The United States Immigration Station
Newly Renovated and Open for Guided and Self Guided Tours
Between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, millions of people - in numbers which have not been seen since - came to America in pursuit of a better, freer life. On the east coast, most of the huddled masses were met by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. On the west coast, most were met by the wooden buildings of Angel Island. Immigrants from hundreds of countries were detained for days and in some cases years on Angel Island while trying to gain access to the United States. The museum offers a compelling look into this historic time in our country.
Angel Island park docents lead guided tours through the museum from Wednesday to Friday. The site is open for self-guided exploration of the museum grounds on Saturdays and Sundays.
| Saturday & Sunday: DROP-INS | |
|---|---|
| Adults | $5 per Person |
| Youth (6-17 Years) | $3 per Person |
| Child (5 & Under) | Free |
| The museum is open with docents present to answer questions. No tours scheduled. Please pay at the museum, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. | |
| Wednesday — Friday: DOCENT LED TOURS | |
|---|---|
| Adults | $7 per Person |
| Youth (6-17 Years) | $3 per Person |
| Child (5 & Under) | Not recommended for children under 6 |
| Docent led tours start at 11:00 am, 12:30 pm, and 1:45 pm. | |
| Wednesday — Friday: SELF-GUIDED TOURS | |
|---|---|
| All | Free |
| Room #105 is open for FREE self-guided tours 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. | |
| SHUTTLE SCHEDULE & FEES: 7 Days a Week | |
|---|---|
| Departs from the Cove Café at 10:40 am, 12:20 pm, and 1:40 pm | Departs the USIS at 11:00 am, 12:45 pm, 2:00 pm Last pick up at USIS at 2:55 pm |
| Youth & Adults (6 & Up) | $5 per Person |
| Child (5 & Under) | Free (if sitting on paying adults lap) |
Please Note:
- The museum is CLOSED on Monday's and Tuesdays.
- The United States Immigration Station is open for self-guided tours on weekends only (Saturday & Sunday). No reservations required.
- Volunteers and staff will be available throughout the building to answer visitor questions and provide information about the Immigration Barracks.
Getting to the USIS
The ferry ride is the beginning of your journey to the USIS (see ferry info HERE). Once on the island visitors must travel about one mile to the grounds of the USIS.
There are three different options described below:
-
Hiking
The shortest route is to walk up the Northridge Trail (trail head at Ayala Cove dock area), the trail starts off with 140 trail stairs, turn left when you reach the paved Perimeter Road and travel approximately one mile along the road to the USIS. The USIS is on the right side and there are signs to direct you down the hill into the site.
Approximate walking time: 30-40 minutesTo avoid the stairs walk towards the Visitor Center in Ayala Cove and follow the road up the hill, turning left when the road 'T's, the walk is approximately 1.5 miles.
Approximate walking time: 1 hour -
Biking
Follow the green "Bike Route" signs from Ayala Cove up to the Perimeter Road, make a sharp left (u-turn) at the top of the bike trail and continue on the Perimeter Road until you reach the USIS. Visitors should expect to bike 1½ miles to the USIS, bicycles must be secured at the top of the hill into the site. Due to steep terrain and vehicle traffic, bicycles are not permitted on the USIS grounds.
Approximate biking time: 20 minutes -
Immigration Shuttle
Please Note: Immigration Shuttle service is CLOSED for the Winter and will resume in Spring 2012.
Immigration shuttle service is available for a fee, to and from Ayala Cove (ferry landing) and the USIS. Designed to get you there in time for scheduled tours and pick you up after the tour is completed. Contact the Cove Café at 415-435-3392 for cost and schedule. (Don't confuse the shuttle with the tram! The tram is a one hour tour around the island, the shuttle is a ride to the USIS.)
Individual Tours
Wednesday-Sunday
11:00 am, 12:30 pm, 2:00 pm
$7/per person
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS AT THE COVE CAFÉ.
A shuttle departs from the Cove Café 10 minutes prior to the start of each tour time.
$5/per person
The museum is located about a mile’s walk from the cove café.
Group Tours
For information and reservations please call The United States Immigration Station at (415) 435-5537.
Links to articles on Citizenship Day at Angel Island Immigration Station, Sept. 17, 2010
Coming to America and living a dream
New citizens sworn in on Angel Island
Please visit the following websites to explore more information about Angel Island:
www.angelisland.org - Angel Island Association's website
www.aiisf.org - Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation
www.cal-parks.ca.gov - California State Parks