Why You Should Take an Official U.S. Naval Academy Tour

Visiting the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) is an unforgettable experience. The Academy, steeped in history and tradition, offers a variety of official USNA tours guided by certified experts who bring the Yard to life with stories, insights, and very interesting insider knowledge. If you’re considering other Annapolis tours, or want a fascinating trip through history with a behind-the-scenes look at midshipman life, there’s no better way to explore the Academy than through an official USNA tour in Annapolis. Let’s explore why these tours stand out and how they can enhance your understanding of one of the most prestigious service academies in the country.

An Authentic USNA Experience

When you join an official Naval Academy tour, you’re getting the real deal. These tours are conducted by guides who have undergone a rigorous selection process and extensive training. Each year, only about 60 guides are certified by the Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD).They’re recertified annually to ensure that they have top-notch and up-to-date knowledge.

To keep their tours accurate and relevant throughout the year, guides attend monthly briefings with experts, including historians, military officers, and even the Dean of Admissions. These briefings cover everything from naval history to the latest statistics about Academy applicants. These daily tours offer potential students a glimpse into what honor, courage and commitment means to a current Midshipmen. Their unique, often military, backgrounds mean you’ll hear not only about the history of the Naval Academy, but also what life is like for midshipmen today. This insider perspective is invaluable, and it’s something you simply won’t find on other tours.

Explore Iconic USNA Sights

The official tours take you to some of the most significant landmarks on the Yard, providing an up-close look at Academy life. The popular 90-minute Historical Walking Tour starts at the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center and includes stops at:

The Herndon Monument: This iconic monument has been part of the Yard since 1860 and symbolizes the completion of "Plebe Year" through the iconic Herndon Climb.
Lejeune Hall: This is the athletic facility where the Heisman trophy, as well as many other accolades, are displayed. It is also the location of the Olympic-size swimming pool and platform used for training by midshipmen.
USNA Chapel and John Paul Jones’ Crypt: A stunning place of worship; when you travel below the chapel, you’ll see the moving resting place of the great naval leader of the American Revolution - a room of silent reverence made all the more inspiring by the dramatic black and white marble adorning the columns and sarcophagus.
Dahlgren Hall: A historic building that plays a vital role in the Academy’s day-to-day life, with a surprising full-scale model of the Wright Flyer airplane hanging from its ceiling.
1845 Gatehouse: The Yard’s oldest standing structure, where you can now enjoy delicious refreshments and treats in a historic setting.

For private or group tours, the experience can be customized to include off-the-beaten-path locations. With the help of electric vehicles, you can venture further to places like the USNA Cemetery, home to notable gravesites, including beloved USNA Bandmaster Charles A. Zimmerman. Sports enthusiasts might also appreciate a tour of the Ron Terwilliger Center for Student Athletes, a facility that showcases the Academy’s commitment to excellence in athletics, as well as a modern nod to the Wright Flyer plane with an F/A-18E Super Hornet (40% to scale) hanging from the ceiling.

Specialized Tours

The official tour program offers a wide variety of experiences tailored to different interests. Some highlights include:

Jewish Chapel and Levy Center Tours: Explore the Academy’s inclusive heritage with a tour through this stunning building, which houses the midshipmen’s spiritual education, as well as sacred worship space.
Anchors Aweigh Music Tour: Learn about the Academy’s musical history and its connection to the much-loved Charles A. Zimmerman.
USNA Tour and Tea: Combine a guided tour with an intimate Naval Academy Club tea service for a truly elegant experience.
Corporate Leadership Program: Bring the USNA’s unique brand of education and leadership training to your corporate team and learn the secrets of the Navy’s success.
Student Youth Leadership Program: Students of ages 13-15 can get a taste of leadership training and acquire skills that will greatly help them in future professional careers.
Customized Tours: Have a specific request? The team can create a tour that fits your interests perfectly.

No matter which tour you choose, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the Academy’s history, mission, and student body - the midshipmen who serve our nation.

Hands-On Experiences

Beyond the famous spots, official USNA tours also offer unique opportunities to engage with daily aspects of Academy life. For example, tour guides are trained in ship simulators, giving them firsthand experience with the seamanship and flight instruction midshipmen receive. This insight is particularly valuable for corporate groups participating in leadership programs that mirror the Academy’s training methods.

Admissions tours, specifically tailored for prospective midshipmen and their families, provide an inside look at the application process. These tours are led by guides with experience on the Admissions Team, offering tips and inspiration for navigating the competitive process.

Supporting the Brigade

When you take an official USNA tour, you’re also giving back to the Brigade. Your experience supports much more than just your understanding of the Academy - it also provides proceeds that fund extracurricular activities such as club sports, music programs, theater productions, and other special events - all of which boost the teamwork and camaraderie of the Brigade.

Your support doesn’t have to end with the tour. Dining at the Academy’s restaurants or shopping at the U.S. Naval Academy Gift Shop (or online at Navyonline.com) also contributes to midshipmen programs. They’re all enjoyable and meaningful ways to give back to the midshipmen.

Book Your Tour Today

An official Naval Academy tour offers unparalleled access, expertise, and authenticity. Whether you’re interested in history, leadership, or simply exploring a beautiful and inspiring campus, these tours deliver an unforgettable experience.

Ready to see the Yard like never before? Book your USNA tour in Annapolis today and take the first step in discovering what makes the U.S. Naval Academy truly special. Every visit supports the midshipmen and helps to ensure that the legacy of this remarkable institution continues for generations to come.

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