Beware of the outside ticket sellers when you firs...

Beware of the outside ticket sellers when you first walk up to the area to board the ferry. They are not connected to the park service. They tried to steer me towards somebody to buy tickets on their ferry which will take you to the island but you have to spend three hours there. I just ignored the guy in walked a bit further and saw the ticket window ran by the National Park Service. $18.50 includes a stop on Liberty Island and Ellis Island. The lines weren't too bad but it was cloudy and cool so that could be what kept people away. Didn't have tickets to get to the pedestal or crown but well worth the trip. Actually spent more time on Ellis Island.