Visit the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York
The United States Military Academy at West Point is the most prestigious military school in the USA. Located in New York State, it welcomes visitors to explore its history and heritage.
What you need to know about West Point Military Academy
- What do Dwight Eisenhower, the architect of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, U.S. President Ulysses Grant, General George Patton, and actor Tom Cruise have in common? They all attended West Point Military Academy. In Tom Cruise’s case, though, it was just for filming the movie Taps in 1981. 🙂
- West Point Military Academy was founded in 1802 and is the most prestigious military academy in the United States. Its mission: “to educate, train, and inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is committed to the values of duty, honor, country and prepared for a career of excellence as an officer in the United States Army,” the institution states. The academy trains approximately 1,200 officers each year.
- The academy is located in New York State, about an hour’s drive from Manhattan. If you’re interested in history and military heritage, it’s worth dedicating a day to visiting.
How to visit West Point Military Academy
- Contrary to what you might think, the military academy is open to the public—at least certain areas are. You can access a visitor center and explore the academy museum, which tells the story of the institution and the U.S. Army.
- How do you get to West Point? You’ll need to rent a car in New York and drive there yourself. Take the Palisades Interstate Parkway. Once you arrive, you’ll join a 2-hour guided bus tour. This is the only way to see the base.
West Point Military Academy in photos
