Liberty Island

South Ferry station (1 train), Whitehall Street station (R or W train), or Bowling Green station (4 or 5 train), then Circle Line Statue of Liberty ferry

212-363-3200

www.nps.gov/stli

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, the interior of the Statue of Liberty was closed to tourists for more than two years. But the public has been welcomed back for the unique experience of personally interacting with this national icon. New Yorkers grow up with the lady and think of her as family.

You can walk the lobby and the promenade, view the remarkable museum (a favorite with the kids who love the full-sized replicas of the statue's face and foot), see Fort Wood, and take in a spectacular view from the tenth-floor pedestal observation level. The torch and crown are closed to the public.

The History

The Statue of Liberty was officially dedicated in 1886. She towers some 305 feet above the Hudson River, and she has welcomed ships into the land of liberty for more than 100 years. In 1986, Lady Liberty received a full facelift and makeover, just in time for her 100th birthday.

Location, Hours, and Fees

The Statue of Liberty stands at the gateway to the harbor, just off the tip of Manhattan on Liberty Island, a stone's throw from neighboring Ellis Island. You'll have a tremendous sense of what America, freedom, and democracy are all about after spending a day visiting these two sites. Free ranger-guided tours are given throughout the day, and audio guides in several languages can be rented for $6.

A roundtrip ferry ride costs $11.50 for adults, $9.50 for seniors sixty-two and older, and $4.50 for children four to twelve; it's the only transportation to and from the statue. The National Park Service limits the number of people allowed into the statue and issues Time Passes. Passes are given out with your ferry ticket on a first-come, first-served basis. For advance ferry tickets, call 1-866-STATUE4 (782-8834) or go online at www.statuereservations.com. There is a $1.75 handling fee for advance tickets. The park is open from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. every day except December 25, with extended hours during peak seasons. Ferry tickets can be purchased at the Castle Clinton Monument in lower Manhattan starting at 8:30 A.M. Ferries leave starting at 9:30 A.M. (8:30 A.M. during the summer months) and sail every twenty to thirty minutes. For current scheduling, call 1-866-STATUE4 (782-8834) or go online at www.circlelinedowntown.com.

Because it draws huge crowds, it's a good idea to set out for the statue in the morning. Waiting in line can be very hot in the summer, so dress accordingly. Bring sunscreen, and wear a hat. If possible, go on a weekday rather than a weekend, when the lines are simply too long. You can also get to the island from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. There is far less of a crowd leaving from there.

Due to increased security measures, all bags and knapsacks are searched and there is a bit of a wait to get through security. Bring your camera for some terrific shots of the statue.