Inside Gate 1: A Visit to the United States Naval Academy

But for the 1.5 million people who visit the campus yearly, the Naval Academy is a memorable walk through the life of a midshipman.

Once inside, visitors can stroll down the academy’s long brick walkways, admire the various granite monuments or follow along with one of the many professionally guided tours.

The Yard, as the campus is more commonly known, sits on a 338-acre swath of Annapolis waterfront, just a few blocks north of City Dock. The entire campus has been designated a National Historic Landmark, and it contains the largest amount of Beaux-Arts architecture in the country.

The academy has more than 50 certified guides that can explain almost anything -- from the Wright brothers’ replica plane, hanging in Dahlgren Hall, to the hallowed tomb of Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones. Tradition and history are overflowing on this campus of more than 160 years.

The Yard is open year round. The Naval Academy is extremely accessible to the general public and routinely attracts crowds for popular events like football games, brigade marches and band performances.

Tips from the Tour Guide:

• To enter the Naval Academy grounds, all visitors sixteen years of age or older must show a government issued photo I.D. You must walk through Gate 1 in order to enter the academy.
• The easiest way to see the Yard is by signing up for a guided tour at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center. A certified tour guide will walk you through campus and answer any questions you may have. Each tour is a mile long and last an hour and fifteen minutes. Wheelchairs are available free of charge. All proceeds from the guided tour support the Brigade of Midshipman. Tour service may be reached directly by calling 410-293-8687.
• Keep an eye on the weather. Parts of the guided tour take place outside, so you’ll need to dress accordingly. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for this leisurely paced tour.
• The busiest days to visit the academy are typically during the holidays, on football weekends, throughout graduation week and in July and August. More tours are offered to the public on these days. In order to get the full experience of “Life on the Yard,” plan your visit during the school months when the Midshipmen are on campus.
• Most athletic events are open to the public free of charge. For more information and pricing on tickets, call the Naval Academy Athletic Association: 1-800-US4-NAVY.
• After a tour, students interested in applying for admission to the academy can attend a candidate guidance briefing, located in Leahy Hall. No appointment is necessary, and the briefings are held every Monday through Friday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Leahy Hall can be reached by calling 410-293-1858.
• The brigade holds a noontime formation throughout the school year, weather permitting, in front of Bancroft Hall. Call ahead to the visitor center to find out when the next formation will occur, 410-293-8687.
• The public can attend the academy’s weekly religious services. For a full listing of the various holy services please visit the academy’s chaplain center website: http://www.usna.edu/Chaplains/services.htm

What You’ll See:

Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center: As you enter the academy’s Gate 1 on King George Street, the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center is just a short walk toward the mouth of the Severn River. The second floor balcony offers some of the best nautical views of Annapolis. Visitors can also explore the two-story museum space, which includes an information center, theatre and gift shop Start your visit here and take time to explore the center.

Dahlgren Hall: Formerly used as the academy’s ice hockey rink, Dahlgren now serves as a space for social activities and fine dining. A replica of the Wright brothers’ aeroplane hangs from the building’s rafters. The replica was designated as U.S. Navy Aeroplane No. B-1 and flew in Annapolis in 1911.

Bancroft Hall: One of the world's largest dormitories, the building covers 33 acres of land and houses all 4,400 members of the Brigade of Midshipmen. Bancroft Hall is not your typical college dormitory. Just inside the building’s main entrance, Memorial Hall is an impressive room, filled with ornate columns. The Hall honors Academy grads that were killed in action or were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

The Chapel: With its soaring copper dome, the grand Navy Chapel is the architectural centerpiece of The Yard. John Paul Jones, the United States' first naval hero, is buried in a sarcophagus beneath the sanctuary.

Visitor Information:

The United States Naval Academy is located about a half-hour away from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. The Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through December, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., January through February. Tours are given daily except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Guided tours cost $8.50 for adults, $7.50 for seniors over sixty-two, $6.50 for students, and free for pre-school children. Advance reservations are not accepted for guided tours. The fees will go up by 50 cents on January 1, 2009.

Visitors with handicapped tags are permitted to park within the grounds of the academy and free shuttle service is provided from the Navy-Corps Memorial Stadium parking lot, located at 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD.

For more information, please visit www.navyonline.com or call 410-293-8687.