The Things You Can Learn on a Naval Academy Tour!

A visit to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis isn’t complete without taking a tour of the Yard. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your fifth, Naval Academy tours offer a fascinating look at the people, places, and traditions that make USNA unlike anywhere else. Get a small Navy education in a matter of minutes with a variety of Annapolis day tours. From 90-minute historical walking tours to specialty experiences like the Anchors Aweigh Music Tour, the Jewish Chapel and Levy Center Tour, Corporate Leadership Tours, or even Naval Academy tours for prospective students, there’s truly something for everyone.

You need to see it in person to appreciate it, but consider this your sneak peek at just a few of the incredible things you can learn along the way. With 180 years of history behind it and new history being made every day, the Academy is filled with stories just waiting to be discovered. Ready to explore? Let’s get started.

How Did the Naval Academy Begin?

Here’s a fun fact that surprises many visitors: the Army was here first. The Yard was originally Fort Severn, built in 1808 to help defend Annapolis Harbor from British forces. By 1845, the fort was no longer needed, and the Army transferred the land to the Navy (for exactly zero dollars). That same year, the U.S. Naval Academy was founded, beginning its journey as a premier institution for naval leadership.

How Big Is the Naval Academy Today?

Nearly two centuries later, USNA consistently ranks as the #1 public school in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The Academy offers Bachelor of Science degrees in 23 majors and is home to about 4,500 midshipmen. Roughly 600 faculty members - split almost evenly between military and civilian professionals - support their education, training the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps leaders.

Who Is Bill the Goat?

No tour is complete without meeting Navy’s most famous four-legged representative. Bill XXXVII is the current incarnation of the Naval Academy’s beloved mascot and good-luck charm. His statue stands proudly near the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, with a nearby resting place honoring his predecessors going all the way back to Bill XXXIII.

What’s the Story Behind the N* Flag?

Right next to Bill’s statue you’ll spot the N* flagpole, a bold symbol of the storied Navy–Army rivalry. One of the more intriguing tidbits of Naval Academy history? Every star represents a Navy victory over Army, earned by varsity teams across 36 sports. Blue pennants mark men’s wins, while gold celebrates women’s victories. Fun fact: Navy fields more varsity sports than any college except Harvard.

Where Do Midshipmen Train to Swim?

Inside Lejeune Hall, you’ll find the swimming complex where midshipmen complete rigorous water survival requirements. Plebes (freshmen) swim 200 meters (four laps) in less than five minutes their first year, third class midshipmen (sophomores) tackle 400 meters in less than eleven, and second class midshipmen (juniors) swim 700 meters in less than 30 minutes - often in full khaki uniform and no shoes. By the end of their second year, all midshipmen must also complete a ten-meter jump into the diving tank, a true test of confidence and readiness.

Where Are the Heisman Trophies?

Navy proudly claims two Heisman Trophy winners: Roger Staubach and Joe Bellino. Replica trophies are displayed in Lejeune Hall’s Football Hall of Fame, and their jersey numbers, 12 and 27, are permanently retired, cementing their place in Academy lore.

What Is USS Antietam?

In Dahlgren Hall, visitors can marvel at a fully rigged, 52-foot model of USS Antietam. Built for the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, this detailed ship once helped midshipmen “learn the ropes” before heading to sea.

What Is Captains Row?

Along Porter Road sits “Captains Row,” home to naval officers with the rank of 06—a captain or colonel. Once a canal used to transport granite for early 1900s construction, the road now lines historic homes tied closely to USNA’s leadership and daily operations.

Why Is T-Court So Important?

Tamanend Court (better known as T-Court) is where the Naval Academy officially began in 1845. Today, it remains a central gathering place, hosting events like Induction Day and the Noon Meal Formation, watched over by the Tamanend figurehead.

What Makes Bancroft Hall So Remarkable?

Bancroft Hall is one of the largest dormitories in the world, with 4.8 miles of corridors, over 1,800 rooms, and amenities ranging from a post office to the massive King Hall dining facility, which serves more than 11,000 meals a day. It’s truly a small city under one roof.

Want to Learn More?

This is just the beginning. A Naval Academy tour reveals layers of history, tradition, and inspiration you won’t find anywhere else. Even better, USNA tour proceeds directly support midshipmen extracurricular activities - from music and theater to club sports and cultural programs. Come explore the Yard, uncover its stories, and be part of the incredible USNA experience (and the living history of Annapolis). Tour with us today!

On The Yard