Special Tours Offer a Rare Chance to Visit Liberty Island "After Hours"

The Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island. NPS photo.

One of the most famous urban scenes in the world is view of the New York City skyline from Liberty Island, but the island, home of the Statue of Liberty, is normally closed to the public during the evening. Special tours will offer a chance to visit the island—and enjoy the view—on eight Thursday nights this summer. Space is limited and advance tickets are required.

The 2010 summer program follows two successful night tours of the area last September during National Park Week. The tours are a collaboration between the National Park Service, Statue Cruises and Evelyn Hill, Inc. The latter two companies are the concessioners authorized to offer visitor services at the Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island.

The evening tours will occur on the following Thursday evenings: June 3 and 10; July 8, 15, and 22; and August 5, 12, and 19. There will be 1,200 tickets available for each night and the price includes round-trip ferry transportation from Battery Park, a full dinner on Liberty Island, and interpretive programs offered on the island. The dinner menu consists of BBQ specials or a full regular menu.

In the event of inclement weather, the Ellis Island Immigration Museum will substitute for the Statue of Liberty National Monument.

Visitors will be able to tour the grounds on the island, but they will not be allowed into the statue. Guests should arrive at Battery Park to check-in at 5:00 p.m. Boats return from Liberty Island at 7:30 p.m. and at 8:30 p.m. Visitors on the trips may choose to spend either one or two hours on Liberty Island.

Tickets for the Summer 2010 Night Tours are $35.00 (adults); $28.00 (seniors); $15.00 (children); and $7.50 (NPS Junior Ranger). Ferries will depart from Battery Park at the foot of Manhattan. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at www.statuecruises.com or by calling 877-523-9849.

"We’re pleased to offer this unique opportunity for visitors to experience the spectacular scenery of Liberty Island and enjoy the New York City skyline at night," said Statue Cruises COO Mike Burke.

Information about tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty during regular operating hours is available on the park website.