Climb to the Crown

I would like to think that most of the people reading this in New York have made it to the Statue of Liberty at least once in their life. Maybe you just walked around the outside of it. Or perhaps you took a Circle Line cruise around it. Better yet, hopefully you were one of the individuals who got the chance to climb inside and enjoy the views. It's such an iconic and meaningful part of New York City and U.S. history that I feel like it should be an essential activity for all New Yorkers and tourists alike.

 

I have a very vague recollection of climbing to the crown as a child. I know you are all probably surprised that I remember it at all, but it's one of the few things that has lingered in the back of my mind - just a short fleeting image of the crowds (and my sister) on the staircase. Ever since then I have wanted to go back and make the ascent again, but unfortunately it was closed to the public on and off for years.

This past October though, the city finally opened the crown back up to visitors. I read about the opening and discovered that they would be substantially limiting the amount of tickets offered on any given day. The tickets quickly became a hot commodity, selling out months in advance. 

I will say that even though it made it harder to reserve tickets, I truly appreciate the way the city is handling access in order to ensure the process is fair for everyone. The price is very reasonable - just under $25 per adult, which includes the boat ride over. They are limiting the purchase to 4 tickets per household. Additionally, they are requiring names for each individual and matching them with IDs when picking up tickets at will-call. These measures ensure that no one is abusing access or re-selling tickets for a profit.

Clearly, I was willing to wait - otherwise I wouldn't be writing about the experience now. I signed on and bought my tickets back in February for this past May weekend. Looking at the calendar now, the crown tickets are sold out until September. If you are interested in the experience and can be patient, you can visit the website below to purchase tickets. This is the ONLY official way to get access to the crown.

Statue of Liberty Crown Tickets

My mom and stepdad joined us on our visit to the Statue of Liberty and the climb to the crown. We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather, which is always a risk buying tickets in advance. When you arrive at Battery Park, you need to get wristbands and your tickets from will-call. You can then board a ferry over to Liberty Island (but not more than 30 minutes before the time on your ticket!). They are very strict with security and you do have to go through metal detectors before being allowed on board.

The ferry ride is pretty quick and there is a nice roof deck you can access that provides stunning views of the city and Lady Liberty. We weren't able to get seats, but that didn't deter us from hanging out up top for the ride over. Once we disembarked, we walked straight over to the entrance for individuals with tickets to the pedestal and crown. If you are going to the crown, they require you to put your belongs into a locker before being granted access. Don't worry, they don't milk you on the bill for a locker - it only costs 25 cents and you get your quarter back after you are done.

 

Once inside, you have the option to take an elevator up to the pedestal. The line for that was pretty long and we decided to take the stairs instead. It was over 200 stairs to get there, but we just took our time and took breaks when needed. Once we reached the pedestal, we went out onto the observation deck there and enjoyed the views. I personally enjoyed looking up at all the unique angles of the statue, even though you didn't get a full image of her. 

From the pedestal, they had an employee checking wristbands and tickets for the crown.  She actually made you take the wristband off in front of her to ensure you didn't try and pass it off to another visitor after you descended. She was also limiting the number of people she let up at one time so people weren't crowded on the spiral staircase to the top. I have to say, I was expecting a big crowd and a long wait but was pleasantly surprised that we were let through immediately. By limiting the tickets offered it definitely made the experience much more pleasurable. From the pedestal it was another 150+ stairs to the top. These stairs, however, were structured as a very tall, narrow spiral staircase. (If you have ever seen Ghostbusters 2 you know the staircase!) The climb was a little challenging because of that, but not awful and we all made it to the top in the end.

 

I was a little surprised how small the space was once we got to the crown, but still appreciated the chance to be there and take in the views. There were only two other people there when we arrived and they quickly left us alone to enjoy the experience (and to take photos!). It was definitely hot up there, so be aware in case you are thinking of going during the summer. 

 

The climb down was definitely much easily and we made the descent without needing any breaks. At the base of the pedestal they have a small museum with some history on the Statue of Liberty, so we took a quick walk through that before exiting. Once outside, we walked around the park and took some photos before hopping on the ferry back home. For those who are curious, they do have bathrooms in the park and the base of the pedestal. They also have concession stands and plenty of places to sit and relax. 

This was actually my stepdad's first visit to the Statue and I was happy to be part of that experience with him. And extremely proud he made it to the top, especially without crying (inside joke!)