When we visited the Statue of Liberty July 1 of 2002, no one was allowed to go inside of her. However, we were very pleased with the trip overall, from the ferry ride to the island itself, where we could view the statue close up.

Getting There:
To make your visit to the Statue of Liberty, you will need to go to Castle Clinton in Battery Park, at the lowest point in Manhattan (use the Bowling Green subway stop). There, you buy a ferry ticket for $10 (adult) that leaves from Battery Park every half hour for Liberty Island first and Ellis Island last. You don't have to get off of the ferry to tour either island; if you like, you can remain on the boat for the fifteen minutes it takes to load up passengers who have already visited the island. The ferries leave their stops every half hour to make the fifteen minute cruise to their next destination.

Liberty Island and the Statue:
I suppose the Statue of Liberty is the closest thing that the United States has to a Colossus, who greets new arrivals at its shores. She is a beautiful sight, even though she is an alarmingly bright shade of green! You would think she was bronze, but she is actually made of copper which has achieved a bright green patina through the years.

Once debarked, we made a lazy circle around Liberty Island, taking in views alternating between New York and the Statue herself. Bronze markers ring the island's walkway and explain different facts about the statue's history, for example, she has broken chains at her feet to symbolize freedom (of course I never knew this because you can't see her feet from BELOW!). I also never knew that the book she held symbolized the Declaration of Independence, and is marked with the date of its signing in Roman numerals. There is an impressive gift shop with air conditioning, refreshments, and unique souvenirs of the sight.

If you are content with seeing Lady Liberty from afar (try the Staten Island Ferry--it's free!), then this trip may not be for you, especially if you have limited time. But it can provide a leisurely family outing full of American history for those who want to slow down for an afternoon.

Liberty holds high the Torch of Enlightment and carries the Book of Law incribed with the date of the Declaration of Independence. The 7 rays of her crown correspond with the the 7 seas and 7 continents of the world. She stands majestically welcoming all to our country 1250 feet and weighing in at 250 tons, I feel skinny in her presence. Compartively with her 35' waist and 3'wide mouth and 8' long index finger I AM tiny. From a distance or up close and personal she is awesome. Be prepared to stand in long lines... she's been weathering for 100+ years, causing a rich patina to form over her copper skin, if you begin to turn greenish, you might then get impatient.

Do not go to the Statue of Liberty unless it has significant importance to you. You will spend at least 3 hours seeing a statue that you can pay $1 to see atop the World Trade Center. You must ferry(boat)to the Statue because it is on Ellis Island. After you are next to a huge statue that you can go into. If you want a nice picture of yourself next to the statue, go to the top of the World Trade Center on a CLEAR day and go to the outdoor rooftop and stand at the south end of the building. You will get the whole statue & the island in the background. By going to the Top of the World Trade Center ($13.50) you get to see do both at once. Pay the $1 for the telescope and you can see every detail of the statue.