The last time I went to Ellis Island was on a fourth-grade field trip during a unit on immigration. We marveled at the size of the Great Hall and made crayon rubbings of the names on the Wall of Honor.
I didn't think about returning until recently, when a friend mentioned the Ellis Island hard hat tour. The 90-minute guided tours take visitors through the unrestored hospital buildings on the south side of the island. It's perfect for history buffs and anyone who wants a more in-depth Ellis Island experience. As a bonus, the decrepit hospital complex is also home to a fantastic photography exhibit by French street artist JR.
There are a limited number of spots available each week, so if you're thinking of taking the tour, be sure to book well in advance. Tickets are $60, which is a deal considering they also include admission to the rest of Ellis Island's exhibits, as well as ferry fare. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Ellis Island is in the middle of New York Harbor, at the mouth of the Hudson River (and right next to the Statue of Liberty). The immigration center processed 12 million people between 1892 and 1954.
Non-for-profit Save Ellis Island started offering the hard hat tour in 2014. Spots fill fast — especially on weekends — so book in advance.
You can buy Hard Hat Tour tickets here.
Guests can ferry over from Manhattan's Battery Park or Liberty State Park in Jersey City. There's airport-level security screening, so leave plenty of time.
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