Would like tips on visiting the the Statue of Liberty? Well, there are some things that you will need to know. We’ll start from the top and work our way down as you look at a live feed.
Statue of Liberty: Head to Toe
The Torch
The torch is the highest point on the Statue of Liberty and access is not allowed by all visitors. Only employees are permitted into the torch section to where high-powered lamps are that illuminate from sunset to sunrise.
The Crown
Below the torch is the crown and for safety reasons, it has been restricted since September 11, 2001 and will reopen once again July 4, 2009 before the 8 year anniversary of the collapse of the World Trade Center. When visiting the crown, up to ten (10) visitors at a time will be allowed on the stairs and up to thirty (30) guest per hour will be given access to the crown to a maximum of two-hundred forty (240) people each day. To gain the five (5) minutes access inside the crown (due to the limit of people per day), you will need to make a reservation and be subjected to an additional US$3.00 charge plus additional security screening and take and average of ten (10) minutes to climb the stairs.
The Tablet
Naturally, you can not enter the tablet which bears the inscription JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776) which commemorates the United States Declaration of Independence.
The Monument
You can get into the Monument for free but admission requires you to make a reservation in advance and two security screening. The first will be going to the Island and the second is for touring the Monument. While inside, please refrain from eating, drinking, or smoking as it is not allowed inside. To do so, please see the designated areas on the Island.
The Grounds
To get access to the grounds, one must take the ferry as private boats are not allowed to dock at Liberty Island. Please arrive at least thirty (30) to forty-five (45) minutes before your schedule departure time so you have sufficient time to be checked by security. Once you reach the Island, please seek out the designated areas if you wish to eat or smoke. If you are considering taking an animal with you on the trip, you should know that pets are not permitted but documented service/assist animals are allowed on the Island along with the ferry needed for the trip.
The Docks
Private boats are not allowed to dock on Liberty Island. You are free to pass by in your private boat or on the Staten Island Ferry (which has been free since 1997) and take photos or videos. From Manhattan the chartered ferry takes up to 15 minutes (more with a Ellis Island stop) to reach the docks so have enough film to capture the view along the way.
The Waters
The Staten Island Ferry, which can be obtained from the South Street Ferry Terminal, gives you a nice and free view of the Statue of Liberty but to get to Liberty and Ellis Island so you can walk around, you will need to obtain tickets for the ferry which will safely take you over to the Island. These can be obtained from Battery Park in New York and Liberty State Park in New Jersey using these easy to follow directions. If you consider using the Staten Island Ferry, you should know that the ride is about twenty-five (25) minutes long and departure is every fifteen (15) minutes at peak times, every thirty (30) minutes or so during midday and evening, and hourly overnight.
To waive the fee for the ferry (click for current prices) which is US$13.00 for an adult who is thirteen (13) and older, US$10.00 for a Senior and US$5.00 for a child four (4) to twelve (12) years old, you may purchase the New York Pass which gives the holder cashless and discounted admission to the ferry along with other New York City attractions.
Also, if you plan on visiting both Liberty Island and Ellis Island in the same day, try to arrive at security early in the day (by 1:00 PM is suggested) so you are not told that there isn’t sufficient time for you to visit both Islands.
The Hotels
The Statue of Liberty is on an Island so you will have to choose a hotel near Battery Park or choose a hotel with a view of the Statue of Liberty. The Ritz-Carlton fortunately covers both and you can choose other hotels near Lady Liberty for a short trip to Battery Park.
Contact Info
Address:
Statue of Liberty National Monument
Liberty Island
New York, NY 10004
Mailing:
National Park Services
Liberty Island
New York, NY 10004
Phone:
+1 212-363-3200
GPS
Latitude: 40.68944
Longitude: -74.04444
Fun Facts:
The Statue of Liberty was once a lighthouse guiding ships at night but lamps were not powerful and over time had to be upgraded.
The elevator may be out of service and you will need to walk flight of steps.
On July 4, 1884, the Statue of Liberty was presented to the United States by France as a symbol of friendship and liberty that both France and the US shared and arrived in New York in pieces a year later on June 17, 1885.
The Statue of Liberty (which outer coating is made of copper) gets about 3.75 inches (9.5 cm) of precipitation (from rain, sleet, hail, snow and other forms of water falling from the sky) each month from the elements that helps turn it green which later helps to protect from further deterioration.
The Statue of Liberty is officially titled “Liberty Enlightening the World” and faces Southeast towards the docks making “her” a welcoming symbol for those on sea vessels entering the harbor.
Lady Liberty (another moniker for the Statue of Liberty) is refered to as “The Mother of Exiles” in Emma Lazarus’ poem.
January and February are less crowded at the Islands while July and August are the busiest months.
Elhajo Malick Dieye, at the age of 30, jumped five (5) stories to his death from the pedestal in May of 1997 afer he was upset that the crown was closed.
Access is not permitted on December 25th as it is closed to the public.
The height of the Statue of Liberty depends on how you measure it. The Statue itself is 151 feet from the torch (held in the right hand) to the base what sit on top of the pedestal. If you include the pedestal, (which is 154 feet tall) this make the height 305 feet. The foundation below the pedestal (which is 65 feet tall) increases the height of the Statue of Liberty to 370 feet tall.
Cars, Motorcycles & Trucks are no longer allowed on the ferries.
Join us in our New York Forum if you have any comments or questions.
Stephan Pringle
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