Hard Hat Tour of the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Complex

104 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 104 reviews collected by Cool New York City and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
New York City, USA

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On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

Explore the hauntingly beautiful abandoned hospitals of Ellis Island on a 90-minute Hard Hat Tour, offered exclusively by Save Ellis Island. Discover the island’s rich yet overlooked history, as knowledgeable guides lead you through this once state-of-the-art medical facility that treated over a million immigrants. The tour showcases remarkable art installations and the poignant stories of those who sought a better life. This unique opportunity is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in America's immigration legacy.

- 90-minute guided tour through the historic Ellis Island Hospital Complex
- Access to a site closed to the public for over 60 years
- Led by experienced guides with deep knowledge of the island's history
- Hard hats provided on-site for your safety

What's Included

  • Admission fee
  • Guide
  • The Ferry ticket is NOT included - This must be purchased through Statue City Cruises.
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Ellis Island Bridge
Jersey City, NJ 10280, USA

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Ellis Island

Step behind the scenes of Ellis Island on the Hard Hat Tour—a unique, 90-minute guided experience through the abandoned hospital complex, not typically open to the public. Led by Save Ellis Island, this tour takes you into 29 unrestored buildings on the island’s south side, including the contagious disease wards, autopsy rooms, laundry facilities, and staff quarters. Walk in the footsteps of doctors, nurses, and immigrants as you explore eerie corridors and operating rooms once used to care for those arriving in search of a better life. Along the way, you'll see "Unframed"—a haunting art installation by French artist JR that features life-sized historic photos set within the decaying spaces. Your participation supports the ongoing preservation of these historic buildings. This tour is ideal for history lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking a deeper, more powerful connection to America’s immigrant story.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Hard Hat Tour of the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Complex?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5585554P2

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Reviews

4.93
104 reviews

Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 104 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
102
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
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1 star
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On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Admission fee
  • Guide
  • The Ferry ticket is NOT included - This must be purchased through Statue City Cruises.

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Report Product Issue

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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).

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