STATUE OF LIBERTY

 

Liberty Island
(212) 363-3200, (212) 269-5755 for ferry info

The icon for the tired, huddled masses and such has attracted over three and a half million people since its renovation and subsequent reopening for her centennial on July 4, 1986. The steel skeleton was designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame), and the one hundred and fifty-four-foot pedestal on which the Lady rests was designed by Richard Hunt and dedicated in 1886. Since then, the structure has been a symbol of America’s willingness to care for the unfortunate and downtrodden, happily scooping them up from their ships and allowing them access to the Land of Opportunity. Things are a bit different in modern times, but the message remains.

After hopping the ferry across the Hudson to Liberty Island, you will be standing toe to toe with The Statue of Liberty. She’ll be much taller than you are. To even the score a bit, feel free to climb the coronary-inducing three hundred and fifty-four steps to the top, or do as I do and simply take the elevator to the tenth floor. Have no fear; the statue is also completely wheelchair accessible via the aforementioned elevator. The altitude affords a great view of the nearby New York skyline, and it makes a great story to tell your friends, i.e. "See that crown? I was in that crown, man." In order to boast and brag, bear a few things in mind. To actually reach the crown from July through September 6th, you have to be on the first ferry of the day, although this cryptic policy is only in effect on weekends from September 11^th through October 17^th of this year. Also remember that the climbing wait can be pretty extensive, so bring a newspaper or a copy of the Constitution or something, because you might be there a while.

For a different view of the Statue, charter a boat and go at night. Lady Liberty is absolutely radiant when she’s all dolled up after dark, and it provides the perfect atmosphere for wining, dining, and humming the Star Spangled Banner.

The Statue of Liberty can be found on Liberty Island, near Ellis Island in the Lower Manhattan area. Access is provided exclusively by the Circle Line Statue of Liberty Ferry and leaves from either the battery in Lower Manhattan or from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. For further departure times and locations, call (212) 269-5755, and for all other questions or concerns, dial (212) 363-3200. Even Lady Liberty gets days off; she’s not in on Christmas Day. The tour itself is completely gratis, but the round trip ferry will run you seven dollars, or six if you’re over 61, or three if you’re 3-17. Please take note: the only way to gain access to the island is through the ferries, as no privately owned vessels are granted permission to dock.