Where is the Statue of Liberty
Located?
The Statue of Liberty is one of the most popular tourist attractions
in the United States, receiving millions of visitors every year.
Lady Liberty is not only a symbol of freedom as its name implies,
but also one of friendship-the statue itself was a gift from France
as a token of camaraderie between the two nations. Standing just
a hair over 305 feet tall and weighing about 225 tons, you wouldn't
think it would be hard to find, but think again.
The location of the Statue of Liberty is somewhat of a mystery
to some who wonders whether Lady Liberty resides in New York or
New Jersey. Geographically speaking, it is actually closer to
New Jersey, but thanks to an agreement between the two states
signed in the 1800s, the definitive answer is New York.
More precisely, however, the statue is located on Liberty Island
which is technically owned by the federal government. To be even
more exact, and clear up any further confusion, the statue's latitude
is 40.68913 and its longitude is -74.0446. If you can't find it
now, well you may just have to skip it.
The only way to visit the Statue of Liberty is by ferry, and
you can board one from one of two locations: either Battery Park
in New York or Liberty Park in New Jersey. Although the Liberty
Park route is just slightly longer, both routes are approximately
two miles long and provide an enjoyable trip that stops off at
both Liberty Island and Ellis Island and take approximately 20
minutes each one way.
The Battery Park Ferry and the Liberty Park Ferry are the only
two routes to the actual statue but there's still another option
if you simply want to see Lady Liberty without actually visiting
Liberty Island. Located just south of Battery Park, the Staten
Island ferry doesn't actually take you to Ellis Island but it
does offer you a free view of the statue!
The Statue is also central to many other landmarks including
Liberty State Park which is only about a half mile from Liberty
Island.
If you have kids in tow, you may want to stop by the Liberty
Science Center, an interactive science museum for kids located
just over the New Jersey state line and a couple of miles from
the Statue of Liberty.
Although only a few miles by ferry, if you're driving to Governor's
island, it's a good twenty minute drive. Its main attraction,
Governors Island National Monument, may be worth it though if
you're a history or military buff.
If you're a golf enthusiast, you can take a short trip to the
Liberty National Golf Course, reportedly one of the best in the
nation featuring a complex and challenging course as well as beautiful
views of Lady Liberty herself.
A trip to the Statue of Liberty is one that every American should
take at least once in a lifetime. The experience is guaranteed
to be awe-inspiring and memorable. It will also be a lot less
stressful if you know your way around.
Statue of Liberty location courtesy
Google Maps
|
