Statue of Liberty

For the millions who came by ship to America in the last century—either as privileged tourists or needy, hopeful immigrants—Lady Liberty, standing in the Upper Bay, was their first glimpse of America. No monument so embodies the nation’s, and the world’s, notion of political freedom and economic potential. Even if you don’t make it out to Liberty Island, you can get a spine-tingling glimpse from Battery Park, from the New Jersey side of the bay, or during a ride on the Staten Island Ferry. It’s always reassuring to see her torch lighting the way.

Proposed by French statesman Edouard de Laboulaye as a gift from France to the United States, commemorating the two nations’ friendship and joint notions of liberty, the statue was designed by sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi with the engineering help of Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel (who was responsible for the famed Paris tower) and unveiled on October 28, 1886. (Americans in Paris have sometimes become disoriented when they see the 40-ft.-high replica on the Île des Cygnes in the Seine.) Touring tips: Ferries leave daily every hour from 9am to about 2pm, with extended hours in summer. Try to go early on a weekday to avoid the crowds that swarm in the afternoon, on weekends, and on holidays.

A stop at Ellis Island is included in the fare, but if you depart after 2pm, you can only visit the statue or Ellis Island, not both.

You can buy ferry tickets in advance via www.statuecruises.com, which will allow you to board without standing in the ticket line (often more than 90 minutes long). Even if you’ve already purchased tickets, arrive as much as 30 minutes before your desired ferry time to allow for increased security procedures prior to boarding. The ferry ride takes about 20 minutes.

Once on Liberty Island, you’ll start to get an idea of the statue’s immensity: She weighs 225 tons and measures 152 feet from foot to flame. Her nose alone is 4 1/2 feet long, and her index finger is 8 feet long.

After September 11, 2001, access to the base of the statue was prohibited until 2004, and it wasn’t until July 2009 that the crown was reopened. No more than 10 people will be allowed in the crown at a time, and you’ll have to make reservations through Statue Cruises website to have a chance to ascend the statue. You can also explore the Statue of Liberty Museum, peer into the inner structure through a glass ceiling near the base of the statue, and enjoy views from the observation deck on top of a 16-story pedestal.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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