Introduction
Every year, over 40 million tourists take a trip to New York to take in the sights and sounds of one of the biggest, most influential cities in the world. Museums, Broadway shows, shopping and restaurants are just a few reasons why people visit New York, but many also go to learn about American history and patriotism. Let's take a look at five patriotic places to visit on your next trip to New York.
Step 1
New York is home to what is perhaps one of the biggest symbols of American patriotism to ever exist. No trip to New York is complete without seeing the Statue of Liberty. The statue was an 1886 gift from France, and it is located on Liberty Island in Upper New York Bay. Tourists must take a boat trip out to Liberty Island, and they may climb from the statue's base to the crown of her head. Only so many people are allowed to climb the stairs each day, so tickets may be purchased up to a year in advance.
Step 2
Since 2001, the area of New York City known as Ground Zero has become a place where tourists go to remember the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. A memorial now sits where the World Trade Center once stood; it features trees, pools of water in the imprints where the towers were located and a wall with the names of all of the victims. Tourists can take a trip to Ground Zero by taxi, subway or on foot and take part in a guided tour or simply visit the spot on their own.
Step 3
The Empire State Building is another symbol of America. It was once the tallest building in the world and in New York before the World Trade Center was built, and after the terrorist attacks of September 11, it became the tallest building in New York again. Every day, tourists make the trip to the building in hopes of traveling to one of the two observation decks on top. One is located on the 86th floor, and the other is located on the 102nd floor. Be prepared to pay more to visit the 102nd floor, and be prepared to stand in a long line.
Step 4
During the early 1900s, Ellis Island was the busiest immigration station in the United States. The ancestors of many Americans took their first steps on their new homeland's soil at that location. Today, the island serves as a reminder of American history and has been incorporated into the Statue of Liberty monument. Those who take the ferry trip to the Statue of Liberty may also visit Ellis Island. Some of the island is not open to the public, but it does house an immigration museum, the Bob Hope Memorial Library and a wall with many of the names of immigrants who were processed there.
Step 5
The American Museum of Natural History is located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and it is one of the most popular museums in the world. No trip to New York is complete without a tour of the museum's 25 buildings full of interesting exhibits from the natural world. From dinosaur fossils to meteorites, the museum has a collection of over 32 million natural specimens.
Tips
Remember, when taking a trip to New York it is important to be prepared before heading to any of these patriotic places. Have your money for tickets ready and be prepared to undergo intense security measures, much like that you would experience at an airport. Also, when visiting sensitive areas, such as Ground Zero or the memorial wall at Ellis Island, be respectful of your surroundings. Do not laugh or talk loudly as these are places that are very meaningful to people in New York and throughout the country.
