10 Things Only on the Yard

The Yard - here at the United States Naval Academy - isn’t just a campus. It’s a living, breathing monument to history, tradition, and adventure. While many visitors sign up for Naval Academy tours to see iconic spots like Bancroft Hall or the Chapel, there’s so much more waiting to be discovered. If you’re planning an Annapolis Academy tour (or even if you’ve been before), here are ten things you can only experience on the Yard. Some are hidden gems, others are famous must-sees, and all of them are worth the trip.

1. The Jeannette Expedition Monument

Presiding over a peaceful spot in the USNA Cemetery is one of the most hauntingly beautiful memorials on the Yard - the Jeannette Expedition Monument. Dedicated to the ill-fated Arctic exploration of 1879, this memorial tells a story of courage, tragedy, and sacrifice, where just thirteen of the 33 intrepid men made it home safely. Few outside of naval history buffs know about it, which makes discovering it during a true insider’s experience.

2. The USS Maine Foremast

You’ve probably heard of the phrase “Remember the Maine,” but did you know that part of USS Maine actually resides on the Yard? The ship’s foremast towers over the grounds as both a memorial and a reminder of the battleship that exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898, sparking the Spanish-American War. Interesting facts: it’s known as the “longest ship in the Navy” since its shield and pieces of its bow are in Bangor, Maine, the foremast is planted here, and the main mast resides in the Arlington Cemetery overlooking Washington, DC. When you stand beneath the foremast in Annapolis, you can almost feel the weight of history pressing in.

3. Bill the Goat Statue

bill goat What’s a trip to the Naval Academy without saying hello to our beloved mascot Bill? The bronze statue of Bill the Goat, the original GOAT, rises athletically in midleap near the Visitor Center and under the spirited N* banners catching the wind. It’s a playful stop on Naval Academy tours and one of the most family-friendly treasures on the Yard.

4. The USNA Museum

Located in Preble Hall, the Naval Academy Museum is a must-stop for anyone interested in naval history. Its collection spans everything from historic ship models to personal artifacts of naval legends. One highlight? Oliver Hazard Perry’s original “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flag, restored to its original color, and serving as the inspired rallying cry for the Naval Academy. If you’re on a guided United States Naval Academy tour, don’t be surprised if your guide points you here - it’s a centerpiece of the Yard’s story, and there’s now a Navy 250th Anniversary exhibit on display!

5. The Crypt of John Paul Jones

Speaking of John Paul Jones, you can actually visit his crypt beneath the Chapel. With ornate black swirling marble and a solemn air, it feels like stepping into the deep waters of history itself. An American naval legend, Jones rests here in an elaborate sarcophagus fit for his legacy. It’s a stop that impresses visitors of all ages during Naval Academy tours.

6. T-Court and the Statue of Tamanend

The bronze statue of Tamanend, an honored Delaware tribe chief, watches over Bancroft Hall in T-Court. Midshipmen toss pennies at the statue for good luck before exams and big football games. Tour-goers love hearing the backstory - and yes, tossing a penny yourself is encouraged!

7. A Severn River Overlook

Sometimes the best moments on the Yard are the quiet ones. Take a short stroll along the Sea Wall and you’ll find expansive Severn River views, where sailboats and Navy vessels share the waters. It’s the perfect place to pause, reflect, and take in the natural beauty that frames this historic campus. Don’t forget your camera - sunset views here are unforgettable.

8. Herndon Monument

herndon If you’ve ever seen photos of hundreds of plebes climbing a greased monument to replace a “dixie cup” hat with an officer’s cover, you’ve seen the legendary Herndon Monument Climb in action. This tradition marks the end of Plebe Year and is one of the most famous rites of passage at USNA. Visiting when it’s not covered in climbing midshipmen still fills visitors with pride, knowing what it symbolizes and who it pays tribute to (hint: it’s right there in the name). The recovered bell from SS Central America, known as the “Ship of Gold,” is located adjacent to the Herndon Monument as well.

9. Dahlgren Hall

Step inside Dahlgren Hall and you’ll find yourself in a stunning, soaring space that once served as an armory and now holds a full sized bi-plane replica. Today, it also hosts events, ceremonies, and even casual strolls for visitors. Its architecture alone makes it worth a stop, and it’s often overlooked by casual tourists - another reason to join Naval Academy tours for the inside scoop. It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat!

10. A Midshipman’s Parade

Nothing captures the pomp and pageantry of the Naval Academy like a full dress parade. With crisp uniforms, marching bands, and precise formations, it’s a sight you’ll never forget. While not every USNA tour lines up with parade days, if you’re lucky enough to catch one, you’re sure to leave with goosebumps.

Plan Your Visit

The Yard is so much more than a campus - it’s a national treasure filled with stories, traditions, and surprises you can’t experience anywhere else. From solemn memorials to storied mascots, Naval Academy tours in Annapolis offer something for history buffs, families, and adventurers alike. Whether it’s your first Annapolis Academy tour or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover. When you take a USNA tour, dine on the Yard, or pick up a souvenir or two at the USNA Gift Shop, you’re giving back to the midshipmen who give their all for our country.

So bring your curiosity and an appetite for fun, and prepare to uncover these ten unforgettable things you can only experience on the Yard. After all, the United States Naval Academy isn’t just a stop on the map—it’s a journey through history, and you can be a part of it.

On The Yard