The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic symbols in the United States and a top attraction for those visiting New York City. She stands poised, a silent guardian on Liberty Island, the epitome of the American spirit and an enduring symbol of hope. Most people know that you can take a boat to her island and walk around to take in the views, but not many know that you can still climb all the way to the crown for great views and a unique New York experience. Here is all the information if you want to do it.
How to get a Crown Ticket
Planning ahead is vital; crown tickets are this adventure’s most sought-after and sell out quickly. Once you know the dates you will be in the city, hop onto the National Park Service’s official website and see if tickets for that date are still available. For tickets during the summer, it is not crazy for them to be gone months in advance so make sure you grab one when you know you will be in the city.
Embarking on the Voyage to Liberty Island
Your passage to Liberty Island is a journey itself, setting sail from Battery Park in New York or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Be sure to get there at least 30 minutes early for your boat as there are often long lines to get through security and to get on the boat itself. Once you board the boat, you will cross over the water in about 15 minutes and arrive on the island.
Arriving at the Island
Arriving on the island, I recommend heading to the museum first. The museum has exhibits of the statue’s creators, her construction, her journey across the Atlantic, and the hope she’s instilled in millions. Feel the weight of history in the artifacts and photographs that map out her storied past and the excellent movie you can catch in the theater. Be sure to see the original flame here as well.
The Climb to the Crown
Now, the adventure begins with over 200 steps just to reach the pedestal at the base of the statue. If you have a backpack with you, you will have to pay 25 cents to store it in the lockers at the base.
Once you reach the pedestal, be sure to take in the views before starting the climb. Note that the pedestal has an elevator, but there is no elevator to the crown.
Leaving the pedestal behind, the path is a narrow spine within the statue. A tight spiral staircase of 162 steps stands between you and the crown. The staircase is narrow and short, and I would say it is not great for the claustrophobic.
There are four platforms from which you can exit the climb to take a breather if you need to. Note that the inside of the statue can be very hot in the summer.
When you reach the crown you will be shocked by how small it is. There are about a dozen windows the size of a large book, and the whole area can accommodate 6-8 people max. It is fantastic to see the tablet and the arm from here and to look back over the harbor towards Manhattan.
When you are done taking in the views, you will walk back down the 300+ stairs to the ground floor.
Exploring the Island
Back on solid ground, a promenade around the island gives perspectives of the statue that change with every step. It is where you will encounter the most people taking photos, but it is easy to see why with the view.
Ellis Island
If you are up for it, the boat will stop at Ellis Island on the way back. Here, you will find an amazing museum on New York’s immigration history, one that deserves a few hours of your time.
After you finish, you can get back on the boat and head to Manhattan or Jersey City, depending on where you left from. It is a fantastic place you must visit in NYC, and climbing to the crown is one of the adventures you will never forget.
