Liberty Island
(212) 363-3200, (212) 269-5755 for ferry info
Statue
of Liberty. 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 11th through October 17th
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.
