Ellis Island Hard Hat Hospital Tour

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

Meeting Point

Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration

Ellis Is, Jersey City, NJ 07305, USA

We meet at the information desk next to the bookstore to the left when you walk in the main entrance of the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.

What's included:

• Guide

What to expect:

Duration: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Ellis Island

New York City, New York

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.

1 hour, 30 minutes