Stunning, but after a whole lot of pictures in a circular 360 degree pattern one wants to learn and experience more. This is especially true after the double security, both pre-boarding and at Liberty Island itself.

Make sure to pre-book ($18) and it is essential to choose the pedestal ticket. This is where the visitor can experience more of the artistry and story behind this iconic monument. The views of Lower Manhattan are excellent and a stop at Ellis Island is certainly worth your time.

I think the National Park Service has included two important elements to the visitor experience, which would be lacking with only a circular stroll of Lady Liberty.

1) The informative and excellent exhibit located within the Pedestal

2) Connecting Ellis Island with your ticket

Lastly, here is the poem that truly summarizes the uniqueness and meaning of the Statue of Liberty.

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"