At the end of the 19th century and in the first half of the 20th century, Ellis Island was the gateway to the US. You can see some famous people's signatures like Chaplin, Albert Einstein or Walt Disney there.
The ferry that will take you there (and to Liberty Island) departs form Battery Park and will cost you 8$. Including a visit to the statue’s crown and Ellis Island museum, ticket is 12$
Ellis Island
fifimagoo added
I would skip the trip to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island as it takes hours - about half a day. But if you had to choose just one of the two, I'd pick Ellis Island because I find it cooler to see where the immigrants had to stay upon arriving in the US.
juanreig added
If you want enjoy a better visit to Ellis Island I recommend you read something about the Lewis Hine photo work in Ellis Island about 1900, You will understand better this NY piece of history... then, when you cross the corridor´s place you´ll feel almost like them.
http://www.geh.org/fm/lwhprints/htmlsrc/ellis-island_idx00001.html#77:0177:0016
Afro-American Historical Society Museum
recommendation by eli
