U S Naval Academy
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Why go
- The Freedom 7 capsule at the visitor center, flown into space by Alan Shepard, Class of 1945.
- The crypt of naval hero John Paul Jones, beneath the academy chapel.
- Bancroft Hall, the world's largest residence for naval students, home to the midshipmen.
- The Herndon Monument, which plebes try to climb after it is greased.
Opening hours
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Know before you go
- The whole campus is walled off, and visitors can enter only near the visitor center.
- Visitors must show ID and pass through a metal detector to enter.
- Visitors need a valid picture ID, such as a REAL ID compliant driver's license or state ID card.
- Visitors without a valid picture ID must be escorted by an adult who has valid identification.
- Bags larger than a typical purse, such as duffle bags and backpacks, cannot be taken past the gates.
- Non-US citizens may visit only with an escort who is a citizen with escort privileges, and only at official events.
- Even escorted non-US citizens must show an official passport when asked.
- Access to the grounds is limited, and security restrictions may apply, so check before planning a visit.
- General public visits to the Academy resumed on May 11, 2026.
- Admissions presentations run Monday to Saturday at 10am and 2pm, except federal holidays.
- Open Monday and Wednesday to Saturday, 09:00-17:00.
- Open on Sundays, 10:00-16:00.
What's inside
- Preble Hall houses the academy's museum. The building is named after Edward Preble.
- Nimitz Library, named for Chester W. Nimitz, also houses the language, economics and political science departments.
- Michelson Hall houses the computer science and chemistry departments.
- Chauvenet Hall covers mathematics, physics and oceanography.
- Rickover Hall groups the mechanical, naval, aeronautical and aerospace engineering departments.
- Isherwood Hall, built in 1905, houses the Department of Marine Engineering.
- Dahlgren Hall has an ice rink and restaurants.
- Lejeune Hall, built in 1982, has a pool meeting Olympic standards.
- MacDonough Hall holds gyms, pools and boxing rings.
- Alumni Hall hosts sporting events.
With kids
- Plebe Parents' Weekend lets families visit their midshipman and experience Academy life.
- Commissioning Week events include a Blue Angels Flight Demonstration and a Color Parade.
- A one-week Summer Seminar lets rising high school seniors visit the Academy during the summer.
Tips for your visit
- Start at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center. Guided tours start there, and the Gift Shop is there too.
- Check the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center website for planning details before you go.
Tours and audio guides
- Guided tour
- Starts at the visitor center Proceeds from Visitor Center tours and Gift Shop sales go to the Brigade of Midshipmen.
Interesting facts5
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400 feet
The ground is dredged silt, too soft for heavy stone, so pilings were driven 100 to 400 feet down.
United States Naval Academy - Wikipedia -
The Latin motto Ex Scientia Tridens means 'Through Knowledge, Sea Power'. Graduate Park Benjamin, Jr. devised the design it appears on.
United States Naval Academy - Wikipedia -
Midshipmen gave the Tamanend statue the nickname 'god of 2.0' after grading switched to letters.
United States Naval Academy - Wikipedia -
Among the alumni are Jimmy Carter, the 39th US president, and science-fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein.
United States Naval Academy - Wikipedia -
Bill the Goat, the mascot, lives on the academy farm.
United States Naval Academy - Wikipedia
Shorts
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Welcome to the Naval AcademyAshley Gutermuth
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Naval Academy plebes endure 14 hours of obstacles at 2025 Sea TrialsThe Baltimore Sun
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Climbing the greasy pole – the bizarre annual US Naval Academy tradit…BFBS Forces News
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What Attending the NAVAL ACADEMY Meant to a BLUE ANGEL PilotAmerican Veterans Center
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Why You Never Ask a Naval Academy Plebe What Time It IsASK A VET PODCAST
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Journey to US Naval Academy Preparatory SchoolAll Hands Magazine
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🇺🇸Home to the US Naval AcademyBeen2Tube
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Naval Academy students battle grease and gravity in annual obelisk cl…Washington Post
History
The academy was founded in 1845 by George Bancroft, then Secretary of the Navy, on the grounds of Fort Severn. Its forerunner, a nautical school for officers, had been conceived in 1819 and opened aboard the frigate Guerriere in 1821. During the Civil War the school moved to Newport, Rhode Island, and the Annapolis campus became an Army hospital. Midshipmen returned to Annapolis in 1865. The campus was almost wholly rebuilt and enlarged between 1899 and 1906, and in 1906 the remains of John Paul Jones were brought to Annapolis.
- 1819Commodore Arthur Sinclair conceives the first nautical school for officers.
- 1845George Bancroft founds the academy on the grounds of Fort Severn, and it opens with 50 midshipmen.
- 1850The school becomes the United States Naval Academy, with a four-year course.
- 1865Midshipmen and faculty return to Annapolis after the Civil War.
- 1899Rebuilding of the campus begins.
Show all
- 1906The remains of John Paul Jones are brought to Annapolis and placed in the crypt beneath the chapel.
- 1961The campus is designated a National Historic Landmark.
- 1976The academy opens to women.
How to get there
- CarFrom Washington, D.C., take US Route 50 East for 35 miles and leave at Rowe Blvd., Exit 24.
- CarFrom Baltimore, take Interstate 97 South or Maryland Route 2 South for 26 miles to Rowe Blvd., Exit 24.
- CarRowe Blvd. runs 1.6 miles to a dead end at College Ave., where you turn left.
- CarAt the first stop light, turn right onto King George St.
- CarFollow King George St. for two blocks to reach Gate 1.
- ParkingOnly people with DBIDS or DOD credentials may drive onto the grounds. Other visitors park outside and walk in through Gate 1.
- ParkingVisitors without a USNA ID or DOD credential can park in garages, at the stadium, or at City Dock meters.
- On footThe Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center is at 121 Blake Rd, the address for the visitor entrance.
Sources: United States Naval Academy - Wikipedia · Annapolis - Wikivoyage (see) · USNA · Maps and Directions :: Leaders to Serve the Nat… · About :: Leaders to Serve the Nation :: USNA · United States Naval Academy - Wikipedia · Académie navale d'Annapolis - Wikipedia · Schools, Divisions & Departments :: Academics :… · checked 25 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
What are the visiting hours of the U S Naval Academy?
Visitors can come Monday and Wednesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00.
Do I need ID to visit the U S Naval Academy?
Yes. Visitors must show a valid picture ID and pass through a metal detector to enter. Bags larger than a typical purse cannot be taken past the gates.
Can I drive onto the U S Naval Academy grounds?
Only people with DBIDS or DOD credentials may drive onto the grounds. Other visitors park outside and walk in through Gate 1, using garages, the stadium or City Dock meters.
Where do guided tours of the U S Naval Academy start?
Guided tours start at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center at 121 Blake Rd, near the only part of the walled campus where visitors can enter.
How do I get to the U S Naval Academy from Washington, D.C.?
Take US Route 50 East for 35 miles and leave at Rowe Blvd., Exit 24. Follow Rowe Blvd. 1.6 miles to College Ave., turn left, then follow King George St. to Gate 1.
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