, which was recorded. Today, you can experience what it was like for those who arrived on the Island and find information about your family story. Do you know someone who traveled to America during that time? Be sure to stop by the archives in the Family History Center to learn more about the histories of the people who walked these halls (and maybe find a few relatives).

Sail to the Island on a ferry ride

Like the Statue of Liberty, the only way to historic Ellis Island is by ferry, much like the immigrants who arrived by boat to the Island. On the NJ side, catch a ride to Ellis Island from Liberty State Park. While you ride across the water, keep your eyes peeled for any landmarks you see and the skyline of Manhattan.

Experience the museum

The museum consists of three floors, each showcasing exhibits documenting immigrants’ experiences on the Island. Among these exhibits, you will also find a general immigration history to the United States. You can immerse yourself in the experience of pursuing the American Dream—walk the halls of the former processing station to discover the trials and triumphs of the people who passed through the Golden Door.  At the Ellis Island National Immigration Center in the restored main building, the immigrant experience comes to life, including the baggage room, dormitories, and Great Hall, with unique artifacts and interactive exhibits that chronicle America’s immigration history from the 1500s through to today. 

Take a guided tour

When it comes to making your way through history, one of the best ways to do it is by taking part in one of the guided tours. National Park Service rangers or dedicated volunteers will take you around the museum and show you everything you can’t miss. These tours chronicle the history of the Island and go into detail about what many immigrants who came to Ellis Island experienced. The number of tours given during the day depends on the number of staff members available, so check the information desk for tour times. Tickets are not required for the walking tour, which usually takes 35 minutes. Younger guests can embark on a scavenger hunt by picking up a sheet from Junior Rangers at the Information Desk. After you’ve found everything on it, turn it back in for a Junior Ranger pin. There is also a free audio tour available.

Explore the grounds

Don’t miss the grounds at Ellis Island—they are just as spectacular and take you back in time to a place that is forever etched in our country’s history. Behind the museum, you will see the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, a permanent tribute with almost one million names. Each represents an immigrant who arrived in America with a suitcase and a dream. There are also a few patches of lawn where you can sit and relax or take some Insta-worthy photos of the New York City skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

What to know before you go

To visit this historic site, you must purchase tickets and take the ferry. Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance at Statue City Cruises, so you know the departure times. It’s also a good idea to visit the website beforehand to see if any last-minute park alerts could affect your trip.  There’s a small cafe for refreshments and a gift shop that sells copies of ship manifests and books on the immigration experience. Keep in mind that cell phone service can be unreliable on the Island, so plan accordingly if your group separates. Before you go, download the free Bloomberg Connects digital guide to make the most of your visit and to continue exploring the monuments’ histories in the future.

To learn more about Ellis Island, visit their website, Instagram, or Facebook.

Ellis Island Receiving Center/Statue of Liberty National Monument
1 Ellis Island
Jersey City, NJ 07305

Want the inside scoop? Sign up for the NJMOM bi-weekly newsletter to get the lowdown on everything for your family in NJ (think of it as the ultimate cheat sheet for NJ Moms). And don’t forget to tag your photos #NJMOM and @njmom for a chance to be featured.