Abandoned Ellis Island's Hospital Nursing Tour

Immerse yourself in a unique experience inside Ellis Island's abandoned hospital as you discover the critical role played by the nurses who worked there. Connect with the rich history and stories that echo through the wards of this iconic place.

• Discover the history of the over 100-year-old contagious disease hospital, which has been abandoned since 1954.
• Gain insights into the medical history of Ellis Island and the crucial role played by nurses in the care of immigrants
• Learn how Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, influenced the construction of the hospital to limit the spread of diseases and reduce mortality rates
• See what life was like in the hospital as you explore the laundry building, contagious disease wards, autopsy rooms, staff house and more
• Tour the abandoned hospital buildings, witnessing the challenges faced by both patients and medical staff
• See parts of the exhibition “Unframed” by the world-renowned artist JR, who has placed life-sized historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants on walls of the hospital buildings.

Your tickets include

• round trip ferry tickets to and from Ellis Island
• access to the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and its self-guided tour
• exclusive hard hat tour inside Ellis Island's abandoned hospital

You will receive your ferry tickets by email one day before your tour

If you can't find your ferry tickets:

• Check the inbox of the email address that you used to make the reservation
• Check your Spam folder
• Contact us at [email protected]

If you depart from Castle Clinton, Manhattan**, arrive at least 2 hours before the beginning of the tour and get in the “reserve” line to board the ferry. Lines to board the ferry are unpredictable and can be long which is why we recommend you arrive early. The ferry will make two stops, the first one will be at the Statue of Liberty and the second one at Ellis Island. ***Do not get off the boat when the ferry stops at the Statue of Liberty, Stay on the boat until it reaches Ellis Island.*** The boat ride is approximately 40 minutes long.

If you depart from Liberty State Park, NJ**, arrive at least 1.5 hours before the beginning of the tour and get in the “reserve” line to board the ferry. Ellis Island will be the first stop and the total boat ride is approximately 15 minutes.

What to wear:

Closed toe shoes are mandatory.

Know before you go:

The tour is approximately 2 hours long and will make scheduled stops for quick photographs. Tripods and unipods are not allowed. Due to the nature of the buildings, all guests must stay with the tour guide at all times. The tour is inaccessible for people using wheelchairs or powered scooters, and kids must be 10+ years-old to join. Tour is happening rain or shine!

Pet Policy

Pets are prohibited from using the ferry system and being on Liberty and Ellis Islands. However, documented service/assist animals are exempt from this policy. Please contact Statue City Cruises.