A trip to the Big Apple is incomplete without visiting the Statue of Liberty. It’s famed for its cultural significance, and millions of locals and tourists flock to the island yearly. Whether preparing for your first-ever trip or a visit with your family, here are tips to help make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
A Brief History of the Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most recognizable statues in the world. It stands 305 feet tall and shows the figure of Libertas — the Roman goddess of freedom and liberty — holding a tablet with the U.S. Declaration of Independence’s date in her left hand and a torch in her right. It was inaugurated on October 28, 1886, with a ceremony presided over by President Grover Cleveland.
The statue was formerly known as “The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World.” It was a gift from French historian Édouard de Laboulaye to revere the country’s democratic state and commemorate the alliance of both nations during the American Revolution.
The statue was designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi. He began sculpting it in 1875 with the help of two engineers, Eugène-Emmanuel Viollet-le-Duc and Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, who perceived that galvanic corrosion would happen in a century.
The Statue of Liberty underwent significant rework from 1984 to 1986 to address rust formations along its supportive iron components. While it only affected a small portion of the structure, workers did a large-scale restoration to ensure it remained sturdy and safe for visitors in the coming years.
Tips for Visiting the Statue of Liberty
Unlike going to a picnic in Central Park, visiting the Statue of Liberty requires planning before visiting. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Buy Tickets in Advance
Purchase tickets online days before your visit. Your ticket includes ferry service and access to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and the Statue of Liberty Museum. You have three choices:
- General admission: This is the most widely used ticket, and it provides access to both islands, except inside the statue or pedestal.
- Pedestal ticket: This ticket allows you to access the statue’s top and lower pedestal levels. Reservations are required.
- Crown ticket: A crown ticket holder can access the statue’s crown. To do so, they must walk up more than 160 steps from the feet of the statue. Like pedestal tickets, reservations are required for this access.
2. Plan Your Route
The Statue of Liberty is only accessible by ferry. Throughout the day, the lines get longer and the crowd gets bigger. Plan your route the day before your visit. Here are two ways to get near ferry stations:
Travel via New York’s Public Transportation
Board a train on the PATH network to the World Trade Center Station in New York or Grove Street Station in New Jersey to find the nearest ferry to the Statue of Liberty. If riding the subway, take lines R, W, 1, 4 or 5 to the South Ferry station, then walk to Battery Park.
Travel by Car
Drive to these parking facilities near Battery Park station. Arrive early to avoid the city’s congested traffic and long parking lot queues.
- Ocean Parking
- LAZ Parking Garage
- Battery Place Parking
- State Pearl Garage
3. Visit the Liberty Island Museum First
It can be easy to skip the museum when you’re excited to take pictures of the statue. However, going there after getting off the boat will leave you battling crowds. Unwind inside the Liberty Island Museum first to avoid the wave of newcomers and learn more about the statue’s history. Ensure you finish your museum trip before the next boat arrives with a new set of visitors.
4. Lay Down on Fort Wood
Take the best shots of your loved one while lying atop the remains of Fort Wood, found at the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal. That way, you can capture the entirety of the statue in the background. Have a family member lie down and tilt the camera upward as you pose in front of the statue.
5. Check the Weather
It pays to check the weather forecast on the day of your visit so you can dress appropriately. For warmer days, ensure you pack sunscreen and water. If the weather is cooler, wear appropriate clothing to keep yourself comfortable while adoring the iconic statue.
Don’t Forget to Have Fun
Remember to bring a camera to capture the breathtaking views and the beautiful moments shared with family and friends. Follow these tips to ensure a safe and memorable experience at this iconic monument.
Jack Shaw is the senior writer for Modded, a men’s lifestyle publication. An avid outdoorsman and lover of travel, he’ll often find himself taking retreats out into nature to explore the world and encourage others to do the same. Feel free to connect with him via LinkedIn.