Hard Hat Tour of the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Complex
Highlights
- Rated 4.9/5 by 234 travellers
- Small group of up to 15 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 15 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
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
What's included
- Admission fee
- Guide
Not included
- The Ferry ticket is NOT included - This must be purchased through Statue City Cruises.
Itinerary
-
Stop 1 · 1h 30m
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.
Meeting point
We meet at the information desk inside of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
Good to know
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- No children under 10 will be allowed on the tour
- Ellis Island’s south side buildings are over 100 years old and have not yet been restored or updated to current accessibility standards. No ramps are available and portions of the tour include stairs, uneven walking surfaces, and areas that are difficult to navigate. At this time, it is not accessible for guests using wheelchairs, powered scooters, or other mobility equipment that cannot be accommodated along the route. The tour covers approximately 1.5 miles over a 90-minute period and requires sustained walking and the ability to navigate uneven surfaces and stairs safely. Guests with concerns are encouraged to contact us in advance so we can discuss the tour conditions and help determine whether the experience is appropriate.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Hard Hat Tour of the Abandoned Ellis Island Hospital Complex take?
The experience lasts about 1h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $66.50 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Admission fee; Guide.
Where does it start?
We meet at the information desk inside of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 234 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in New York City.
Information last checked October 7, 2026. Operated by Save Ellis Island.
