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One of the cultural landmarks and architectural masterpiece of art in Annapolis, United States Naval Academy is a prestigious institute to educate and train men and women as professional officers in Naval and Marine Corps. It is one of the must-visit places in Annapolis and exploring this academy offers you a glimpse of American’s Naval history and architecture. Moreover, if you are a history buff or a military lover, planning a visit to U.S. Naval Academy brings memorable experience.
Navy Secretary, George Bancroft laid the foundation of the most historic Naval institute in 1845 for preparing the best officers of Navy and Marine Corps. The need of formalized education for midshipmen has urged the creation of this academy, becoming one of the modest training schools in Maryland. Significant changes were made after the first and second World Wars and Civil War in the USA, imitating the importance of growth and power in Navy. Various historic monuments in this building reflects the rich legacy of Americas and their traditions preserved from the past.
Visitor Hub and Tour Programs
The starting point for your memorable exploration of the United States Naval Academy Annapolis is visitor hub or visitor center, offering all guidelines about tours, tour programs schedules, exhibitions, and visitor hub amenities. The staff at visitor center will guide you and answer all your queries, give you details introduction about the history and on-going programs and lifestyle of midshipmen. Moreover, they offer multiple guided tour programs for visitors, such as architecture tours, historic tours, self-guided tours, educational field trips, walking group tours, and many other.
Must-See Attractions
Bancroft Hall
Marked as the heart of midshipman life and the only largest dormitory in America, Bancroft Hall is a must-visit and top attraction of the United States Naval Academy Annapolis. Tourists and visitors can get an insight into the midshipmen routine and traditions and learn about the Memorial Hall. The place midshipmen call their home hosts many special events of the U.S. Naval Academy every year.
Another masterpiece of the Academy, the Navy Academy Chapel features one of the most stunning buildings in Annapolis. Designed and constructed with frosted glass windows, the place provides a beautiful worship spot for midshipmen. The striking architecture of the chapel is eye candy for all art lovers.
John Paul Jones Crypt
The crypt of John Paul Jones is another most appreciated sites of the United States Navy Academy Annapolis. Positioned underneath the Naval Academy Chapel, it is honored as the resting place of John Paul Jones, Father of the American Navy filed. The place is a tribute to his contributions during the American Revolutionary War. Visitors can learn about the historic background and accomplishments of John Paul Jones.
Hopper Hall
The Hopper Hall dedicated to work for cyber security, computer sciences, and information technology, is built in 2020. It is the first cyber security center in the U.S. Naval Academy Annapolis and forces focused to work in the field of computer and information technology. You can explore the optics lab, green energy lab, power studio, and other laboratories for research and implementation.
Found in Preble Hall, the Naval Academy Museum offer am extensive overview of naval legacy, presenting the opportunities to explore the model ships, art work, and historic background of sea power. I will take many hours for visitors to look and examine each masterpiece in this two floor museum.
Setting up Your Visit
Admission and Schedule
The United States Naval Academy demands a valid government identification card for entrance for visiting and admission process. The visitor hub remains open daily from 9:00AM to 5:00PM to guide the students and visitors. Their official website welcomes the applicants for admission with all details about the admission and fitness assessment programs.
Security and Convenience
Security is one of the foremost concerns of U.S. Naval Academy, as they have upgraded many of their security setups in the recent years. You should read all the rules and regulations concerning security issues before planning your visit to the institute. Additionally, the management offers accommodation, wheelchairs for disables persons, and other amenities to easily access and explore the academy.
Reaching There
You can get in the United States Naval Academy easily if you are an Annapolis resident, as you know all directions and the exact location of the institute. However, it is better to use public transport due to the parking space limitation. Furthermore, you can use the google map if you are a visitor in Annapolis and do not know the directions. Additionally, the cab drivers can also lead you safely to your destination if you go for public transport.
Other Surrounding Attractions
If you are in downtown Annapolis and planning to visit the United States Naval Academy, several top-tier attractions can entertain you to make your experience memorable and pleasing. For example, Delightful culinary options, waterfront views from restaurants and parks, and historic buildings are legacies of Annapolis.
Discovering the Midshipman Lifestyle
Midshipman Activities
Military lovers often wonder about the daily life routine and activities of midshipmen in U.S. Naval Academy. You can get to know the lifestyle and activities of midshipmen if you plan a visit to the institute. Their life is very structured and organized, such as they have scheduled training, curriculum, and extra-curriculum activities as trainees of Naval Academy. Their activities and lifestyle depicts the traditions and cultures of the Navy campus.
Sports Events
Navy Marie Corps Memorial Stadium engage the residents, visitors, and midshipmen is several annual and traditional events through out the year. Fans gather to support their favorite sport, such as football, basketball, volleyball, and many other in the Naval Academy Stadium, enjoying in adventurous atmosphere. Midshipmen are involved in many athletic activities and make the name of their institute shine at national and international level.
Parades and Ceremonies
To showcase the spirit, discipline , and training of midshipmen, the U.S. Naval Academy organize many parades and ceremonies. The tickets and passes are available for all visitors around the country. For example, Annual Color Parade and Herndon Monument Climb are among the most thrilling events of the United States Navy Academy.
If you want to have a special keepsakes of you memorable visit to the U.S. Naval Academy, the Navy Academy gift shop inside the visitor center offer many interesting memorabilia. You can buy cloths, books, and other Navy-themed accessories from this shop to keep best memories of the visit.
Getting the Best Out of Your Experience
Key Suggestions for Visitors
- Get there Early: It is better to arrive at the location as early as possible when the tour time starts. It allows you to make most of your visiting experience and explore all attractions of this academy.
- Go with Comfortable Footwear: Keep in mind that the institute is spacious and there are many buildings and floors to explore. Therefore, go with comfortable shoes to walk around easily and enjoy without getting tired.
- Watch out the Schedule: Always look for the upcoming events and special occasions in the U.S. Naval Academy before planning your visit. It will allow you to discover more about the naval culture and traditions.
- Follow the Rules: For best visiting experience, make sure to understand and follow all rules and regulations.
