Recently took a trip with a group of colleagues to Ellis Island, the place where millions of immigrants from all over the world, including my grandfather, entered the United States. I had never visited the place. Ellis Island should be on your itinerary for your next trip to New York or New Jersey. Allow lots of time, because there is plenty there to see.

The ticket (purchased at Liberty State Park) also includes the Statue of Liberty. Each of several boats goes to both places on each trip. I opted to spend the few allotted hours at Ellis Island, because I have been to the Statue of Liberty before – back in the days when people were allowed to climb all the way to the crown. There was a time when visitors could climb all the way to the torch, but that hasn’t been permitted for a long time. Now, people are only permitted to the top of the base, and, even then, you have to make a reservation in advance.

As you can see from the picture above, we were lucky enough to catch the Queen of the Fleet for the trip out to the Island.